Cyclooxygenase-2 and decidual immune cells

Abstract

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a rate-limiting enzyme in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. COX-2 and its products (prostanoids) serve versatile biological functions during pregnancy. Numerous evidences demonstrate special reprogramming of COX-2-catalyzing AA metabolism in decidual immune cells (DICs), particularly in decidual macrophages, corresponding to special gestational phases. This review summarizes the reprogramming of COX-2-catalyzing AA metabolism in DICs as well as the immunoregulation of diverse COX-2-generating prostanoids in DICs during the different phases of gestation.