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Dominovic M, Laskarin G, Glavan Gacanin L, Haller H, Rukavina D. Colocalization of Granulysin Protein Forms with Perforin and LAMP-1 in Decidual Lymphocytes During Early Pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:619-30. [PMID: 26972359 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Granulysin (GNLY) occurs in two forms, which have molecular weights of 9 and 15 kDa. We analyzed the cytotoxic potential of decidual lymphocytes (DLs) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) based on the forms of GNLY that colocalizes with perforin (PER) and LAMP-1 following activation. METHODS The forms of GNLY were detected by using confocal microscopy. We investigated the colocalization with PER and LAMP-1 in freshly isolated and activated DLs and PBLs. RESULTS Activation of DLs and PBLs by K-562 cells increased the colocalization of 9 kDa GNLY with PER and LAMP-1. K-562 cells transfected with HLA-C decreased 9 kDa GNLY colocalization with PER in DLs only. IL-15 in DLs decreased 9 kDa GNLY and LAMP-1 colocalization, but increased both 15 kDa GNLY and LAMP-1, and PER and LAMP-1 colocalization. CONCLUSION Activated DLs and PBLs show greater cytotoxic potential based on increased colocalization of 9 kDa GNLY and PER. HLA-C and IL-15 affect DLs, indicating their role in maintaining the pregnancy tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marin Dominovic
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Gordana Laskarin
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation of the Hearth and Lung Diseases and Rheumatism "Thalassotherapia" Opatija, Opatija, Croatia
| | - Lana Glavan Gacanin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Herman Haller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Daniel Rukavina
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Clinical and Transplantation Immunology and Molecular Medicine in Rijeka, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Rijeka, Croatia
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102
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Felker AM, Croy BA. Uterine natural killer cell partnerships in early mouse decidua basalis. J Leukoc Biol 2016; 100:645-655. [PMID: 27001968 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1hi0515-226r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The decidua basalis of developing mouse implantation sites is highly enriched in CD45+ leukocytes. In intact, syngeneically mated C57BL/6 decidua basalis examined at gestation day 8.5 by whole-mount in situ immunohistochemistry, leukocyte, but not trophoblast, conjugations were reported. Nothing is known regarding time course, frequency, composition, or importance of physiologic decidual CD45+ cell pairing. In this study, we confirmed the presence of anti-CD54+/anti-CD11a+ immune synapses in CD45+ decidual cell conjugates and characterized their cellular heterogeneity. Conjugated cell pairs were virtually absent before implantation (virgin and gestation days 3.5 and 4.5), were infrequent at gestation day 5.5, but involved 19% of all CD45+ cells by gestation day 8.5, then declined. By gestation day 8.5, almost all CD45+ cells coexpressed CD31, and 2 CD45+CD31+ cells composed most conjugates. Conjugation partners were defined for 2 nonoverlapping uterine natural killer cell subsets (Ly49C/I +/Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin- and Ly49C/I-/Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin+). Ly49C/I+ uterine natural killer cells were the major subset from before mating up to gestation day 6.5. At gestation day 5.5/6.5, uterine natural killer cell conjugates involving Ly49C/I + cells were more abundant. By gestation day 8.5/9.5, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin+ uterine natural killer cells were the dominant subset with Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin+/Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin+ homologous conjugates and Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin+/Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin- heterologous conjugates dominating uterine natural killer cell pairings. At gestation day 6.5, both Ly49C/I+/CD45+ and Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin+/CD45+ heterologous conjugate pairs strongly engaged antigen-presenting cells (CD11c+, CD68+, or major histocompatibility complex class II+). By gestation day 8.5, dominant partners of Ly49C/I+/CD45+ and Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin+/CD45+ heterologous conjugates are T cells (CD8+ >CD4+). Heterologous conjugates that did not involve uterine natural killer cells occurred but did not suggest antigen presentation to T cells. These data identify gestation day 6.5-8.5 in the pregnant mouse as a critical window for leukocyte interactions that may establish immune regulation within implantation sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Felker
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - B Anne Croy
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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103
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Zavan B, do Amarante-Paffaro AM, Paffaro VA. alpha-actin down regulation and perforin loss in uterine natural killer cells from LPS-treated pregnant mice. Physiol Res 2016; 64:427-32. [PMID: 26066976 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.932923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most abundant immunologic cell types in early decidua is the uterine natural killer (UNK) cell that despite the presence of cytoplasmic granules rich in perforin and granzymes does not degranulate in normal pregnancy. UNK cells are important producers of angiogenic factors that permit normal dilation of uterine arteries to provide increased blood flow for the growing feto-placental unit. Gram-negative bacteria lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration can trigger an imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines impairing the normal immune cells activity as well as uterine homeostasis. The present study aimed to evaluate by immunohistochemistry the reactivity of perforin and alpha-actin on UNK cell from LPS-treated pregnant mice. For the first time, we demonstrate that LPS injection in pregnant mice causes alpha-actin down regulation, concomitantly with perforin loss in UNK cells. This suggests that LPS alters UNK cell migration and activates cytotoxic granule release.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Zavan
- Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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104
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Chen Q, Pang PC, Cohen ME, Longtine MS, Schust DJ, Haslam SM, Blois SM, Dell A, Clark GF. Evidence for Differential Glycosylation of Trophoblast Cell Types. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:1857-66. [PMID: 26929217 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.055798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human placental villi are surfaced by the syncytiotrophoblast (STB), with a layer of cytotrophoblasts (CTB) positioned just beneath the STB. STB in normal term pregnancies is exposed to maternal immune cells in the placental intervillous space. Extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVT) invade the decidua and spiral arteries, where they act in conjunction with natural killer (NK) cells to convert the spiral arteries into flaccid conduits for maternal blood that support a 3-4 fold increase in the rate of maternal blood flow into the placental intervillous space. The functional roles of these distinct trophoblast subtypes during pregnancy suggested that they could be differentially glycosylated. Glycomic analysis of these trophoblasts has revealed the expression of elevated levels of biantennary N-glycans in STB and CTB, with the majority of them bearing a bisecting GlcNAc. N-glycans terminated with polylactosamine extensions were also detected at low levels. A subset of the N-glycans linked to these trophoblasts were sialylated, primarily with terminal NeuAcα2-3Gal sequences. EVT were decorated with the same N-glycans as STB and CTB, except in different proportions. The level of bisecting type N-glycans was reduced, but the level of N-glycans decorated with polylactosamine sequences were substantially elevated compared with the other types of trophoblasts. The level of triantennary and tetraantennary N-glycans was also elevated in EVT. The sialylated N-glycans derived from EVT were completely susceptible to an α2-3 specific neuraminidase (sialidase S). The possibility exists that the N-glycans associated with these different trophoblast subpopulations could act as functional groups. These potential relationships will be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushi Chen
- From the ‡Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Poh-Choo Pang
- From the ‡Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Marie E Cohen
- §Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mark S Longtine
- ¶Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Danny J Schust
- ‖Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212
| | - Stuart M Haslam
- From the ‡Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra M Blois
- **Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Dell
- From the ‡Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom;
| | - Gary F Clark
- ‖Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212;
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105
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Faure E, Faure K, Figeac M, Kipnis E, Grandjean T, Dubucquoi S, Villenet C, Grandbastien B, Brabant G, Subtil D, Dessein R. Vaginal Mucosal Homeostatic Response May Determine Pregnancy Outcome in Women With Bacterial Vaginosis: A Pilot Study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e2668. [PMID: 26844497 PMCID: PMC4748914 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is considered as a trigger for an inflammatory response that could promote adverse pregnancy outcome (APO). We hypothesized that BV-related inflammation could be counterbalanced by anti-inflammatory and mucosal homeostatic responses that could participate in pregnancy outcomes.A total of 402 vaginal self-samples from pregnant women in their first trimester were screened by Nugent score. In this population, we enrolled 23 pregnant women with BV but without APO, 5 pregnant women with BV and developing APO, 21 pregnant women with intermediate flora, and 28 random control samples from pregnant women without BV or APO.BV without APO in pregnant women was associated with 28-fold interleukin-8, 5-fold interleukin-10, and 40-fold interleukin-22 increases in expression compared to controls. BV associated with APO in pregnant women shared 4-fold increase in tumor necrosis factor, 100-fold decrease in interleukin-10, and no variation in interleukin-22 expressions compared to controls. Next-generation sequencing of vaginal microbiota revealed a shift from obligate anaerobic bacteria dominance in BV without APO pregnant women to Lactobacillus dominance microbiota in BV with APO.Our results show that the anti-inflammatory and mucosal homeostatic responses to BV may determine outcome of pregnancy in the setting of BV possibly through effects on the vaginal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Faure
- From the Faculty of Medicine of Lille, EA7366 Host-Pathogen Translational Research Group, University Lille North of France (EF, KF, EK, TG, RD); CHRU de Lille, Service de Maladies Infectieuses, Hôpital Claude Huriez (EF, KF, RD); University Lille, CHU Lille, IRCL, Structural and Functional Genomics Core Facility (MF, CV, RD); CHU Lille, Institut d'Immunologie-Centre de Biologie Pathologie et Génétique (SD, RD); UDSL, EA 2686, UFR Médecine (SD, RD); Univ Lille Nord de France (SD, BG, RD, DS); CHU Lille, Institut de Microbiologie, Laboratoire de Bactériologie Hygiène, Centre de Biologie Pathologie et Génétique (RD); UDSL, UFR Médecine (RD); CHU Lille, Service de Gestion du Risque Infectieux, des Vigilances et d'Infectiologie (BG); UDSL, EA 2694, UFR Médecine (BG, DS); Hôpital Saint Vincent, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique (GB); CHU Lille, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre (DS), Lille, France
