Hofbauer cell

Hofbauer cells are specialized macrophages found within the placenta, specifically in the chorionic villi, which are essential structures for fetal-maternal exchange. These cells play a crucial role in placental development and function, contributing to both the immune tolerance during pregnancy and the inflammatory responses necessary for a healthy pregnancy outcome. Hofbauer cells are located in the stroma of the chorionic villi and are identifiable by their rounded shape and the presence of a large, centrally located nucleus.

Function

Hofbauer cells are involved in several key processes during pregnancy, including:

• Immunomodulation: They help in creating an immune-tolerant environment at the placental interface, which is crucial for protecting the fetus, which is genetically distinct from the mother, from being attacked by the maternal immune system.
• Inflammatory Response: These cells can produce a variety of cytokines and chemokines in response to infectious agents, playing a role in the placental defense mechanism.
• Tissue Remodeling: Hofbauer cells are implicated in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix within the chorionic villi, facilitating placental development and growth.
• Angiogenesis: They may also contribute to the formation of new blood vessels, which is essential for supporting the rapidly growing fetus.

Pathology

Alterations in the number or function of Hofbauer cells have been associated with various pregnancy complications, such as:

• Pre-eclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and often a significant amount of protein in the urine.
• Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): A condition where the fetus is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy.
• Chorioamnionitis: An infection of the placental tissues and amniotic fluid.

Research

Ongoing research is focused on further elucidating the role of Hofbauer cells in pregnancy, including their potential involvement in the vertical transmission of infections from mother to fetus and their utility as targets for therapeutic interventions in pregnancy complications.

See Also

• Placenta
• Macrophage
• Chorionic villi
• Immune system
• Pregnancy complications