Alpha-fetoprotein: Immunomodulation in autoimmune diseases during pregnancy and puerperium stages

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has long been associated with regulation and modulation of the immune system in a variety of mammals. In the last several decades, AFP has been linked to autoimmune diseases (ADs) during both pregnancy and in non-gestational disorders via an immunomodulatory function. The course of ADs are highly influenced by soluble factors such as cytokines, chemokines, interleukins, hormones, kinins, growth factors, proteins such as AFP, and various T-cells generated from the immune response. Such factors appear to serve as protective or ameliorating agents during the induction effector stages of the immune response. Immunomodulatory activities of AFP are known to affect: 1) induction of T-cell suppressor activity; 2) down-regulating dendritic-like cell antigen expression; and 3) impairing the function of macrophages and T-cells. Some factors may even be involved in blocking the rejection of the embryo/fetus as an allograft in the mother at the initiation of pregnancy. Thus, the present report reviews the immunomodulation function of AFP during the course of autoimmune disease utilizing AD disorders such as: myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune liver disorders, diabetes, thyroiditis, and others.