Immune Regulation in Eutherian Pregnancy: Live Birth Coevolved with Novel Immune Genes and Gene Regulation. (2nd August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moon, Jiyun M.; Capra, John A.; Abbot, Patrick; Rokas, Antonis
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 41:Number 9(2019:Sep.)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-08-02
• Subjects: eutherians -- immunity -- killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) -- parturition -- sialic‐acid binding immunoglobulin‐like lectins (SIGLECs) -- trade‐offs; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

Abstract : Novel regulatory elements that enabled expression of pre‐existing immune genes in reproductive tissues and novel immune genes with pregnancy‐specific roles in eutherians have shaped the evolution of mammalian pregnancy by facilitating the emergence of novel mechanisms for immune regulation over its course. Trade‐offs arising from conflicting fitness effects on reproduction and host defenses have further influenced the patterns of genetic variation of these genes. These three mechanisms (novel regulatory elements, novel immune genes, and trade‐offs) played a pivotal role in refining the regulation of maternal immune systems during pregnancy in eutherians, likely facilitating the establishment of prolonged direct maternal–fetal contact in eutherians without causing immunological rejection of the genetically distinct fetus. Abstract : Acquisition of novel regulatory elements and immune genes, in conjunction with trade‐offs stemming from conflicting fitness effects on reproduction and host defenses, has refined the regulation of maternal immune systems during eutherian mammal pregnancy. This refinement prevents immunological rejection of the genetically distinct fetus, enabling the evolution of prolonged direct maternal–fetal contact during pregnancy.