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106
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Sun J, Yang M, Ban Y, Gao W, Song B, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Shao Q, Kong B, Qu X. Tim-3 Is Upregulated in NK Cells during Early Pregnancy and Inhibits NK Cytotoxicity toward Trophoblast in Galectin-9 Dependent Pathway. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147186. [PMID: 26789128 PMCID: PMC4720443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells accumulate at the maternal-fetal interface (MFI) and play essential roles in maintaining immune tolerance during pregnancy. The mechanisms that facilitate NK cells tolerance to fetal tissue are largely unknown. T cell Ig and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) is a newly defined molecule with essential immunological function in many physiological and pathological processes. Recent study showed that Tim-3 was involved in the regulation of immune tolerance at MFI. However, whether Tim-3 regulates NK cells cytotoxicity toward trophoblasts is unclear. Here, we showed Tim-3 was mainly expressed by decidual NK cells (dNK) and Tim-3 level in dNK was higher than peripheral NK cells (pNK). Tim-3+ dNK expressed more levels of mature markers CD94 and CD69 than Tim-3- dNK cells and blocking Tim-3 significantly inhibited dNK IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion. Furthermore, we found TGF-β1 may contribute to such up-regulation of Tim-3 in NK cells. Interestingly, blocking Tim-3 enhanced NK cytotoxicity toward trophoblast cell line HTR-8 but not K562. We found HTR-8 expressed Tim-3 ligand Galectin-9, in contrast K562 did not. Small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of Galectin-9 expression enhanced NK cytotoxicity toward HTR-8. We further showed Tim-3/Galecin-9 inhibited NK cytotoxicity toward trophoblast partially via impairing the degranulation process. In addition, clinical data showed that abnormal Tim-3 level on pNK might be associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Thus, our data demonstrate Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway maintains local tolerance by suppressing NK cytotoxicity toward trophoblasts which may represent a new immunologic tolerance mechanism at MFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintang Sun
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Meixiang Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Ban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Gao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingfeng Song
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Shao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Qu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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107
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Ban Y, Zhao Y, Liu F, Dong B, Kong B, Qu X. Effect of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Expressed in HTR-8/SVneo Cells on Decidual NK Cell Cytotoxicity. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:519-28. [PMID: 26782048 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To study the effect of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expressed in HTR-8/SVneo cells on NKG2D and NKp46 expression and cytotoxicity of decidual NK (dNK) and peripheral NK (pNK) cells. METHOD OF STUDY CD56(+) dNK and pNK cells purified were cultured with HTR-8/SVneo cell conditioned medium (CM), 1-MT+HTR-8/SVneo cell CM, and complete RPMI 1640 medium (negative control) in vitro. The mRNA and protein expression of NKG2D and NKp46 in NK cells were then assessed by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated with LDH assays, and TNF-α secretion was analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS For dNK cells, the mRNA and protein expression of NKp46 as well as NKG2D did not differ significantly among the three groups (P > 0.05), whereas for pNK cells, the expression level was significantly decreased in HTR-8/SVneo cell CM group than the other two groups (P < 0.01). Peripheral NK cells cultured with HTR-8/SVneo cell CM showed reduced cytotoxicity and TNF-α secretion than the other two groups (P < 0.01), although there were no significant differences among three groups for dNK cells (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION IDO expressed by HTR-8/SVneo cells can down-regulate NKp46 and NKG2D expression and reduce cytotoxicity in pNK cells, and may contribute to keep dNK cytotoxicity at a low level, suggesting an important role for IDO in the maintenance of normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Ban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Baihua Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Xun Qu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
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108
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Moffett A, Hiby SE, Sharkey AM. The role of the maternal immune system in the regulation of human birthweight. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:20140071. [PMID: 25602075 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human birthweight is subject to stabilizing selection. Large babies are at risk of obstetric complications such as obstructed labour, which endangers both mother and child. Small babies are also at risk with reduced survival. Fetal growth requires remodelling of maternal spiral arteries to provide an adequate maternal blood supply to the placenta. This arterial transformation is achieved by placental trophoblast cells, which invade into the uterine wall. Under-invasion is associated with fetal growth restriction; but if invasion is excessive large babies can result. A growing body of evidence suggests that this process is controlled by interactions between killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) expressed on maternal uterine natural killer cells (uNK) and their corresponding human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) ligands on invading trophoblast. Mothers with the KIR AA genotype and a fetus with a paternal HLA-C2 allele tend to have small babies, because this combination inhibits cytokine secretion by uNK. Mothers with the activating KIR2DS1 gene and an HLA-C2 fetus are more likely to have large babies. When KIR2DS1 binds to HLA-C2 this increases secretion of cytokines that enhance trophoblast invasion. We conclude that specific combinations of the highly polymorphic gene systems, KIR and HLA-C, contribute to successful reproduction by maintaining birthweight between two extremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Susan E Hiby
- Department of Pathology and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Andrew M Sharkey
- Department of Pathology and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
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109
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Natural cytotoxicity receptor splice variants orchestrate the distinct functions of human natural killer cell subtypes. Nat Commun 2015; 6:10183. [PMID: 26666685 PMCID: PMC4682172 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp46/NCR1, NKp44/NCR2 and NKp30/NCR3 are critical for natural killer (NK) cell functions. Their genes are transcribed into several splice variants whose physiological relevance is not yet fully understood. Here we report that decidua basalis NK (dNK) cells of the pregnant uterine mucosa and peripheral blood NK (pNK) cells, two functionally distinct subsets of the physiological NK cell pool, display differential expression of NKp30/NCR3 and NKp44/NCR2 splice variants. The presence of cytokines that are enriched within the decidual microenvironment is sufficient to convert the splice variant profile of pNK cells into one similar to that of dNK cells. This switch is associated with decreased cytotoxic function and major adaptations to the secretome, hallmarks of the decidual phenotype. Thus, NKp30/NCR3 and NKp44/NCR2 splice variants delineate functionally distinct NK cell subsets. To our knowledge, this is the first conclusive evidence underlining the physiological importance of NCR splice variants. Decidual natural killer (NK) cells from the pregnant uterus play an important role in the physiology of pregnancy and differ functionally from peripheral blood NK cells. Siewiera et al. reveal that this is partly due to the differential expression of splice variants of natural cytotoxicity receptors by these two cell subsets.
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110
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Zhang J, Dunk C, Croy AB, Lye SJ. To serve and to protect: the role of decidual innate immune cells on human pregnancy. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:249-265. [PMID: 26572540 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The maternal-fetal interface undergoes dynamic changes that promote successful development of the embryo/fetal allograft during pregnancy. This immune privilege of the conceptus is mediated through local and systemic cellular responses. In species in which endometrial decidualization accompanies pregnancy, unique immune cell niches are found. Many studies have addressed the enigmatic roles of uterine (u)NK cells as killers and helpers because they are frequently found in the uterine lining and decidua of normal and pathological pregnancies. Accumulating evidence indicates that uNK cells are induced and transformed by sensing signals within their microenvironment to both protect the mother from the fetal allograft and support the fetus during its development. Here, we review the mechanisms that modulate these functions of uNK cells during pregnancy. We suggest that uNK cells must be tightly regulated in order to serve these two roles and support a healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Zhang
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde St., Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada.
| | - Caroline Dunk
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde St., Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anne B Croy
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J Lye
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde St., Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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111
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The HLA-G cycle provides for both NK tolerance and immunity at the maternal-fetal interface. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:13312-7. [PMID: 26460007 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1517724112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of noncytotoxic decidual natural killer cells (dNK) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) at the maternal-fetal interface was studied. Confocal microscopy revealed that many dNK interact with a single large EVT. Filamentous projections from EVT enriched in HLA-G were shown to contact dNK, and may represent the initial stage of synapse formation. As isolated, 2.5% of dNK contained surface HLA-G. However, surface HLA-G-negative dNK contained internalized HLA-G. Activation of dNK resulted in the disappearance of internalized HLA-G in parallel with restoration of cytotoxicity. Surface HLA-G was reacquired by incubation with EVT. This HLA-G cycle of trogocytosis, endocytosis, degradation, and finally reacquisition provides a transient and localized acquisition of new functional properties by dNK upon interaction with EVT. Interruption of the cycle by activation of dNK by cytokines and/or viral products serves to ensure the NK control of virus infection at the interface, and is illustrated here by the response of dNK to human cytomegalo virus (HCMV)-infected decidual stromal cells. Thus, the HLA-G cycle in dNK can provide both for NK tolerance and antiviral immunity.
