| The role of placenta Hofbauer cells during pregnancy and pregnancy complications |
Seung-Woo Yang1,2, Han-Sung Hwang3, Young-Sun Kang4,5,6 
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1Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,
2Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
3Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
4Konkuk-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
5Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
6Veterinary Science Research Institute, Konkuk University Research Center for Zoonosis, KU Center for Animal Blood Medical Science Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea |
Correspondence:
Young-Sun Kang,
Email: kangyo67@konkuk.ac.kr
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Received: 13 September 2024 • Revised: 8 November 2024 • Accepted: 25 November 2024 |
| Abstract |
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Placental Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are specialized macrophages present in the human placenta that play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. These cells are derived from the fetal mesoderm and are responsible for various functions, including immune regulation, angiogenesis, and nutrient transport. In normal pregnancies, HBCs primarily exhibit an M2 or immunomodulatory phenotype, which helps maintain a tolerant and antiinflammatory environment at the maternal-fetal interface. However, in pregnancies complicated by conditions such as immunological disorders, inflammation, or infection, the phenotype and function of HBCs may be altered. Although emerging evidence has highlighted the vital role of HBCs in both normal pregnancies and those with complications, such as chorioamnionitis, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and viral infections, their role remains unclear. Recent research also suggests a relationship between HBCs and the development of diseases in offspring. Understanding the role of HBCs in pregnancy could provide insights into the pathophysiology of various pregnancy-related disorders and offer potential therapeutic targets for improving maternal and fetal outcomes. This review explores the functions of HBCs in normal pregnancy and their involvement in complications, emphasizing their potential as biomarkers or targets for interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, we reviewed their potential for perinatal research in recent studies. |
| Key Words:
Macrophages, Immune tolerance, Placenta, Pregnancy complications |
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