It is becoming increasingly apparent that cytokines (CKs) are synthetized not exclusively within the “immune cells” but are the product of a whole host of cell types, including nonimmune and/or structural cells such as epithelial cells, cytotrophoblast cells, and fibroblasts. Almost all CKs are pleiotropic effectors showing multiple biological activities. Interestingly, the human placenta produces a variety of CKs and expresses virtually all known CKs. Both successful placentation with trophoblast invasion and normal placental development accompanied by vascular and angiogenesis require precise balance between all members of the local cytokine network. Increased number of the research papers in recent years devoted to the connections between CKs, their receptors, and placental malfunction may contribute to better understanding of the pathophysiology of pregnancy.

The special issue will become an international forum for researchers to summarize the most recent achievements in studying placental CKs as well as the cytokine network during normal and complicated pregnancy. We particularly take an interest in manuscripts that report relevance of CKs for improved prognosis, monitoring of therapy, or delineate the new dependencies in CKs-related signaling pathways. Original research papers are welcome. Moreover, papers dealing with methodology of related laboratory tests of potential clinical usefulness will be of great interest. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Methods of CKs measurements (blood, placenta) and therapeutic objectives recommended in the clinical guidelines during pregnancy
• CKs and placental signaling pathways
• CKs in placental inflammation
• Placental CKs and diabetes
• Placental CKs and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)
• CKs and preterm labor
• CKs and premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
• CKs and preeclampsia
• Placental CKs, their receptors expression, and placental function and morphology
• CKs and placental angiogenesis
• CKs and placental mast cells
• “Immune cells” in placental environment

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