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Review
. 2014 Dec;21(12):1434-51.
doi: 10.1177/1933719114537720. Epub 2014 Jun 4.

Influenza, immune system, and pregnancy

Renju S Raj  1 , Elizabeth A Bonney  1 , Mark Phillippe  2
Affiliations
Review

Influenza, immune system, and pregnancy

Renju S Raj et al. Reprod Sci. 2014 Dec.

Abstract

Influenza is a major health problem worldwide. Both seasonal influenza and pandemics take a major toll on the health and economy of our country. The present review focuses on the virology and complex immunology of this RNA virus in general and in relation to pregnancy. The goal is to attempt to explain the increased morbidity and mortality seen in infection during pregnancy. We discuss elements of innate and adaptive immunity as well as placental cellular responses to infection. In addition, we delineate findings in animal models as well as human disease. Increased knowledge of maternal and fetal immunologic responses to influenza is needed. However, enhanced understanding of nonimmune, pregnancy-specific factors influencing direct interaction of the virus with host cells is also important for the development of more effective prevention and treatment options in the future.

Keywords: adaptive immunity; influenza; innate immunity; pregnancy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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