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Cuadrado-Torroglosa I, García-Velasco JA, Alecsandru D. Maternal-Fetal Compatibility in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2379. [PMID: 38673652 PMCID: PMC11051463 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is an undesirable condition suffered by many patients of reproductive age. In this scenario, certain immune cell populations and molecules, involved in maternal-fetal compatibility, have emerged as factors related with the pathogenesis of RPL. Among them, uterine Natural Killer cells (uNKs) appear to be of great relevance. These cells are involved in numerous processes during pregnancy, such as the remodeling of uterine spiral arteries or the control of trophoblast invasion. These functions are regulated by the interactions that these cells establish with the extravillous trophoblast, mainly through their Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIRs) and the Human Leukocyte Antigen-C (HLA-C) molecules expressed by the embryo. A high level of polymorphism has been reported for both molecules involved in this interaction, with some of the possible KIR-HLA-C combinations being associated with an increased risk of RPL. However, the complexity of the maternal-fetal interface goes beyond this, as other HLA molecules also appear to be related to this reproductive pathology. In this review, we will discuss the role of uNKs in pregnancy, as well as the polymorphisms and clinical implications of KIR-HLA-C binding. We will also address the involvement of other, different HLA molecules in RPL, and the current advice on the appropriate management of patients with 'immunological mismatch', thus covering the main aspects regarding the involvement of maternal-fetal compatibility in RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Cuadrado-Torroglosa
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
| | - Juan A. García-Velasco
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Av. del Talgo, 68, 28023 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Av. del Talgo, 68, 28023 Madrid, Spain
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2
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Stigliani S, Amaro A, Reggiani F, Maccarini E, Massarotti C, Lambertini M, Anserini P, Scaruffi P. A Pilot Analysis of Whole Transcriptome of Human Cryopreserved Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4131. [PMID: 38612939 PMCID: PMC11012871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is a procedure widely used to store gametes for later use, to preserve fertility in patients prior to gonadotoxic treatments or surgery, and for sperm donation programs. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of cryopreservation on human sperm transcriptome. Semen samples were collected from 13 normospermic men. Each sample was divided into two aliquots. The total RNA was immediately extracted from one aliquot. The second aliquot was frozen and total RNA was extracted after a week of storage in liquid nitrogen. The RNA samples were randomized in four pools, each of six donors, and analyzed by microarrays. The paired Significance Analysis of Microarray was performed. We found 219 lower abundant transcripts and 28 higher abundant transcripts in cryopreserved sperm than fresh sperm. The gene ontology analysis disclosed that cryopreservation alters transcripts of pathways important for fertility (i.e., spermatogenesis, sperm motility, mitochondria function, fertilization, calcium homeostasis, cell differentiation, and early embryo development), although the increase of some transcripts involved in immune response can compensate for the harmful effects of freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Stigliani
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Adriana Amaro
- SSD Regolazione dell’Espressione Genica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Reggiani
- SSD Regolazione dell’Espressione Genica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Maccarini
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Claudia Massarotti
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Department of Medical Oncology, UOC Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Anserini
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Paola Scaruffi
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
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Nörenberg J, Vida P, Bösmeier I, Forró B, Nörenberg A, Buda Á, Simon D, Erdő-Bonyár S, Jáksó P, Kovács K, Mikó É, Berki T, Mezősi E, Barakonyi A. Decidual γδT cells of early human pregnancy produce angiogenic and immunomodulatory proteins while also possessing cytotoxic potential. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1382424. [PMID: 38601161 PMCID: PMC11004470 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1382424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the maternal immune system must allow and support the growth of the developing placenta while maintaining the integrity of the mother's body. The trophoblast's unique HLA signature is a key factor in this physiological process. This study focuses on decidual γδT cell populations and examines their expression of receptors that bind to non-classical HLA molecules, HLA-E and HLA-G. We demonstrate that decidual γδT cell subsets, including Vδ1, Vδ2, and double-negative (DN) Vδ1-/Vδ2- cells express HLA-specific regulatory receptors, such as NKG2C, NKG2A, ILT2, and KIR2DL4, each with varying dominance. Furthermore, decidual γδT cells produce cytokines (G-CSF, FGF2) and cytotoxic mediators (Granulysin, IFN-γ), suggesting functions in placental growth and pathogen defense. However, these processes seem to be controlled by factors other than trophoblast-derived non-classical HLA molecules. These findings indicate that decidual γδT cells have the potential to actively contribute to the maintenance of healthy human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Nörenberg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Vida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Isabell Bösmeier
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Barbara Forró
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Anna Nörenberg
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Buda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Diana Simon
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Szabina Erdő-Bonyár
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Pál Jáksó
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Kovács
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Éva Mikó
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tímea Berki
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Emese Mezősi
