Immunometabolic Microenvironment at the Maternal-Fetal Interface Regulating Embryo Implantation

doi:10.12280/gjszjk.20230471

Abstract

Abstract:

Embryo implantation induces the adaptive reprogramming of metabolism at the maternal-fetal interface, resulting in a hypoxic, mildly inflammatory, and slight acidic microenvironment. This type of microenvironment is conductive to establish endometrial receptivity, decidualization, trophoblast invasion and maternal-fetal immune tolerance by regulating the recruitment, activation, metabolism and polarization of immune cell. Successful embryo implantation necessitates the well-timed and suitable initiation and termination of the immune-inflammatory response and the glycolysis-dominated metabolic reprogramming. The dysregulation of immunometabolism caused by pathologic factors can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as embryo implantation failure or post-implantation miscarriage. Macrophage as the most abundant antigen-presenting cell in the endometrium during the implantation window plays a crucial role in regulating immunometabolism at the maternal-fetal interface due to the remarkable immune plasticity and metabolic flexibility. We review the immunometabolic microenvironment and regulatory mechanisms at the maternal-fetal interface, to provide a reference for the advancement of clinical intervention approaches so as to improve the pregnancy outcomes in both natural conception and assisted reproduction.

Key words: Placenta, Maternal-fetal exchange, Immunocompetence, Energy metabolism, Macrophages, Embryo implantation

WEN Xin, ZHAO Xiao-li, LUAN Zu-qian, XIA Tian. Immunometabolic Microenvironment at the Maternal-Fetal Interface Regulating Embryo Implantation[J]. Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning, 2024, 43(2): 138-143.

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