Biologia futura: embryo–maternal communication via progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) positive embryo-derived extracellular vesicles. Their role in maternal immunomodulation

Paternal antigens expressed by the foetus are recognized as foreign. Therefore,—according to the rules of transplantation immunity—the foetus ought to be “rejected”. However, during normal gestation, maternal immune functions are re-adjusted, in order to create a favourable environment for the developing foetus. Some of the mechanisms that contribute to the altered immunological environment, for example, the cytokine balance and NK cell function, with special emphasis on the role of progesterone and the progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) will be reviewed