An insight into the role of the death receptor CD95 throughout pregnancy: Guardian, facilitator, or foe

Abstract

The prototype death receptor CD95 (Fas) and its ligand, CD95L (FasL), have been thoroughly studied due to their role in immune homeostasis and elimination of infected and transformed cells. The fact that CD95 is present in female reproductive cells and modulated during embryogenesis and pregnancy has raised interest in its role in immune tolerance to the fetoplacental unit. CD95 has been shown to be critical for proper embryonic formation and survival. Moreover, altered expression of CD95 or its ligand causes autoimmunity and has also been directly involved in recurrent pregnancy losses and pregnancy disorders. The objective of this review is to summarize studies that evaluate the mechanisms involved in the activation of CD95 to provide an updated global view of its effect on the regulation of the maternal immune system. Modulation of the CD95 system components may be the immune basis of several common pregnancy disorders.

Molecular and Physiological Aspects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Women and Pregnancy

“…Due to this entrapment, the dendritic cells are ineffective in facilitating T cell activation, thus, lowering the chance of immunological attack on the fetus. Furthermore, decidual cells inhibit T cell proliferation, suppress inflammation and prompt apoptosis of activated T cells via the expression of Galectin-1, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase and FAS-ligand ( 40 – 42 ).…”

Autophagy Process in Trophoblast Cells Invasion and Differentiation: Similitude and Differences With Cancer Cells

“…Additionally the placenta produces anti-inflammatory Cytokines, TGF-b2, Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10, which reduce the deleterious effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines (4). Fas Ligand (Fas-L) expression on trophoblast promotes apoptosis of Fas-expressing lymphocytes of maternal origin, having a role in placental invasion during implantation (116). The position of trophoblast cells in the placenta encasing the embryo produces a barrier between maternal and fetal cells, finally being the placenta the main separation of fetal and maternal blood and lymphatic systems, preventing the immune system of the mother to perceive fetal antigens.…”

Introduction to the focus on “the immune system from placenta to birth”

“…Drs. Rychlik, and Sillé describe in a thorough and fascinating review (Rychlik & Sillé, ) on how the developing immune system reads and responds to a range of maternal environmental and lifestyle exposures (Figure ). These exposures can have long‐term effects on the efficacy and sensitivity of the child's immune system.…”