Glycodelin (GD) also known as human placental protein-14 (PP-14) progestogen-associated endometrial protein (PAEP) or pregnancy-associated endometrial alpha-2 globulin is a glycoprotein that inhibits cell immune function and plays an essential role in the pregnancy process. In humans is encoded by the PAEP gene.
Human endometrium synthesizes several proteins under the influence of progesterone. Of these proteins, glycodelin is of particular interest. It is synthesized by the endometrial glands in the luteal phase of menstrual cycle.
The temporal and spatial expression of GD in the female reproductive tract combined with its biological activities suggest that this glycoprotein probably plays an essential physiological role in the regulation of fertilization, implantation and maintenance of pregnancy.
