The establishment and maintenance of human pregnancy depend on the delicate communication between the mother and the embryo, which occurs at the maternal-fetal interface. Trophoblast cells from the embryo differentiate and invade the maternal decidua, remodeling uterine spiral arteries. Decidual immune cells form specific tolerance to the embryo, promoting its growth. Structural cells like stromal, endothelial, and epithelial cells also play crucial roles. These processes are dynamic, from embryo implantation to childbirth. Dysfunction can lead to adverse outcomes like recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.

Understanding maternal-fetal communication is vital for both physiological and pathological pregnancy research. While the main cell types are identified, in-depth studies on functional trophoblast cells, decidual structural cells, and immune cell subtypes are difficult. Acquiring and processing human maternal-fetal interface samples is challenging, and methods for analyzing cellular composition are complex and immature. We aim to provide valuable tools for researchers to explore the maternal-fetal interface in the background of physiological and pathological pregnancy.

This collection focuses on methods for analyzing the cellular composition of the human maternal-fetal interface at different gestational weeks. It will cover sample collection, processing, histopathology, cytology, and multi-omics analysis. Additionally, it will provide detailed typing methods for specific cell types, including trophoblasts, immune cells, and stromal cells.