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112
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Lash GE. Molecular Cross-Talk at the Feto-Maternal Interface. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2015; 5:cshperspect.a023010. [PMID: 26385089 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a023010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Molecular cross-talk at the feto-maternal interface occurs between many different cell types, including uterine leukocytes, extravillous trophoblast cells, and uterine spiral arteries, is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. This review concentrates on human pregnancy and examines three main areas in which cross-talk occurs; immune tolerance, regulation of extravillous trophoblast invasion, and remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gendie E Lash
- Reproductive and Vascular Biology Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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113
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Ota K, Dambaeva S, Kim MWI, Han AR, Fukui A, Gilman-Sachs A, Beaman K, Kwak-Kim J. 1,25-Dihydroxy-vitamin D3 regulates NK-cell cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion, and degranulation in women with recurrent pregnancy losses. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:3188-99. [PMID: 26257123 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201545541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D has a pivotal role in regulating immune responses by promoting Th2 immune responses and suppressing Th1 responses. Propensities to a Th1 immune response and increased NK-cell levels and cytotoxicity have been reported in women with recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL). In women with RPL, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent; however, the effect of vitamin D on NK cells is largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that CD69(+) activating receptor expression on NK cells was significantly decreased by incubation with 1,25(OH)2 D3 in a dose-dependent manner, while CD158a and CD158b inhibitory receptor expression was upregulated. The degranulation marker CD107a was significantly downregulated on NK cells following incubation with 1,25(OH)2 D3 . NK-cell conjugation with K562 target cells was not affected by 1,25(OH)2 D3 ; however, depolarization of perforin granules in conjugated NK cells was significantly increased. TLR4 expression on NK cells was significantly decreased and TNF-α and IFN-γ production was significantly reduced by 1,25(OH)2 D3 through interference with NF-κB. Our results suggest 1,25(OH)2 D3 has immune regulatory effects on NK cell cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and degranulation process as well as TLR4 expression. Potential therapeutic application of 1,25(OH)2 D3 for dysregulated NK-cell immunity should be explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuniaki Ota
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.,Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA
| | - Svetlana Dambaeva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael Woo-Il Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ae-Ra Han
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.,Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA
| | - Atsushi Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
| | - Alice Gilman-Sachs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kenneth Beaman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.,Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA
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114
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Chapman JC, Chapman FM, Michael SD. The production of alpha/beta and gamma/delta double negative (DN) T-cells and their role in the maintenance of pregnancy. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:73. [PMID: 26164866 PMCID: PMC4499209 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of the thymus gland to convert bone marrow-derived progenitor cells into single positive (SP) T-cells is well known. In this review we present evidence that the thymus, in addition to producing SP T-cells, also has a pathway for the production of double negative (DN) T-cells. The existence of this pathway was noted during our examination of relevant literature to determine the cause of sex steroid-induced thymocyte loss. In conducting this search our objective was to answer the question of whether thymocyte loss is the end product of a typical interaction between the reproductive and immune systems, or evidence that the two systems are incompatible. We can now report that "thymocyte loss" is a normal process that occurs during the production of DN T-cells. The DN T-cell pathway is unique in that it is mediated by thymic mast cells, and becomes functional following puberty. Sex steroids initiate the development of the pathway by binding to an estrogen receptor alpha located in the outer membrane of the mast cells, causing their activation. This results in their uptake of extracellular calcium, and the production and subsequent release of histamine and serotonin. Lymphatic vessels, located in the subcapsular region of the thymus, respond to the two vasodilators by undergoing a substantial and preferential uptake of gamma/delta and alpha/beta DN T- cells. These T- cells exit the thymus via efferent lymphatic vessels and enter the lymphatic system.The DN pathway is responsible for the production of three subsets of gamma/delta DN T-cells and one subset of alpha/beta DN T-cells. In postpubertal animals approximately 35 % of total thymocytes exit the thymus as DN T-cells, regardless of sex. In pregnant females, their levels undergo a dramatic increase. Gamma/delta DN T-cells produce cytokines that are essential for the maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Chapman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, 13902-6000, USA.
| | - Fae M Chapman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, 13902-6000, USA.
| | - Sandra D Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, 13902-6000, USA.
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115
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Human HLA-G+ extravillous trophoblasts: Immune-activating cells that interact with decidual leukocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:7219-24. [PMID: 26015573 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1507977112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Invading human leukocyte antigen-G+ (HLA-G+) extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) are rare cells that are believed to play a key role in the prevention of a maternal immune attack on foreign fetal tissues. Here highly purified HLA-G+ EVT and HLA-G- villous trophoblasts (VT) were isolated. Culture on fibronectin that EVT encounter on invading the uterus increased HLA-G, EGF-Receptor-2, and LIF-Receptor expression on EVT, presumably representing a further differentiation state. Microarray and functional gene set enrichment analysis revealed a striking immune-activating potential for EVT that was absent in VT. Cocultures of HLA-G+ EVT with sample matched decidual natural killer cells (dNK), macrophages, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were established. Interaction of EVT with CD4+ T cells resulted in increased numbers of CD4+CD25(HI)FOXP3+CD45RA+ resting regulatory T cells (Treg) and increased the expression level of the Treg-specific transcription factor FOXP3 in these cells. However, EVT did not enhance cytokine secretion in dNK, whereas stimulation of dNK with mitogens or classical natural killer targets confirmed the distinct cytokine secretion profiles of dNK and peripheral blood NK cells (pNK). EVT are specialized cells involved in maternal-fetal tolerance, the properties of which are not imitated by HLA-G-expressing surrogate cell lines.
