Immunomodulatory role of decidual prolactin on the human fetal membranes and placenta

Front Immunol. 2023 Jun 9:14:1212736. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212736. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

The close interaction between fetal and maternal cells during pregnancy requires multiple immune-endocrine mechanisms to provide the fetus with a tolerogenic environment and protection against any infectious challenge. The fetal membranes and placenta create a hyperprolactinemic milieu in which prolactin (PRL) synthesized by the maternal decidua is transported through the amnion-chorion and accumulated into the amniotic cavity, where the fetus is bedded in high concentrations during pregnancy. PRL is a pleiotropic immune-neuroendocrine hormone with multiple immunomodulatory functions mainly related to reproduction. However, the biological role of PRL at the maternal-fetal interface has yet to be fully elucidated. In this review, we have summarized the current information on the multiple effects of PRL, focusing on its immunological effects and biological significance for the immune privilege of the maternal-fetal interface.

Keywords: decidual prolactin; fetal membranes; immune privilege; innate immunity; maternal-fetal interface; placenta; pregnancy; preterm labor.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amniotic Fluid
  • Decidua*
  • Extraembryonic Membranes
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Placenta
  • Pregnancy
  • Prolactin*

Substances

  • Prolactin

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes Grant No. 2020-1-14 to PF-E and Grant No. 2021-1-9 to VZ-C, National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico (CONACyT) Grant No. CB2014-242162 to VZ-C also supported this study.