Involvement of the Interferon Tau Gene in Maternal Recognition of Gestation in Sheep

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this review was to describe the implications of the interferon tau gene in the maternal recognition of pregnancy in sheep.

Design / methodology / approach: A search and an analysis of the scientific documents retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases related to the functions of the interferon tau gene in the maternal recognition of pregnancy in sheep were carried out.

Results: Interferon tau (IFNt) gene participates in the maternal recognition of pregnancy to prevent possible rejection of the embryo and supports the secretion of progesterone that intervenes in the preparation of the endometrium for implantation; In addition, it inhibits the mobility of the myometrium to maintain pregnancy. IFNt stimulates the transcription of so-called interferon-stimulated genes (ISG) that are the effectors of autonomous antiviral defense in cells. One of the representative ISG members is the interferon 15-stimulated gene (ISG15) that regulates endometrial receptivity at implantation, as well as concept survival, growth, and development.

Implications: Most embryonic losses occur between fertilization and maternal recognition of pregnancy. Understanding this topic is essential to understand the possible causes of early pregnancy losses.

Conclusions: Considerable progress has been made in the discovery of how the IFNt and ISG15 genes act in maternal recognition of pregnancy in sheep. However, some of the regulatory mechanisms involved remain to be understood.