Maternal-Fetal Interface Formation and Pregnancy Outcome

The well-tuned formation of the maternal-fetal interface determines the quality of embryo implantation, placentation, fetal development and maternal well-being. Decidual cells, immune cells and trophoblasts compose the maternal-fetal interface and their interaction develops into the microenvironment. Recent studies focused on the maternal-fetal interface highlight the importance of this inadequately understood but significant tissue, e.g. the secretions from both decidual and immune cells regulate the function of trophoblasts. Therefore, deciphering the mechanisms underlying cell-cell interaction in the maternal-fetal interface would pave the way to improve treatment for implantation failure after embryo transfer and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

This Research Topic aims to emphasise the importance of collaborations between infertility physicians, embryologists and obstetricians to unravel the complex cell-cell interaction in the maternal-fetal interface and associated pregnancy prognosis.

We welcome submissions about, but not limited to:
• Molecular bases of interactome between trophoblasts, immune cells and decidual cells
• Mechanisms of trophoblast differentiation and invasion by cell-cell interaction at the maternal-fetal interface
• Application of deficient cell-cell interaction at the maternal-fetal interface to understanding early pregnancy loss and preeclampsia

Keywords: Maternal-fetal interface, decidua, trophoblast, immunology, embryo implantation, maternal complications

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.