Th1/Th2 cytokines balance -: yin and yang of reproductive immunology

For years conception of Th2 overbalance during pregnancy has been a paradigm for immunology of reproduction, while Th1 activity has been presented as unwanted component. Studies concerning Th1/Th2 balance in physiological and complicated pregnancy have been reviewed. Th1 activity during early peri-implantation period, premature and term labour not only accompanies but even predominates over Th2 activity. Th1 activity plays important role in promotion of Th2 response, regulation of placentation process, defense against infections and initiation of delivery. Together with Th2 activity it is necessary component of immunological reactions during pregnancy, both activities being inseparable like yin and yang. So paradigm of "Th1-Th2 cooperation" is much closer to reality than "Th2 phenomenon". (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.