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116
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Merkt W, Urlaub D, Meinke S, Kammerer R, Watzl C. Inhibition of NKp30- and 2B4-mediated NK cell activation by evolutionary different human and bovine CEACAM1 receptors. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:2134-42. [PMID: 25824372 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201445151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Carcinoembryonicantigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a receptor involved in the regulation of NK-cell function. In most species, the CEACAM1 cytoplasmic tail possesses a membrane-proximal ITIM paired with a membrane-distal immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif (ITSM) signaling motif. Human CEACAM1 has phylogenetically relatively recently acquired a second ITIM instead of the ITSM and was shown to inhibit NKG2D-mediated NK-cell activation. Here, we compare the function of bovine and human CEACAM1. We show that in addition to NKG2D, human CEACAM1 can inhibit NK-cell activation via NKp30 or 2B4. Bovine CEACAM1, possessing an ITIM and an ITSM signaling motif, is also inhibitory. However, bovine CEACAM1 inhibition of NKp30-mediated lysis is less pronounced compared with its human counterpart. Bovine CEACAM1 inhibition is dependent on the membrane-proximal ITIM and our data suggest that also the membrane distal ITSM motif contributes to inhibitory signaling. Biochemically, human and bovine CEACAM1 can recruit the phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 after receptor phosphorylation to a similar extend. Bovine CEACAM1 can additionally recruit the adapter molecule Ewing's sarcoma virus-activated transcript-2 (EAT-2), but not SLAM-associated protein (SAP). Taken together, we show that although human and bovine CEACAM1 are differentially equipped with ITIM and ITSM motifs, both receptors can inhibit NKp30 and 2B4 activation of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Merkt
- Institute for Immunology, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Doris Urlaub
- Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Stephan Meinke
- Institute for Immunology, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert Kammerer
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler Institute, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Carsten Watzl
- Institute for Immunology, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
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117
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Gregori S, Amodio G, Quattrone F, Panina-Bordignon P. HLA-G Orchestrates the Early Interaction of Human Trophoblasts with the Maternal Niche. Front Immunol 2015; 6:128. [PMID: 25870595 PMCID: PMC4378286 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) play a central role in educating maternal leukocytes, endometrial stromal and endothelial cells to generate a receptive decidual microenvironment tailored to accept the semi-allogeneic fetus. HLA-G, a non-classical HLA class I molecule endowed with immune-regulatory functions, is primarily expressed on EVTs lining the placenta and on the naturally occurring tolerogenic dendritic cells, named DC-10, which are enriched in the human first trimester decidua. Decidual DC-10 are involved in HLA-G-mediated tolerance at the maternal–fetal interface. EVTs not only establish a tolerogenic microenvironment through the interaction with maternal innate and adaptive cells but also orchestrate placenta vascular and tissue remodeling, leading to a successful pregnancy. Here, we discuss the potential implications of the HLA-G-mediated cross-talk among the cells present at the maternal–fetal interface, and its role in maintaining a positive relationship between the mother and the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gregori
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (HSR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan , Italy
| | - Giada Amodio
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (HSR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan , Italy
| | - Federica Quattrone
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital , Milan , Italy
| | - Paola Panina-Bordignon
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital , Milan , Italy
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118
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Vacca P, Montaldo E, Croxatto D, Loiacono F, Canegallo F, Venturini PL, Moretta L, Mingari MC. Identification of diverse innate lymphoid cells in human decidua. Mucosal Immunol 2015; 8:254-64. [PMID: 25052762 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2014.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are developmentally related cells that play an important role in innate defenses and tissue remodeling. So far, only natural killer (NK) cells have been identified and functionally characterized in human decidua where they contribute to induction of immune suppression, neo-angiogenesis, and tissue building/remodeling. The presence of other ILC subsets in human decidua has not been yet characterized. Here we identify in human decidua, during early pregnancy, two subsets of decidual group 3 ILC (ILC3), including lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi)-like cells and natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs)(+)ILC3 and interferon-(IFN)γ-producing ILC1, different from NK cells. Decidual LTi-like cells produced interleukin -17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), while NCR(+)ILC3 released IL-22 and IL-8. Importantly, NCR(+)ILC3 and LTi-like cells established functional interactions with stromal cells. Decidual LTi-like cells differentiated into NCR(+)ILC3, whereas they marginally contributed to NK cell generation. Our data suggest that decidual ILC3 may play a role in innate defenses and in vessel and tissue building, thus contributing to maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Vacca
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - E Montaldo
- 1] Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy [2] IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
| | - D Croxatto
- 1] Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy [2] IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
| | - F Loiacono
- 1] IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy [2] Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | | | - P L Venturini
- 1] IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy [2] Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, riabilitazione, oftalmologia, genetica e scienze materno-infantili, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - L Moretta
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - M C Mingari
- 1] Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy [2] IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
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119
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Svensson-Arvelund J, Ernerudh J. The Role of Macrophages in Promoting and Maintaining Homeostasis at the Fetal-Maternal Interface. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 74:100-9. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Svensson-Arvelund
- Clinical Immunology; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; Linköping University; Linköping Sweden
| | - Jan Ernerudh
- Clinical Immunology; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; Linköping University; Linköping Sweden
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120
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Bulmer JN, Lash GE. The Role of Uterine NK Cells in Normal Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 868:95-126. [PMID: 26178847 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-18881-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The human endometrium contains a substantial population of leucocytes which vary in distribution during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. An unusual population of natural killer (NK) cells, termed uterine NK (uNK) cells, are the most abundant of these cells in early pregnancy. The increase in number of uNK cells in the mid-secretory phase of the cycle with further increases in early pregnancy has focused attention on the role of uNK cells in early pregnancy. Despite many studies, the in vivo role of these cells is uncertain. This chapter reviews current information regarding the role of uNK cells in healthy human pregnancy and evidence indicating their importance in various reproductive and pregnancy problems. Studies in humans are limited by the availability of suitable tissues and the limitations of extrapolation from animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith N Bulmer
- Reproductive and Vascular Biology Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK,
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121
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Effector Cells of the Mucosal Immune System. Mucosal Immunol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415847-4.00039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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122
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Immunity at the Maternal–Fetal Interface. Mucosal Immunol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415847-4.00114-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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123
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Cichicki F, Schlums H, Theorell J, Tesi B, Miller JS, Ljunggren HG, Bryceson YT. Diversification and Functional Specialization of Human NK Cell Subsets. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2015; 395:63-94. [PMID: 26472216 DOI: 10.1007/82_2015_487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that participate in different facets of immunity. They can act as innate sentinels through recognition and eradication of infected or transformed target cells, so-called immunosurveillance. In addition, they can contain immune responses through the killing of other activated immune cells, so-called immunoregulation. Furthermore, they instruct and regulate immune responses by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, either upon direct target cell recognition or by relaying cytokine cues from various cell types. Recent studies in mouse and man have uncovered infection-associated expansions of NK cell subsets with specific receptor repertoires and diverse patterns of intracellular signaling molecule expression. Moreover, distinct attributes of NK cells in tissues, including tissue-resident subsets, are being further elucidated. Findings support an emerging theme of ever-increasing diversification and functional specialization among different NK cell subsets, with a functional dichotomy between subsets involved in immunoregulation or immunosurveillance. The epigenetic landscapes and transcriptional profiles of different NK cell subsets are providing insights into the molecular regulation of effector functions. Here, we review phenotypic, functional, and developmental characteristics of a spectrum of human NK cell subsets. We also discuss the molecular underpinnings of different NK cell subsets and their potential contributions to immunity as well as disease susceptibility.
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124
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Wallace AE, Whitley GS, Thilaganathan B, Cartwright JE. Decidual natural killer cell receptor expression is altered in pregnancies with impaired vascular remodeling and a higher risk of pre-eclampsia. J Leukoc Biol 2014; 97:79-86. [PMID: 25381387 PMCID: PMC4377829 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.2a0614-282r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-interacting cell surface receptors are altered on decidual natural killer cells
in pregnancy, potentially altering interactions with fetal cells via chemokine
expression. During pregnancy, a specialized type of NK cell accumulates in the lining of the
uterus (decidua) and interacts with semiallogeneic fetal trophoblast cells. dNK cells
are functionally and phenotypically distinct from PB NK and are implicated in
regulation of trophoblast transformation of the uterine spiral arteries, which if
inadequately performed, can result in pregnancy disorders. Here, we have used uterine
artery Doppler RI in the first trimester of pregnancy as a proxy measure of the
extent of transformation of the spiral arteries to identify pregnancies with a high
RI, indicative of impaired spiral artery remodeling. We have used flow cytometry to
examine dNK cells isolated from these pregnancies compared with those from
pregnancies with a normal RI. We report a reduction in the proportion of dNK cells
from high RI pregnancies expressing KIR2DL/S1,3,5 and LILRB1, receptors for HLA-C and
HLA-G on trophoblast. Decreased LILRB1 expression in the decidua was examined by
receptor blocking in trophoblast coculture and altered dNK expression of the
cytokines CXCL10 and TNF-α, which regulate trophoblast
behavior. These results indicate that dNK cells from high RI pregnancies may display
altered interactions with trophoblast via decreased expression of HLA-binding
cell-surface receptors, impacting on successful transformation of the uterus for
pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison E Wallace
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences, St George's University of London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Guy S Whitley
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences, St George's University of London, United Kingdom; and
| | | | - Judith E Cartwright
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences, St George's University of London, United Kingdom; and
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125
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The immunology of pregnancy: Regulatory T cells control maternal immune tolerance toward the fetus. Immunol Lett 2014; 162:41-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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126
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Bruno A, Ferlazzo G, Albini A, Noonan DM. A think tank of TINK/TANKs: tumor-infiltrating/tumor-associated natural killer cells in tumor progression and angiogenesis. J Natl Cancer Inst 2014; 106:dju200. [PMID: 25178695 PMCID: PMC4344546 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/dju200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes are often induced by the cancer microenvironment to display a protumor, proangiogenic phenotype. This “polarization” has been described for several myeloid cells, in particular macrophages. Natural killer (NK) cells represent another population of innate immune cells able to infiltrate tumors. The role of NK in tumor progression and angiogenesis has not yet been fully investigated. Several studies have shown that tumor-infiltrating NK (here referred to as “TINKs”) and tumor-associated NK (altered peripheral NK cells, which here we call “TANKs”) are compromised in their ability to lysew tumor cells. Recent data have suggested that they are potentially protumorigenic and can also acquire a proangiogenic phenotype. Here we review the properties of TINKs and TANKs and compare their activities to that of NK cells endowed with a physiological proangiogenic phenotype, in particular decidual NK cells. We speculate on the potential origins of TINKs and TANKs and on the immune signals involved in their differentiation and polarization. The TINK and TANK phenotype has broad implications in the immune response to tumors, ranging from a deficient control of cancer and cancer stem cells to an altered crosstalk with other relevant players of the immune response, such as dendritic cells, to induction of cancer angiogenesis. With this recently acquired knowledge that has not yet been put into perspective, we point out new potential avenues for therapeutic intervention involving NK cells as a target or an ally in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Bruno
- Scientific and Technology Park, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy (AB, DMN); Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (GF); Department of Research and Statistics, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy (AA); Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy (DMN)
| | - Guido Ferlazzo
- Scientific and Technology Park, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy (AB, DMN); Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (GF); Department of Research and Statistics, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy (AA); Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy (DMN)
| | - Adriana Albini
- Scientific and Technology Park, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy (AB, DMN); Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (GF); Department of Research and Statistics, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy (AA); Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy (DMN)
| | - Douglas M Noonan
- Scientific and Technology Park, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy (AB, DMN); Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (GF); Department of Research and Statistics, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy (AA); Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy (DMN)
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127
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Sotnikova N, Voronin D, Antsiferova Y, Bukina E. Interaction of Decidual CD56+ NK with Trophoblast Cells during Normal Pregnancy and Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion at Early Term of Gestation. Scand J Immunol 2014; 80:198-208. [DOI: 10.1111/sji.12196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Sotnikova
- Federal State Research Institute of Maternity and Childhood named V.N. Gorodkov; Ivanovo Russia
| | - D. Voronin
- Federal State Research Institute of Maternity and Childhood named V.N. Gorodkov; Ivanovo Russia
| | - Y. Antsiferova
- Federal State Research Institute of Maternity and Childhood named V.N. Gorodkov; Ivanovo Russia
| | - E. Bukina
- Federal State Research Institute of Maternity and Childhood named V.N. Gorodkov; Ivanovo Russia
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128
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Rajagopalan S. HLA-G-mediated NK cell senescence promotes vascular remodeling: implications for reproduction. Cell Mol Immunol 2014; 11:460-6. [PMID: 24998350 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2014.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterus in early pregnancy is a non-lymphoid organ that is enriched in natural killer (NK) cells. Studies to address the role of these abundant human NK cells at the maternal/fetal interface have focused on their response to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on fetal trophoblast cells that they contact. The interaction of maternal NK cell receptors belonging to the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family with trophoblast MHC class I molecules in pregnancy can regulate NK cell activation for secretion of pro-angiogenic factors that promote placental development. This review will cover the role of KIR at the maternal/fetal interface and focus on KIR2DL4, a KIR family member that is uniquely poised to play a role in pregnancy due to the restricted expression of its ligand, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, by fetal trophoblast cells early in pregnancy. The pathways by which KIR2DL4-HLA-G interactions induce the cellular senescence of NK cells and the role of the resulting senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in vascular remodeling will be discussed in the context of reproduction.
