Abstract:

Th17 cells are identified as a new kind of helper T lymphocyte subsets, which are totally distinct from Th1 and Th2 cell subsets. The main function of Th17 cells is secreting interleukin-17 (IL-17), which may play an important role in the defensive immune response against bacterial infection, chronic inflammation as well as the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Studies in recent years have revealed that the balance disorder between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and immunosuppressive regulatory T cell (Treg) plays a key role in the pathological pregnancy by breaking the maternal-fetal immune tolerance. The correlation of Th17 cells and Treg with maternal-fetal immune tolerance is reviewed in this paper.

Key words: Th17 cells, regulatory T cells, maternal-fetal immune tolerance