Springer Maternal Fetal Transmission of Human Viruses and their Influence on Tumorigenesis

Covering a host of topics related to the processes involved in transmitting viral infections between pregnant women and their unborn babies, this volume discusses the links between bidirectional maternal-fetal cell transport and fetal and neonatal tumors. Review From the reviews:“This volume written by virology experts reviews in addition to the maternal-fetal interaction of human viruses, with emphasis on those which influence the development and tumorigenesis in the fetus and neonate. Of interest to virologists, obstetricians, neonatologists, immunologists and oncologists. A timely text.” (Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews (PER), Vol. 10 (2), January, 2013) From the Back Cover The human foetus is separated from the maternal blood by the syncytiotrophoblast induced by endogeneous human retrovirus-encoded proteins. This barrier is a highly developed one, which suppors apical-basolateral transport of maternal idiotype and anti-idiotype IgG, IgG-virus complexes. The selective maternal-fetal transport of epitope- and paratope-bearing entities can influence the developping fetal immune system during pregnancy. The bidirectional maternal-fetal transfer of cells are of even more importance during pregnancy. Maternal cells with latent viruses transport viruses without impairment of fetal development. Cells with premaligant and malignant genetic transformation are also transported to the fetus. Fetal and neonatal tumours are initiated by such cells in spite of the antitumour potential of fetal organism. On the contary, the fetal cells repair maternal tissue injouries and survive in the organisms of the recipients for decades. These possess new consequences for the neonatal immunity and organ transplatation surgery.