ATF3 is a negative regulator of inflammation in human fetal membranes

ATF3 is a negative regulator of inflammation in human fetal membranes; in primary amnion cells, ATF3 expression is induced by IL-1β and fsl-1, and ATF3 silencing further exacerbates the inflammatory response when stimulated with these factors. Subsequently, ATF3 expression is decreased in fetal membranes after term labour and with preterm chorioamnionitis, conditions closely associated with inflammation and infection. Our data suggest that ATF3 may play a role in the terminal processes of human labour and delivery.