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129
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Wang F, Zhou Y, Fu B, Wu Y, Zhang R, Sun R, Tian Z, Wei H. Molecular signatures and transcriptional regulatory networks of human immature decidual NK and mature peripheral NK cells. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:2771-84. [PMID: 24838931 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201344183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Many differences exist between human immature and mature natural killer (NK) cells, but their respective molecular signatures and transcriptional regulators are relatively unknown. To gain new insights into the diversity and developmental regulation of human NK cells, we used data from high-resolution microarrays with independent verification to describe a comprehensive comparative analysis between immature decidual NK (idNK) cells with a CD56(bright) CD16(-) T-bet(-) phenotype and mature peripheral NK (mpNK) cells with a CD56(dim) CD16(+) T-bet(+) phenotype. This study shows that many novel growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines are expressed by NK cells, and they may regulate NK-cell development or function in an autocrine manner. Notably, we present that idNK and mpNK cells are enriched for homeobox and zinc-finger transcription factors (TFs), respectively. Additionally, many novel candidate transcriptional regulators are common to both idNK and mpNK cells. We further describe the transcriptional regulatory networks of NK cells and show that the endogenous growth factors, cytokines, and TFs enriched in idNK cells regulate each other and may contribute to idNK-cell immaturity. Together, these findings provide novel molecular signatures for immature and mature NK cells, and the novel candidate regulators identified here can be used to describe and further understand NK-cell differentiation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyan Wang
- Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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130
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Dekel N, Gnainsky Y, Granot I, Racicot K, Mor G. The role of inflammation for a successful implantation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:141-7. [PMID: 24809430 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of all human embryo implantations result in failed pregnancy. Multiple factors may contribute to this failure, including genetic or metabolic abnormalities of the embryo. However, many of these spontaneous early abortion cases are attributed to poor uterine receptivity. Furthermore, although many fertility disorders have been overcome by a variety of assisted reproductive techniques, implantation remains the rate-limiting step for the success of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. We, as well as others, have demonstrated that endometrial biopsies performed either during the spontaneous, preceding cycle, or during the IVF cycle itself, significantly improve the rate of implantation, clinical pregnancies, and live births. These observations suggest that mechanical injury of the endometrium may enhance uterine receptivity by provoking the immune system to generate an inflammatory reaction. In strong support of this idea, we recently found that dendritic cells (DCs), an important cellular component of the innate immune system, play a critical role in successful implantation in a mouse model. In this review, we discuss the hypothesis that the injury-derived inflammation in the biopsy-treated patients generates a focus for uterine DCs and Mac accumulation that, in turn, enhance the endometrial expression of essential molecules that facilitate the interaction between the embryo and the uterine epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
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131
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Lagrue K, Carisey A, Oszmiana A, Kennedy PR, Williamson DJ, Cartwright A, Barthen C, Davis DM. The central role of the cytoskeleton in mechanisms and functions of the NK cell immune synapse. Immunol Rev 2014; 256:203-21. [PMID: 24117823 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells discriminate between healthy and unhealthy target cells through a balance of activating and inhibitory signals at direct intercellular contacts called immune synapses. Rearrangements in the cellular cytoskeleton have long been known to be critical in assembly of immune synapses. Here, through bringing together the vast literature on this subject, the number of different ways in which the cytoskeleton is important becomes evident. The dynamics of filamentous actin are critical in (i) creating the nanometer-scale organization of NK cell receptors, (ii) establishing cellular polarity, (iii) coordinating immune receptor and integrin-mediated signaling, and (iv) directing secretion of lytic granules and cytokines. The microtubule network also is important in the delivery of lytic granules and vesicles containing cytokines to the immune synapse. Together, these data establish that the cytoskeleton acts as a central regulator of this complex and dynamic process - and an enormous amount of NK cell biology is controlled through the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Lagrue
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College, London, UK
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132
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Jabrane-Ferrat N, Siewiera J. The up side of decidual natural killer cells: new developments in immunology of pregnancy. Immunology 2014; 141:490-7. [PMID: 24256296 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Early phases of human pregnancy are associated with the accumulation of a unique subset of natural killer (NK) cells in the maternal decidua. Decidual NK (dNK) cells that are devoid of cytotoxicity play a pivotal role in successful pregnancy. By secreting large amounts of cytokines/chemokines and angiogenic factors, dNK cells participate in all steps of placentation including trophoblast invasion into the maternal endometrium and vascular remodelling. In this review, we summarize some of dNK cell features and discuss more recent exciting data that challenge the conventional view of these cells. Our new data demonstrate that dNK cells undergo fine tuning or even subvert their classical inhibitory machinery and turn into a real defence force in order to prevent the spread of viruses to fetal tissue. Today it is not clear how these phenotypic and functional adaptations impact cellular cross-talk at the fetal-maternal interface and tissue homeostasis. Ultimately, precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern dNK cell plasticity during congenital human cytomegalovirus infection should lead to the design of more robust strategies to reverse immune escape during viral infection and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Jabrane-Ferrat
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1043, Toulouse, France; Centre National Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5282, Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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133
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Kwak-Kim J, Bao S, Lee SK, Kim JW, Gilman-Sachs A. Immunological modes of pregnancy loss: inflammation, immune effectors, and stress. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:129-40. [PMID: 24661472 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory immune response plays a key role in reproductive failures such as multiple implantation failures (MIF), early pregnancy loss, and recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL). Cellular immune responses particularly mediated by natural killer (NK), and T cells are often dysregulated in these conditions. Excessive or inappropriate recruitment of peripheral blood NK cells to the uterus may lead to cytotoxic environment in utero, in which proliferation and differentiation of trophoblast is hampered. In addition, inadequate angiogenesis by uterine NK cells often leads to abnormal vascular development and blood flow patterns, which, in turn, leads to increased oxidative stress or ischemic changes in the invading trophoblast. T-cell abnormalities with increased Th1 and Th17 immunity, and decreased Th2 and T regulatory immune responses may play important roles in RPL and MIF. A possible role of stress in inflammatory immune response is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
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134
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Lockwood CJ, Huang SJ, Chen CP, Huang Y, Xu J, Faramarzi S, Kayisli O, Kayisli U, Koopman L, Smedts D, Buchwalder LF, Schatz F. Decidual cell regulation of natural killer cell-recruiting chemokines: implications for the pathogenesis and prediction of preeclampsia. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 183:841-56. [PMID: 23973270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
First trimester human decidua is composed of decidual cells, CD56(bright)CD16(-) decidual natural killer (dNK) cells, and macrophages. Decidual cells incubated with NK cell-derived IFN-γ and either macrophage-derived TNF-α or IL-1β synergistically enhanced mRNA and protein expression of IP-10 and I-TAC. Both chemokines recruit CXCR3-expressing NK cells. This synergy required IFN-γ receptor 1 and 2 mediation via JAK/STAT and NFκB signaling pathways. However, synergy was not observed on neutrophil, monocyte, and NK cell-recruiting chemokines. Immunostaining of first trimester decidua localized IP-10, I-TAC, IFN-γR1, and -R2 to vimentin-positive decidual cells versus cytokeratin-positive interstitial trophoblasts. Flow cytometry identified high CXCR3 levels on dNK cells and minority peripheral CD56(bright)CD16(-) pNK cells and intermediate CXCR3 levels on the majority of CD56(dim)CD16(+) pNK cells. Incubation of pNK cells with either IP-10 or I-TAC elicited concentration-dependent enhanced CXCR3 levels and migration of both pNK cell subsets that peaked at 10 ng/mL, whereas each chemokine at a concentration of 50 ng/mL inhibited CXCR3 expression and pNK cell migration. Deciduae from women with preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, displayed significantly lower dNK cell numbers and higher IP-10 and I-TAC levels versus gestational age-matched controls. Significantly elevated IP-10 levels in first trimester sera from women eventually developing preeclampsia compared with controls, identifying IP-10 as a novel, robust early predictor of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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135
