Immunologie der Schwangerschaft: von lokalen und systemischen Protagonisten zum High-Content-Immunprofiling

A targeted adaptation of the maternal immune system to pregnancy is pivotally required to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. This adaptation requires a complex interplay between invading trophoblast cells, maternal immune cells and decidual stromal cells at the fetomaternal interface. This local interplay is accompanied by fundamental immunological changes at the systemic level. Furthermore, the maternal immune response shows significant temporal trajectories and adapts to changing requirements as pregnancy progresses. The maternal immune response is modulated by multiple factors, e.g., hormones. Herein, we highlight core aspects of immunological adaptation to pregnancy, present novel technological approaches that enable monitoring throughout pregnancy, and discuss potential clinical applications.