Immunomodulatory Effects of Transfusions on Maternal Immunity in Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy represents a unique immunological state where maternal immune adaptations play a pivotal role in supporting fetal development while maintaining tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus. Blood transfusions, often necessary during pregnancy for various medical conditions, present an intriguing avenue for understanding alterations in maternal immunity. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the intricate immunomodulatory effects of blood transfusions on maternal immunity during pregnancy. Beginning with an exploration of normal immunological changes in pregnancy, this review navigates through the immunomodulatory challenges posed by blood transfusions. The impact of donor factors, transfusion-related immunological components, and their influence NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES (NIJBAS) Volume 3 Issue 3 2023 ©NIJBAS Publications 2023 OPEN ACCESS ONLINE ISSN: 2992-5797 PRINT ISSN: 2992-6122 ©Obeagu et al., 2023 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Page | 2 on the maternal immune system are scrutinized. Mechanistic insights into altered cytokine responses, adaptive immune changes, and the role of regulatory T cells post-transfusion form critical focal points. Clinically, discerning the implications of altered maternal immunity on fetal, neonatal health, and obstetric outcomes is essential. Assessing risks and benefits associated with transfusions in pregnancy further underscores the clinical relevance of understanding these immunomodulatory effects. Despite advancements, this review acknowledges research gaps and limitations, highlighting the need for future investigations. Recommendations for prospective studies and potential clinical implications conclude this review, emphasizing the significance of comprehending immunomodulation in maternal immunity post-transfusion for optimizing maternal-fetal health. In conclusion, this review encapsulates current knowledge, challenges, and future directions in comprehending the complex interplay between blood transfusions and maternal immune responses during pregnancy, offering valuable insights into a crucial aspect of perinatal medicine. Keywords: blood transfusions; maternal immunity; pregnancy; immunomodulation; cytokines; alloimmunization; inflammation; transplacental immunomodulation