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alíz Barakonyi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pécs Medical School, Clinical Center, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Gil Laborda R, de Frías ER, Subhi-Issa N, de Albornoz EC, Meliá E, Órdenes M, Verdú V, Vidal J, Suárez E, Santillán I, Ordóñez D, Pintado-Vera D, González Villafáñez V, Lorenzo Á, Fariñas M, Rodríguez-Paíno M, Núñez Beltrán M, García Segovia Á, Del Olmo A, Martín Cañadas F, Daurelio R, de la Fuente A, González Casbas JM, Cabezuelo V, Ros Berruezo F, Moreno Hidalgo MÁ, Iniesta S, Bueno B, Martínez Acera Á, Izquierdo A, Vicario JL, Fernández-Arquero M, Sánchez-Ramón S. Centromeric AA motif in KIR as an optimal surrogate marker for precision definition of alloimmune reproductive failure. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3354. [PMID: 38336826 PMCID: PMC10858137 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53766-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Throughout pregnancy, the decidua is predominantly populated by NK lymphocytes expressing Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) that recognize human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) ligands from trophoblast cells. This study aims to investigate the association of KIR-HLA-C phenotypes in couples facing infertility, particularly recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF), in comparison to a reference population and fertile controls. This observational, non-interventional retrospective case-control study included patients consecutively referred to our Reproductive Immunology Unit from 2015 to 2019. We analyzed the frequencies of KIR and HLA-C genes. As control groups, we analyzed a reference Spanish population for KIR analysis and 29 fertile controls and their male partners for KIR and HLA-C combinations. We studied 397 consecutively referred women with infertility and their male partners. Among women with unexplained RPL (133 women) and RIF (176 women), the centromeric (cen)AA KIR genotype was significantly more prevalent compared to the reference Spanish population (p = 0.001 and 0.02, respectively). Furthermore, cenAA was associated with a 1.51-fold risk of RPL and a 1.2-fold risk of RIF. Conversely, the presence of BB KIR showed a lower risk of reproductive failure compared to non-BB KIR (OR: 0.12, p < 0.001). Women and their partners with HLA-C1C1/C1C1 were significantly less common in the RPL-Group (p < 0.001) and RIF-Group (p = 0.002) compared to the control group. Moreover, the combination of cenAA/C1C1 in women with C1C1 partners was significantly higher in the control group than in the RPL (p = 0.009) and RIF (p = 0.04) groups, associated with a 5-fold increase in successful pregnancy outcomes. In our cohort, the cenAA KIR haplotype proved to be a more accurate biomarker than the classic AA KIR haplotype for assessing the risk of RPL and RIF, and might be particularly useful to identify women at increased risk among the heterogeneous KIR AB or Bx population. The classification of centromeric KIR haplotypes outperforms classical KIR haplotypes, making it a better indicator of potential maternal-fetal KIR-HLA-C mismatch in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Gil Laborda
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Nabil Subhi-Issa
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Carrillo de Albornoz
- Woman Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
- Assisted Reproductive Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Meliá
- Woman Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Órdenes
- Assisted Reproductive Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Verdú
- Clínica GINEFIV, Madrid, Spain
- Clínica IVF, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Vidal
- Woman Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Suárez
- Woman Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Santillán
- Clínica GINEFIV, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Europeo de Fertilidad (IEF), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Ordóñez
- Woman Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
- Assisted Reproductive Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Ángel Lorenzo
- Woman Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
- Assisted Reproductive Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - María Núñez Beltrán
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Áurea García Segovia
- Sanitas Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clínica Sanitas Millenium Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Del Olmo
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Silvia Iniesta
- Assisted Reproductive Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Bueno
- Assisted Reproductive Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Martínez Acera
- Woman Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
- Assisted Reproductive Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandra Izquierdo
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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Hay AL, Birch J, Ellis S, Burns D, Mansour S, Khakoo SI, Hammond JA. Cattle killer immunoglobulin-like receptor expression on leukocyte subsets suggests functional divergence compared to humans. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2023; 263:110646. [PMID: 37634416 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2023.110646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Cattle, sheep, and goats are the only species outside primates known to have an expanded and diversified family of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). Primate KIR are expressed on the surface of NK and T cells and bind MHC-I to control activation. However, the surface expression, ligands and function of bovid KIR remain unknown. Cattle botaKIR2DL1 is the only functional KIR of the same DL-lineage as the expanded KIR in primates and we examined if leukocyte expression patterns were consistent with human. We raised a specific mouse anti-botaKIR2DL1 monoclonal antibody and assessed its utility in flow cytometry, ELISA, and western blot. Unlike primates, cattle DL-lineage KIR (botaKIR2DL1) is present on B cells and monocytes in addition to T cells and low-level expression on NK cells. Expression decreases after in vitro PBMC stimulation with IL-2. This suggests that botaKIR2DL1 has different functions, and potentially ligands, compared to primate KIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L Hay
- The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Surrey GU24 0NF, United Kingdom
| | - James Birch
- The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Surrey GU24 0NF, United Kingdom
| | - Shirley Ellis
- The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Surrey GU24 0NF, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Burns
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
| | - Salah Mansour
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - John A Hammond
- The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Surrey GU24 0NF, United Kingdom.
