The Immunology Podcast

Ep. 110: “Placental Tolerance and Immunity” Featuring Dr. Tamara Tilburgs

Jul 29, 2025
Dr. Tamara Tilburgs, an Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati, dives into the fascinating world of immune tolerance in pregnancy. She discusses the immune paradox in trophoblast cells and how placental inflammation can lead to pregnancy complications. Tilburgs also illuminates CD8+ T cell responses at the maternal-fetal interface, shedding light on the delicate balance crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Her insights pave the way for understanding maternal health and potential therapeutic solutions.
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INSIGHT

Placental Immune Paradox

  • The placenta's trophoblast cells express only one HLA-C type to limit immune rejection and maintain balance between immunity and tolerance.
  • Maternal immune cells specially adapt to tolerate these fetal cells while preserving defense against infections at the maternal-fetal interface.
INSIGHT

Immune Cells Balance in Pregnancy

  • Decidual NK cells dominate early pregnancy and provide antimicrobial defense while Tregs and various CD8 T cell subsets modulate immune tolerance.
  • Trophoblasts inhibit perforin production in CD8 T cells to prevent cytotoxic damage to the placenta despite immune activation.
INSIGHT

Inflammation and Immunity in Pregnancy

  • Pregnancy is a controlled inflammatory state essential for tissue remodeling and immune defense against infection.
  • Placental NK cells kill bacteria within trophoblasts using granulysin without cytotoxicity, preserving placental integrity.
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