Affiliation:
1. Department of Pathology & Immunology Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
2. Center for Drug Discovery Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
3. Cancer and Cell Biology Program Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
Abstract
AbstractThe endometrium is a unique and highly regenerative tissue with crucial roles during the reproductive lifespan of a woman. As the first site of contact between mother and embryo, the endometrium, and its critical processes of decidualization and immune cell recruitment, play a leading role in the establishment of pregnancy, embryonic development, and reproductive capacity. These integral processes are achieved by the concerted actions of steroid hormones and a myriad of growth factor signaling pathways. This review focuses on the roles of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathway in the endometrium during the earliest stages of pregnancy through the lens of immune cell regulation and function. We discuss how key ligands in the TGFβ family signal through downstream SMAD transcription factors and ultimately remodel the endometrium into a state suitable for embryo implantation and development. We also focus on the key roles of the TGFβ signaling pathway in recruiting uterine natural killer cells and their collective remodeling of the decidua and spiral arteries. By providing key details about immune cell populations and TGFβ signaling within the endometrium, it is our goal to shed light on the intricate remodeling that is required to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Funder
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Subject
Obstetrics and Gynecology,Reproductive Medicine,Immunology,Immunology and Allergy,Obstetrics and Gynecology,Immunology