Interferons and the Maternal-conceptus Dialog in Mammals

Overview

Journal Semin Cell Dev Biol

Specialties Cell Biology
Reproductive Medicine

Date 2007 Nov 23

PMID 18032074

Citations 37

Authors

R Michael Roberts

Yizhen Chen

Toshihiko Ezashi

Angela M Walker

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Two-way communication between the conceptus and the mother during early pregnancy is essential if the pregnancy is to survive. In this review, our primary focus is on biochemical communication between the conceptus and mother in the ruminant ungulate species. We emphasize, in particular, the role played by interferon-tau (IFNT) in triggering maternal responses in cattle and sheep and how maternal factors intervene to up-regulate IFNT gene (IFNT) expression in trophoblast. However, we also consider the possibility that different signaling cytokines or the physical presence of trophoblast may induce a partial IFN response in endometrium of those species where there is no evidence for large scale trophoblast IFN production. Conceivably, disparate signaling mechanisms trigger common downstream events necessary to secure a successful pregnancy.

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