The Maternal–Fetal Interface

The bond between a mother and her developing embryo starts at the cellular level. For a successful pregnancy, the mother’s body must accept and nourish what is, genetically speaking, a semi-
foreign organism. The placenta serves as the embryo’s chief communicator and advocate, sending signals that guide the mother’s immune system to tolerate and support rather than attack, and to provide the nutrients, oxygen and growth factors essential 
for development.

At the maternal–fetal interface — the endometrium where implantation of the embryo occurs — a remarkable molecular dialogue takes place. Immune cells, hormones and placental messengers work together to create a safe, receptive environment. When this dialogue falters, implantation may fail or pregnancy may not continue. Recurrent pregnancy loss occurs in approximately 1% of reproductive-age women. Recurrent implantation failure occurs in about 10% of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), often without clear explanation.

In my lab, we’re working to decode how immune and uterine cells communicate to build tolerance and sustain life. We study how specific cells, including natural killer cells, and molecules, such as interleukin-22, shape early pregnancy. Our goal is to develop diagnostic tests that can reveal when the immune system is disrupting implantation and determine how that might be treated. By understanding the immune factors that allow the embryo to “feel at home,” we move closer to ensuring more pregnancies can thrive.