A Lesson in Tolerance — Maternal Instruction to Fetal Cells

Most people would agree that mothers are influential in shaping their children’s outlook on life. A recent study by Mold and colleagues1 discloses a new facet of maternal influence: maternal immune cells “teach” those of the fetus how to balance the need for self-defense on the one hand and the requirement for immunologic tolerance on the other.

Balance is critical. Too much restraint of immunity could lead to a lethal infection in the newborn; too little could lead to autoimmunity.

Cordialmente enviado por Rolando Hernandez Perez

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