Current topic: interferon and human placental development

Abstract

It will be apparent from this review that the exact role of IFN on human placental development remains largely undefined. However, there is now sufficient data available on the biological functions of this cytokine in other cellular systems to provide a conceptual framework upon which the influence of IFN on the human placenta may be based. We have focused on those areas where, in our opinion, IFN is likely to have an important effect on placental-uterine interactions and have discussed the possible mechanisms involved. We hope that the ideas we have presented will stimulate interest in this aspect of human placental biology.