Although the immune system and the reproductive system are morphologically diffused, the immune cells, including natural killer cells (NK), macrophages, dendritic cells (DC), alpha/beta T cells and gamma/delta T cells that reside at the maternal-fetal interface are thought to play vital roles throughout pregnancy. Furthermore, the dysfunction of immune systems in the maternal-fetal interface could lead to severe complications or pregnancy-related disorders, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. It has also been observed that NK cells are the dominant cell type in both the mouse and human decidua; however, DCs, alpha/beta T cells and gamma/delta T cells and especially B cells are deficient during normal pregnancy in the decidua.

Understanding the roles of different immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface promises to provide significant insights into the etiopathogenesis of many human pregnancy-related complications, including recurrent spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. The topics covered in this Methods Collection include animal models of pregnancy-related disorders or complications and ex vivo techniques for studying decidual immune cells.