Shaping maternal physiology: Immune control of reproductive adaptation.
Immune system actively orchestrates maternal physiological adaptations during pregnancy, influencing tissue reprogramming and long-term health beyond fetal tolerance.
- Why it matters: Understanding how maternal immunity shapes physiological changes is crucial because it reveals a broader role for the immune system in supporting maternal health and fetal development, addressing gaps in traditional endocrine-focused models.
- What they did: The authors review evidence showing pregnancy-induced reprogramming of maternal immunity and its role in coordinating tissue adaptations across organs, emphasizing immune cells as active regulators rather than passive tolerators.
- The result: This perspective highlights immune regulation as essential for maternal health, opening new avenues for interventions that support reproductive success and long-term well-being.