The roles of Neutrophils in pregnancy

Abstract

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play an important role in the immune system's response to infection and inflammation. During pregnancy, the immune system undergoes significant changes to tolerate the growing fetus, and neutrophils have been shown to contribute to this process in several ways. One of the most important roles of neutrophils in pregnancy is to help maintain a delicate balance between immune tolerance and protection against infection. Neutrophils play a crucial role in controlling the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to preterm labor, and also participate in the formation of the placenta and fetal membranes. Neutrophils can help regulate the inflammatory response during pregnancy, which is critical to prevent excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Neutrophils have also been shown to contribute to the development of immune tolerance, which is essential for the survival of the fetus. However, while neutrophils play many important roles in pregnancy, they can also contribute to complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, and fetal growth restriction when their activity is dysregulated. It is important to continue research into the mechanisms by which neutrophils contribute to pregnancy outcomes, as well as to develop new therapies that can target these cells to prevent or treat pregnancy complications.