Th1 / Th2 / Th17 Cells
Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells are helper T cells, white blood cells that direct how the immune system responds. Th1 cells drive attack on infected cells. Th2 cells lean toward tolerance. Th17 cells drive inflammation.
Pregnancy needs tolerance. At implantation, immune cells make up about half of the cells in the uterine lining, where they work alongside natural killer cells.1 In women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, one review reported a higher share of Th17 cells and a lower share of regulatory T cells than in fertile women.2
Testing is a harder question. A 2018 European guideline limits immune testing in recurrent loss to two markers in selected women.2 Restorative care weighs the immune picture beside hormones, the lining and the male partner.
Cited in this entry
- Kitazawa J, Kimura F, Nakamura A, Morimune A, Takahashi A, Takashima A, Amano T, Tsuji S, Kaku S, Kasahara K, Murakami T. Endometrial Immunity for Embryo Implantation and Pregnancy Establishment. The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31996497/
- Modzelewski J, Kajdy A, Rabijewski M. The role of lymphocytes in fetal development and recurrent pregnancy loss. Ginekologia Polska. 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30860279/
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult an RRM clinician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.