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Clark GF. The role of glycans in immune evasion: the human fetoembryonic defence system hypothesis revisited. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:185-99. [PMID: 24043694 PMCID: PMC3925329 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest that mechanisms to evade the human immune system may be shared by the conceptus, tumour cells, persistent pathogens and viruses. It is therefore timely to revisit the human fetoembryonic defense system (Hu-FEDS) hypothesis that was proposed in two papers in the 1990s. The initial paper suggested that glycoconjugates expressed in the human reproductive system inhibited immune responses directed against gametes and the developing human by employing their carbohydrate sequences as functional groups. These glycoconjugates were proposed to block specific binding interactions and interact with lectins linked to signal transduction pathways that modulated immune cell functions. The second article suggested that aggressive tumour cells and persistent pathogens (HIV, H. pylori, schistosomes) either mimicked or acquired the same carbohydrate functional groups employed in this system to evade immune responses. This subterfuge enabled these pathogens and tumour cells to couple their survival to the human reproductive imperative. The Hu-FEDS model has been repeatedly tested since its inception. Data relevant to this model have also been obtained in other studies. Herein, the Hu-FEDS hypothesis is revisited in the context of these more recent findings. Far more supportive evidence for this model now exists than when it was first proposed, and many of the original predictions have been validated. This type of subterfuge by pathogens and tumour cells likely applies to all sexually reproducing metazoans that must protect their gametes from immune responses. Intervention in these pathological states will likely remain problematic until this system of immune evasion is fully understood and appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary F. Clark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research and Division of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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136
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Croxatto D, Vacca P, Canegallo F, Conte R, Venturini PL, Moretta L, Mingari MC. Stromal cells from human decidua exert a strong inhibitory effect on NK cell function and dendritic cell differentiation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89006. [PMID: 24586479 PMCID: PMC3930605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal cells (SC) are an important component of decidual tissues where they are in strict proximity with both NK and CD14+ myelomonocytic cells that play a role in the maintenance of pregnancy. In this study we analyzed whether decidual SC (DSC) could exert a regulatory role on NK and CD14+ cells that migrate from peripheral blood (PB) to decidua during pregnancy. We show that DSCs inhibit the IL15-mediated up-regulation of major activating NK receptors in PB-derived NK cells. In addition, the IL15-induced NK cell proliferation, cytolytic activity and IFN-γ production were severely impaired. DSCs sharply inhibited dendritic cells differentiation and their ability to induce allogeneic T cell proliferation. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) mediated the inhibitory effect of DSCs. Our results strongly suggest an important role of DSCs in preventing potentially dangerous immune response, thus contributing to maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Croxatto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Romana Conte
- IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST (National Institute for Cancer Research), Genoa, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Venturini
- IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST (National Institute for Cancer Research), Genoa, Italy
- DINOGMI, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST (National Institute for Cancer Research), Genoa, Italy
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137
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Choi JH, Jung J, Na KH, Cho KJ, Yoon TK, Kim GJ. Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Extracts Derived from the Placenta on Trophoblast Invasion and Immune Responses. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:132-45. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jong Ho Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Jung
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Hwan Na
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Jin Cho
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Ki Yoon
- Fertility Center of CHA General Hospital, CHA Research Institute, CHA University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Jin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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138
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Sharma S. Natural killer cells and regulatory T cells in early pregnancy loss. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2014; 58:219-29. [PMID: 25023688 PMCID: PMC4306453 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.140109ss] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Survival of the allogeneic embryo in the uterus depends on the maintenance of immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. The pregnant uterus is replete with activated maternal immune cells. How this immune tolerance is acquired and maintained has been a topic of intense investigation. The key immune cells that predominantly populate the pregnant uterus are natural killer (NK) cells. In normal pregnancy, these cells are not killers, but rather provide a microenvironment that is pregnancy compatible and supports healthy placentation. In placental mammals, an array of highly orchestrated immune elements to support successful pregnancy outcome has been incorporated. This includes active cooperation between maternal immune cells, particularly NK cells, and trophoblast cells. This intricate process is required for placentation, immune regulation and to remodel the blood supply to the fetus. During the past decade, various types of maternal immune cells have been thought to be involved in cross-talk with trophoblasts and in programming immune tolerance. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have attracted a great deal of attention in promoting implantation and immune tolerance beyond implantation. However, what has not been fully addressed is how this immune-trophoblast axis breaks down during adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly early pregnancy loss, and in response to unscheduled inflammation. Intense research efforts have begun to shed light on the roles of NK cells and Tregs in early pregnancy loss, although much remains to be unraveled in order to fully characterize the mechanisms underlying their detrimental activity. An increased understanding of host-environment interactions that lead to the cytotoxic phenotype of these otherwise pregnancy compatible maternal immune cells is important for prediction, prevention and treatment of pregnancy maladies, particularly recurrent pregnancy loss. In this review, we discuss relevant information from experimental and human models that may explain the pregnancy disrupting roles of these pivotal sentinel cells at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Sharma
- Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Pediatrics, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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139
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Le Bouteiller P. Human decidual NK cells: unique and tightly regulated effector functions in healthy and pathogen-infected pregnancies. Front Immunol 2013; 4:404. [PMID: 24324468 PMCID: PMC3839044 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells present in the peripheral blood (PB) respond rapidly to pathogens or pathogen-infected cells by various means including cytotoxicity and release of cytokines and chemokines. In addition they modulate adaptive immunity via the interaction with dendritic cells. Decidual NK cells (dNK) are poorly cytotoxic in healthy pregnancy, both in humans and rodents, when compared to their PB counterparts. We will discuss recent findings that may contribute to answer the following questions: (i) Do dNK possess functional killing machinery in normal healthy pregnancy? (ii) If so, what are the regulatory mechanisms that negatively control this effector function? (iii) Have dNK from early pregnant uterus the intrinsic ability to kill pathogen-infected autologous maternal uterine cells and/or produce soluble factors that stimulate the anti-pathogen adaptive immune response? (iv) Do dNK undergo a receptor repertoire profile shift when they are in contact with pathogen-infected uterine cells? (v) Which pathogen-mediated signal(s) and molecular interactions subvert the inhibition of dNK cytolytic activity?
