Research progress on the function of macrophages at the fetal-maternal interface

Macrophages are the second most abundant leukocyte population at the fetal-maternal interface, which perform many specific functions including host defense, angiogenesis, immunological regulation, and tissue development. Aberrantly activated uterine macrophages can affect trophoblast function and placental development, which may result in various adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre-eclampsia and premature labor. In this review, we will focus on the characteristic of macrophages at the fetal-maternal interface, and those roles in normal and pathological pregnancy. Key words: Decidual macrophages; Pregnancy; Trophoblast; Spiral artery remodeling