Carolin Schliefsteiner
Monika Horvat MercnikHofbauer cells are macrophages in placental tissue. They are of fetal origin and act not only as immune cells, but apparently fulfill many other functions, e.g. tissue remodeling and homeostasis. Which functions dominate depends on their polarization status. In extreme cases, they are either classically activated, inflammation-typical M1 macrophages or alternatively activated M2 macrophages, which maintain the balance in the tissue structure.
In our laboratory, we investigate the polarization states and effector functions of Hofbauer cells in different pregnancy pathologies as well as their interaction in co-culture with other cell types of the placenta, such as endothelial cells, and their contribution to the physiological functions of the placenta.