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Le Bouteiller
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1043 , Toulouse , France ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5282 , Toulouse , France ; Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse Purpan, Université Paul Sabatier , Toulouse , France
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140
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Helige C, Ahammer H, Moser G, Hammer A, Dohr G, Huppertz B, Sedlmayr P. Distribution of decidual natural killer cells and macrophages in the neighbourhood of the trophoblast invasion front: a quantitative evaluation. Hum Reprod 2013; 29:8-17. [PMID: 24140594 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do decidual natural killer (dNK) cells and decidual macrophages (dMph) become enriched in the vicinity of the trophoblast invasion front? SUMMARY ANSWER Morphometric image analysis and areal cell density calculations, which excluded observer bias, showed an enrichment of decidual leukocytes in the neighbourhood of the trophoblast invasion front. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In previous studies, the number of decidual leukocytes was visually counted in medium- or high power fields. These methods, however, cannot reveal the exact spatial relationship between leukocytes and invasive trophoblast cells, and are therefore prone to subjective errors. Thus, a more objective approach is required. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Applying a new method of morphometric image analysis, leukocyte populations were studied in human tissue fragments derived from first trimester placentation sites (n = 7) as well as in co-cultures of first trimester decidual tissue with placental villi of the same pregnancy representing an appropriate in vitro model of trophoblast invasion (n = 15). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS First trimester decidual tissue was obtained from women undergoing elective terminations of pregnancy at 7-10 weeks of gestational age. Tissue sections were double-stained immunohistochemically for markers of dNK cells or dMph on one hand, and for invasive extravillous trophoblast cells on the other. To analyse the distribution of leukocytes, distinct cell compartments as well as cell neighbourhood areas were defined. Finally, relative areal cell densities were calculated and these data were compared with those of an in vitro model of trophoblast invasion as well as with tissue fragments derived from decidua parietalis without trophoblast cells. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE At first trimester placentation sites, a higher density of dNK cells as well as of dMph was found in close proximity to the invasive trophoblast (P ≤ 0.01), compared with the average areal cell density of decidual leukocytes in the tissue with exclusion of the trophoblast. The highest areal cell density of leukocytes was determined up to a distance of 20 μm from the trophoblast cells, whereas in more distant regions it was even lower than average, indicating a migration of these leukocytes towards the trophoblast invasion front. In the three-dimensional co-culture model, however, we found an enrichment of dMph (P ≤ 0.01) but not of dNK cells (P > 0,05) in the neighbourhood of the invasive trophoblast. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The morphometric image analysis depends on intense immunohistochemical staining that is free of background and cross-reactivity. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The presented method will be useful not only for the investigation of recurrent miscarriage but also in the fields of tumour immunology and inflammation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was supported by the European Commission (Network of Excellence 'The Control of Embryo Implantation (EMBIC)', FP6-512040, lead researcher: P.S.), and by the Franz Lanyar Foundation of the Medical University of Graz, Austria (Grant #347). None of the authors declared a conflict of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Helige
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21, A-8010 Graz, Austria
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141
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Xiong S, Sharkey AM, Kennedy PR, Gardner L, Farrell LE, Chazara O, Bauer J, Hiby SE, Colucci F, Moffett A. Maternal uterine NK cell-activating receptor KIR2DS1 enhances placentation. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:4264-72. [PMID: 24091323 DOI: 10.1172/jci68991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced trophoblast invasion and vascular conversion in decidua are thought to be the primary defect of common pregnancy disorders including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Genetic studies suggest these conditions are linked to combinations of polymorphic killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) genes expressed by maternal decidual NK cells (dNK) and HLA-C genes expressed by fetal trophoblast. Inhibitory KIR2DL1 and activating KIR2DS1 both bind HLA-C2, but confer increased risk or protection from pregnancy disorders, respectively. The mechanisms underlying these genetic associations with opposing outcomes are unknown. We show that KIR2DS1 is highly expressed in dNK, stimulating strong activation of KIR2DS1+ dNK. We used microarrays to identify additional responses triggered by binding of KIR2DS1 or KIR2DL1 to HLA-C2 and found different responses in dNK coexpressing KIR2DS1 with KIR2DL1 compared with dNK only expressing KIR2DL1. Activation of KIR2DS1+ dNK by HLA-C2 stimulated production of soluble products including GM-CSF, detected by intracellular FACS and ELISA. We demonstrated that GM-CSF enhanced migration of primary trophoblast and JEG-3 trophoblast cells in vitro. These findings provide a molecular mechanism explaining how recognition of HLA class I molecules on fetal trophoblast by an activating KIR on maternal dNK may be beneficial for placentation.
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142
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Vacca P, Mingari MC, Moretta L. Natural killer cells in human pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2013; 97:14-9. [PMID: 23432867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
While conventional NK cells play an important role in early defenses against pathogens thanks to their cytolytic activity and production of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, those present in decidua (dNK cells), during early pregnancy, are primarily involved in tissue building and remodeling and in the formation of new blood vessels. This occurs mainly via the release of IL-8, VEGF, SDF-1 and IP-10. In addition, we show that by interacting with particular myelomonocytic cells (dCD14(+)) they contribute to the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs). In turn, Tregs are thought to play a pivotal role in immunosuppression and induction of tolerance toward the fetal allograft. We recently demonstrated that CD34(+) hematopoietic precursors (dCD34(+)) are present in decidual tissues, thus suggesting that dNK cells might derive from such precursors. Indeed, this was confined by in vitro experiments in which dCD34(+) cells differentiated into dNK cells upon culture with appropriate cytokine combinations or even in co-culture with decidua-derived stromal cells (dSC). It is possible to speculate that inappropriate cellular interactions in the decidual microenvironment or defects of dNK (or dCD14(+)) cell generation might negatively influence pregnancy success.
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143
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Co EC, Gormley M, Kapidzic M, Rosen DB, Scott MA, Stolp HAR, McMaster M, Lanier LL, Bárcena A, Fisher SJ. Maternal decidual macrophages inhibit NK cell killing of invasive cytotrophoblasts during human pregnancy. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:155. [PMID: 23553431 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.099465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pregnancy is an immunological paradox. Semiallogeneic (fetal) placental cells (extravillous cytotrophoblasts [CTBs]) invade the uterine lining (decidua), which contains a unique decidual natural killer (dNK) cell population, identified by the cell surface phenotype CD56(bright) CD16(-) CD3(-) and CD14(+) CD206(+) macrophages (dMac). Previous reports suggested that human dNK cells are not a threat to the fetoplacental unit because they are anergic. In contrast, here we showed that purified and exogenously stimulated dNK cells are capable killers of cellular targets, including semiallogeneic CTBs. However, dMacs in the decidual leukocyte (DL) population restrained dNK killing through a transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1)-dependent mechanism. Our findings support a new model whereby dNK cells, capable of killing CTBs, are prevented from doing so by neighboring macrophages, thus protecting the fetal cells from NK cell attack. We speculate that this mechanism would inhibit dNK cell-mediated killing, even under conditions where high levels of cytokines may stimulate dNK cells, which could pose a threat to the developing placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Co
- Department of Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Kang L, Voskinarian-Berse V, Law E, Reddin T, Bhatia M, Hariri A, Ning Y, Dong D, Maguire T, Yarmush M, Hofgartner W, Abbot S, Zhang X, Hariri R. Characterization and ex vivo Expansion of Human Placenta-Derived Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2013; 4:101. [PMID: 23641243 PMCID: PMC3640206 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical studies suggest that adoptive transfer of donor-derived natural killer (NK) cells may improve clinical outcome in hematological malignancies and some solid tumors by direct anti-tumor effects as well as by reduction of graft versus host disease (GVHD). NK cells have also been shown to enhance transplant engraftment during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for hematological malignancies. The limited ex vivo expansion potential of NK cells from peripheral blood (PB) or umbilical cord blood (UCB) has however restricted their therapeutic potential. Here we define methods to efficiently generate NK cells from donor-matched, full-term human placenta perfusate (termed Human Placenta-Derived Stem Cell, HPDSC) and UCB. Following isolation from cryopreserved donor-matched HPDSC and UCB units, CD56+CD3- placenta-derived NK cells, termed pNK cells, were expanded in culture for up to 3 weeks to yield an average of 1.2 billion cells per donor that were >80% CD56+CD3-, comparable to doses previously utilized in clinical applications. Ex vivo-expanded pNK cells exhibited a marked increase in anti-tumor cytolytic activity coinciding with the significantly increased expression of NKG2D, NKp46, and NKp44 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.05, respectively). Strong cytolytic activity was observed against a wide range of tumor cell lines in vitro. pNK cells display a distinct microRNA (miRNA) expression profile, immunophenotype, and greater anti-tumor capacity in vitro compared to PB NK cells used in recent clinical trials. With further development, pNK may represent a novel and effective cellular immunotherapy for patients with high clinical needs and few other therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Kang
- Celgene Cellular Therapeutics Warren, NJ, USA
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145
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Human cytomegalovirus infection elicits new decidual natural killer cell effector functions. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003257. [PMID: 23592985 PMCID: PMC3617138 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the first trimester of pregnancy the uterus is massively infiltrated by decidual natural killer cells (dNK). These cells are not killers, but they rather provide a microenvironment that is propitious to healthy placentation. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common cause of intrauterine viral infections and a known cause of severe birth defects or fetal death. The rate of HCMV congenital infection is often low in the first trimester of pregnancy. The mechanisms controlling HCMV spreading during pregnancy are not yet fully revealed, but evidence indicating that the innate immune system plays a role in controlling HCMV infection in healthy adults exists. In this study, we investigated whether dNK cells could be involved in controlling viral spreading and in protecting the fetus against congenital HCMV infection. We found that freshly isolated dNK cells acquire major functional and phenotypic changes when they are exposed to HCMV-infected decidual autologous fibroblasts. Functional studies revealed that dNK cells, which are mainly cytokines and chemokines producers during normal pregnancy, become cytotoxic effectors upon their exposure to HCMV-infected autologous decidual fibroblasts. Both the NKG2D and the CD94/NKG2C or 2E activating receptors are involved in the acquired cytotoxic function. Moreover, we demonstrate that CD56pos dNK cells are able to infiltrate HCMV-infected trophoblast organ culture ex-vivo and to co-localize with infected cells in situ in HCMV-infected placenta. Taken together, our results present the first evidence suggesting the involvement of dNK cells in controlling HCMV intrauterine infection and provide insights into the mechanisms through which these cells may operate to limit the spreading of viral infection to fetal tissues. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpes virus that can establish persisting infection in immunocompetent hosts. HCMV primary infection during pregnancy is devastating; it can result in up to 75% of congenital infections and it is a known cause of fetal death. The immune system and particularly natural killer cells (NK) are known to play a key role in the clearance of several viruses in healthy adults. Whether decidual NK cells (dNK), present in the pregnant uterus, have a role during HCMV infection is not known. We analyze changes in dNK cell function and phenotype in the presence of HCMV-infected targets in an autologous setting. We demonstrate the acquisition of cytotoxic profile which is associated with changes in dNK cell receptor repertoire and cytokine production. Finally, we find that dNK cells are able to sense HCMV infection, migrate and infiltrate infected tissues both in tissular organ culture and in situ in infected placenta. Together our results present the first report demonstrating the involvement of dNK cells in controlling HCMV infection.
