Decidual Stromal Cell Function in Pregnancy
Summary
Decidual stromal cells (DSCs) are specialised fibroblast‐like cells that arise from endometrial stromal fibroblasts under the influence of progesterone and cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a process known as decidualisation. These cells form the maternal component of the decidua, a transient mucosal lining that supports embryo implantation and placental development. DSCs orchestrate trophoblast invasion by remodelling the extracellular matrix and secreting factors that regulate spiral artery transformation. They also contribute to maternal–fetal immune tolerance through the production of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and the inhibition of chemokine expression that would otherwise attract cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Beyond immune privilege, DSCs synthesise growth factors, lipid mediators and extracellular vesicles that sustain vascular integrity and foetal growth. Dysregulation of DSC function has been implicated in common pregnancy disorders such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia and preterm birth, highlighting their clinical significance and potential as therapeutic targets.
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Decidual Stromal Cell Function in Pregnancy publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in decidual stromal cell function in pregnancy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Decidualisation: Hormone‐driven transformation of endometrial stromal fibroblasts into specialised secretory cells that form the decidua.
Chemokine: A small cytokine that induces directed migration of immune cells.
Chemotaxis: The movement of cells along a chemical gradient towards higher concentrations of a specific molecule.
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs): Multipotent progenitor cells capable of differentiating into mesenchymal lineages and modulating immune responses.
References
- Decidualized human decidual stromal cells inhibit chemotaxis of activated T cells: a potential mechanism of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Frontiers in Immunology (2023).
- Human predecidual stromal cells are mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and have a therapeutic effect in an immune-based mouse model of recurrent spontaneous abortion. Stem Cell Research & Therapy (2019).
- Effect of human follicle-stimulating hormone on immunomodulatory function of decidual mesenchymal stem cells by reducing interleukin-6 levels. Journal of Ovarian Research (2022).
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