Pregnancy-associated papp-a / prombp protein complex. Physicochemical properties, molecular structure and physiological role

Presented review is a accumulation of published data concerning discovery and investigations of pregnancyassociated protein complex PAPP-A/proMBR. Pregnancy-associated protein complex PAPP-A/proMBR belongs to pregnancy- associated protein sensu stricto but not to pregnancy specific. It is produced mainly into maternal blood circulation in the course of gestation. Certain experimental investigations suggested circulated complex PAPP-A/pro MBR to have a double origin: trophblastic and endometrial one. Nowadays molecular structure of monomers and subunits and amino-acid sequence is almost fully investigated. In spite of plentful information concerting structure and chemical properties the mechanisms of interaction with maternal immune system is not clear. Digest of available data suggested РАРР-А/ proMBR to play a rile in immunomodulation during pregnancy.