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146
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Svensson-Arvelund J, Ernerudh J, Buse E, Cline JM, Haeger JD, Dixon D, Markert UR, Pfarrer C, Vos PD, Faas MM. The Placenta in Toxicology. Part II. Toxicol Pathol 2013; 42:327-38. [PMID: 23531796 DOI: 10.1177/0192623313482205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the maternal immune system is challenged by the semiallogeneic fetus, which must be tolerated without compromising fetal or maternal health. This review updates the systemic and local immune changes taking place during human pregnancy, including some examples in rodents. Systemic changes are induced by contact of maternal blood with placental factors and include enhanced innate immunity with increased activation of granulocytes and nonclassical monocytes. Although a bias toward T helper (Th2) and regulatory T cell (Treg) immunity has been associated with healthy pregnancy, the relationship between different circulating Th cell subsets is not straightforward. Instead, these adaptations appear most evidently at the fetal–maternal interface, where for instance Tregs are enriched and promote fetal tolerance. Also innate immune cells, that is, natural killer cells and macrophages, are enriched, constituting the majority of decidual leukocytes. These cells not only contribute to immune regulation but also aid in establishing the placenta by promoting trophoblast recruitment and angiogenesis. Thus, proper interaction between leukocytes and placental trophoblasts is necessary for normal placentation and immune adaptation. Consequently, spontaneous maladaptation or interference of the immune system with toxic substances may be important contributing factors for the development of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, and recurrent miscarriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Svensson-Arvelund
- Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Jan Ernerudh
- Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
| | | | - J. Mark Cline
- Department of Pathology/Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jan-Dirk Haeger
- Department of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Darlene Dixon
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology Program (NTP), Molecular Pathogenesis, NTP Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta-Labor, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Christiane Pfarrer
- Department of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul De Vos
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Centre Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke M. Faas
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Centre Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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147
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Cerdeira AS, Rajakumar A, Royle CM, Lo A, Husain Z, Thadhani RI, Sukhatme VP, Karumanchi SA, Kopcow HD. Conversion of peripheral blood NK cells to a decidual NK-like phenotype by a cocktail of defined factors. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:3939-48. [PMID: 23487420 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
NK cells that populate the decidua are important regulators of normal placentation. In contrast to peripheral blood NK cells, decidual NK (dNK) cells lack cytotoxicity, secrete proangiogenic factors, and regulate trophoblast invasion. In this study we show that exposure to a combination of hypoxia, TGF-β1, and a demethylating agent results in NK cells that express killer cell Ig-like receptors, the dNK cell markers CD9 and CD49a, and a dNK pattern of chemokine receptors. These cells secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (a potent proangiogenic molecule), display reduced cytotoxicity, and promote invasion of human trophoblast cell lines. These findings have potential therapeutic applications for placental disorders associated with altered NK cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Cerdeira
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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148
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Thaxton JE, Nevers T, Lippe EO, Blois SM, Saito S, Sharma S. NKG2D blockade inhibits poly(I:C)-triggered fetal loss in wild type but not in IL-10-/- mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:3639-47. [PMID: 23455498 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Infection and inflammation can disturb immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the underlying mechanisms for detrimental immune responses remain ill defined. In this study, we provide evidence for immune programming of fetal loss in response to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (polyI:C), a viral mimic and an inducer of inflammatory milieu. IL-10 and uterine NK (uNK) cells expressing the activating receptor NKG2D play a critical role in poly(I:C)-induced fetal demise. In wild type (WT) mice, poly(I:C) treatment induced expansion of NKG2D(+) uNK cells and expression of Rae-1 (an NKG2D ligand) on uterine macrophages and led to fetal resorption. In IL-10(-/-) mice, NKG2D(-) T cells instead became the source of fetal resorption during the same gestation period. Interestingly, both uterine NK and T cells produced TNF-α as the key cytotoxic factor contributing to fetal loss. Treatment of WT mice with poly(I:C) resulted in excessive trophoblast migration into the decidua and increased TUNEL-positive signal. IL-10(-/-) mice supplemented with recombinant IL-10 induced fetal loss through NKG2D(+) uNK cells, similar to the response in WT mice. Blockade of NKG2D in poly(I:C)-treated WT mice led to normal pregnancy outcome. Thus, we demonstrate that pregnancy-disrupting inflammatory events mimicked by poly(I:C) are regulated by IL-10 and depend on the effector function of uterine NKG2D(+) NK cells in WT mice and NKG2D(-) T cells in IL-10 null mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Thaxton
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02905, USA
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149
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Winger EE, Reed JL. The multiple faces of the decidual natural killer cell. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 70:1-9. [PMID: 23448380 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The decidual NK (dNK) cell is called on to support placental growth by providing an array of growth factors that directly transform the spiral artery and direct trophoblast invasion. Successful transformation is dependent upon adequate stimulation paradoxically stimulating the cell for placental support rather than cytotoxicity. With the identification of its supportive role, the presence of an intact cytotoxic mechanism has been confusing. Investigators have found that the cell remains fully capable of cytotoxic responses particularly in response to pathogen-specific signals. We postulate a dual threshold model where moderate stimulation results in release of stimulatory factors supporting placentation while intense stimulation, particularly triggered through pathogen-specific receptors, restores the cell to its protective, cytotoxic, role. Individual dNK cells mature attaining the capacity to respond to the delivery of cognate signals. The process, known as 'licensing' tunes responsiveness to the degree to which stochastically selected inhibitory receptors block cytotoxic response to self. A changing licensing milieu within the decidua may result in altered and unsuitable receptor expression. We postulate that a heterogeneous population of dNK cells where cells inappropriately licensed for the milieu contributes to pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward E Winger
- Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine & Immunology, San Jose, CA, USA
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150
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Veljkovic Vujaklija D, Dominovic M, Gulic T, Mahmutefendic H, Haller H, Saito S, Rukavina D. Granulysin expression and the interplay of granulysin and perforin at the maternal-fetal interface. J Reprod Immunol 2013; 97:186-96. [PMID: 23399514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Granulysin (GNLY) is a cytolytic/apoptotic molecule highly expressed in immune cells, particularly NK cells, at the maternal-fetal interface. The primary function of GNLY is to carry out lysis or apoptosis induction in target cells, tumor cells or cells infected by intracellular pathogens. To exert some of its functions GNLY needs to collaborate with perforin. The purpose of this study was to determine: (a) the expression of GNLY at the gene and protein levels at the maternal-fetal interface, (b) the relationship(s) between GNLY and perforin, and (c) GNLY secretion by NK cells stimulated by the NK-sensitive K562 cell line and its HLA-C and HLA-G transfectants. GNLY and perforin genes were found to be highly activated at the interface. GNLY mRNA was present at significantly higher levels compared with other cytolytic/apoptotic molecules. Confocal microscopy analysis showed that most first trimester pregnancy decidual lymphocytes simultaneously contained both GNLY and perforin protein in their cytoplasm, with a punctuate pattern consistent with granule localization. In contrast to peripheral blood, in unstimulated decidual lymphocytes GNLY and perforin rarely co-localized (10% of GNLY-positive cells and 20% of perforin-positive cells were positive for both proteins). Contact between decidual lymphocytes and K562 cells caused GNLY and perforin to be expressed in the same granules (approximately 50% co-localization), i.e., to attain the pattern seen in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The abundant GNLY secretion by decidual NK cells compared with peripheral blood NK cells after 2h of contact with the NK-sensitive K562 cells and K562 transfectants was striking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Veljkovic Vujaklija
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, B. Branchetta 20, Rijeka, Croatia
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