The peri-implantation period in mammals is critical with respect to survival of the conceptus (embryo/fetus and associated extraembryonic membranes) and establishment of pregnancy. During this period of pregnancy, reciprocal communication between ovary, conceptus, and endometrium is required for successful implantation and placentation. At this time, interferon tau (IFNT) is synthesized and secreted by the mononuclear trophectodermal cells of the conceptus between days 10 and 21~25. The actions of IFNT to signal pregnancy recognition and induce or increase expression of IFNT-stimulated genes (ISGs), such as ISG15 and OAS, are mediated by the Type I IFN signal transduction pathway. This article reviews the history, signaling pathways of IFNT and the uterine expression of several IFNT-stimulated genes during the peri-implantation period. Collectively, these newly identified genes are believed to be critical to unraveling the mechanism(s) of reciprocal fetal-maternal interactions required for successful implantation and pregnancy.