In various placental mammals, the bidirectional exchange of cells during pregnancy can lead to the acquisition of genetically unique cells that can persist in both mother and child for decades. Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that this phenomenon, termed fetomaternal microchimerism may play key roles in a number of biological processes. In this perspective, we explore the concept of fetomaternal microchimerism and outline how fetal microchimeric cells are detected and immunologically tolerated within the maternal setting. Moreover, we discuss undertakings in the field that hint at the significant plasticity of fetal microchimeric cells and their potential roles in promoting maternal wound healing. Finally, we explore the multifaceted roles of fetal microchimeric cells in cancer development and progression. A deeper understanding of fetomaternal chimerism in healthy and diseased states will be key toward developing more efficient anti-cancer treatments and regenerative therapies.

在各种胎盘哺乳动物中，怀孕期间细胞的双向交换可以导致获得遗传上独特的细胞，这些细胞可以在母亲和孩子身上持续数十年。多年来，越来越清楚的是，这种被称为母胎微嵌合现象的现象可能在许多生物过程中发挥关键作用。从这个角度来看，我们探讨了胎儿母体微嵌合体的概念，并概述了如何在母体环境中检测和免疫耐受胎儿微嵌合细胞。此外，我们讨论了该领域的工作，这些工作暗示了胎儿微嵌合细胞的显着可塑性及其在促进母体伤口愈合中的潜在作用。最后，我们探讨了胎儿微嵌合细胞在癌症发展和进展中的多方面作用。