Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Reproductive Immunology
Summary
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the earliest embryonic signal that orchestrates the dialogue between the implanting conceptus and the maternal endometrium. Beyond its classical endocrine role in maintaining the corpus luteum, hCG acts locally at the maternal–fetal interface to regulate immune cell populations, vascular remodelling and endometrial stromal cell function. It binds to the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) on epithelial, stromal and immune cells, triggering downstream pathways such as ERK1/2 and mTOR that influence autophagy, apoptosis and cytokine secretion. By modulating uterine natural killer cells, regulatory T cells and dendritic cells, hCG fosters maternal tolerance to the semi-allogeneic embryo, supports angiogenesis and promotes endometrial receptivity. Disruptions in hCG signalling have been implicated in recurrent implantation failure, miscarriage and pregnancy complications, making it a focal point for therapeutic intervention in assisted reproduction and immunological disorders of pregnancy.
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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Reproductive Immunology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in human chorionic gonadotropin in reproductive immunology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): A glycoprotein hormone produced by the pre-implantation embryo and placenta that signals to maternal tissues to support implantation and maintain early pregnancy.
Luteinizing Hormone/Choriogonadotropin Receptor (LHCGR): A G-protein-coupled receptor on endometrial, stromal and immune cells that mediates the actions of hCG.
Endometrial Receptivity: The state of the uterine lining during which it is optimally prepared for embryo adhesion and invasion.
Autophagy: A regulated process of intracellular degradation that maintains cell homeostasis and contributes to tissue remodelling in the endometrium.
Apoptosis: Programmed cell death that shapes tissue architecture and influences the dynamics of the implantation window.
References
- Enhancing endometrial receptivity: the roles of human chorionic gonadotropin in autophagy and apoptosis regulation in endometrial stromal cells. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology (2024).
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Mediated Immune Responses That Facilitate Embryo Implantation and Placentation. Frontiers in Immunology (2019).
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin as a Pivotal Endocrine Immune Regulator Initiating and Preserving Fetal Tolerance. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2017).
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