Identifying Key Questions and Challenges in Microchimerism Biology.

Abstract

Microchimerism research has recently gained renewed attention despite known existence of these rare cells for decades. Fetal and maternal microchimeric-derived cells may have functional capabilities, and are increasingly associated with both beneficial and adverse health outcomes. Yet, establishing the role of microchimerism in health has been largely constrained methodologically and theoretically. The Microchimerism, Human Health, and Evolution Project address these challenges by calling on 29 leading microchimerism experts to put forth key research questions that can substantially advance the field. Seven major categories are identified: function and mechanism; microchimerism in interventions, treatment, and transplant; mapping "generational microchimerism"; evolution; microchimerism detection; appropriate experimental model systems; and definition of microchimerism. Identifying these questions - and continuing to find answers - will be crucial for advancing the knowledge of microchimerism in health and disease.