Immune cells play an important role during pregnancy. Besides their role in immune defenses, leukocytes take active part of pregnancy adaptations at the fetomaternal interface. Leukocytes adapt their antigen recognition strategies in order to tolerate the fetus without detriment of immune defenses. We investigate mechanisms of innate cell adaptation during pregnancy that maintain the fine balance required for pregnancy wellbeing.
Our integrative approach has a strong focus in the interaction of trophoblasts, endometrial stromal cells, uterine endothelial cells and leukocytes, including macrophages, B and T cells and a recently described population of innate lymphoid cells.
Pregnancy success greatly depends on an adequate implantation, placental development and function. Immune cells are essential to generate an appropriate pro-inflammatory environment for implantation in early pregnancy. The aim of this DFG-funded project is to deliver new information on the role and regulation of the recently described innate lymphoid cells at the fetomaternal interface.
Contrary to the traditional belief, recent reports indicate that microbes are present in the upper reproductive tract, including the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. Changes in the composition of this microbiome have been associated to increased pregnancy complications. Our group explores how these bacteria affect endometrial function and placentation. We put a strong focus on processes that command angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in early pregnancy.
Bacteria of the upper reproductive tract present a different signature under oncological processes. We analyze how anti-tumoral responses are affected by the composition of the tumor-associated microbiome (oncobiome).
The unfulfilled desire to have a child affects many couples. A frequent reason for this is a proximal tubal occlusion. Ongoing from the recently finished RESPONSE-Project, we are working on the development of a tubal stent to thus allow a natural pregnancy.
The intra-uterine environment exerts a strong influence on the development of fetal immunity. We aim to understand how maternal factors shape fetal immune cells towards the end of pregnancy and its further influence on the newborn immune responses.