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Cuadrado-Torroglosa I, Pacheco A, Barrio A, Garrido N, Aparicio P, Pellicer N, García-Velasco JA, Alecsandru D. Increased cytotoxic natural killer cells in the endometrium alone cannot be considered the immunological cause of recurrent miscarriage. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:101-110. [PMID: 36828055 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the distribution and gene expression of endometrial immune cell populations, especially natural killer (NK) subsets, between assisted reproductive technology patients and healthy donors and explore a possible relationship of these results with patients' killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypes and KIR-human antigen leukocyte-C (HLA-C) binding. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING Clinic and university laboratories. PATIENT(S) Participants included 39 women with recurrent miscarriages who had undergone in vitro fertilization cycles with donated oocytes and 21 healthy oocyte donors with proven fertility. INTERVENTION(S) Endometrial biopsy samples were collected from both patients and donors, and the KIR genotypes of the assisted reproductive technology patients were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Endometrial gene expression (cluster of differentiation [CD] antigens and anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory interleukins) and the number and percentage of regulatory T and NK cell populations in patients and donors were determined. Subsequently, the results obtained were categorized in the group of patients by KIR genotype. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor-HLA-C binding was also examined in patients, considering their KIRs. RESULT(S) A higher percentage of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells were observed in patients than those in healthy donors. Nevertheless, when categorizing patients by KIR genotype and comparing the KIR AA (35.9%), AB (43.6%), and BB (20.5%) groups, no statistically significant difference was observed in either endometrial gene expression or any of the immune cell populations analyzed. Finally, no differences in binding between KIR and HLA-C molecules were registered among these 3 sets of patients. CONCLUSION(S) The reported increase in the number of NK cells with a cytotoxic profile in the endometrium of women with a history of recurrent miscarriages cannot alone explain these events because no relationship is observed between such cellular increase and the KIR genotypes, which individually, and in combination with the different HLA-C alleles, have also been associated, by previous studies, with negative reproductive outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 1405-MAD-025-JG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Pacheco
- Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain; Department of Health Sciences, Alfonso X "El Sabio" University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Barrio
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Aparicio
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain; Department of Immunology, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Pellicer
- Women's Health Area, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Department of Immunology, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain.
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Marron K, Harrity C. Correlation of peripheral blood and endometrial immunophenotyping in ART: is peripheral blood sampling useful? J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:381-387. [PMID: 36574140 PMCID: PMC9935767 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02696-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Using a comprehensive flow cytometric panel, simultaneously obtained mid-luteal immunophenotypes from peripheral blood and endometrium were compared and values correlated. Is a peripheral blood evaluation of reproductive immunophenotype status meritorious relative to local endometrial evaluation to directly assess the peri-implantation environment? METHODS Fifty-five patients had a mid-luteal biopsy to assess the local endometrial immunophenotype, while simultaneously providing a peripheral blood sample for analysis. Both samples were immediately assessed using a comprehensive multi-parameter panel, and lymphocyte subpopulations were described and compared. RESULTS Distinct lymphocyte proportions and percentage differences were noted across the two compartments, confirming the hypothesis that they are distinct environments. The ratio of CD4 + to CD8 + T cells were reversed between the two compartments, as were Th1 and Th2-type CD4 + T cell ratios. Despite these differences, some direct relationships were noted. Positive Pearson correlations were found between the levels of CD57 + expressing natural killer cells, CD3 + NK-T cells and CD4 + Th1 cells in both compartments. CONCLUSIONS Flow cytometric evaluation provides a rapid and objective analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations. Endometrial biopsies have become the gold standard technique to assess the uterine immunophenotype in adverse reproductive outcome, but there may still a place for peripheral blood evaluation in this context. The findings demonstrate significant variations in cellular proportions across the two regions, but some positive correlations are present. Immunological assessment of these specific peripheral blood lymphocyte subtypes may provide insight into patients with potential alterations of the uterine immune environment, without the risks and inconveniences associated with an invasive procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Marron
- Sims IVF Clinic, Clonskeagh Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14, Ireland.
| | - Conor Harrity
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Miller D, Garcia-Flores V, Romero R, Galaz J, Pique-Regi R, Gomez-Lopez N. Single-Cell Immunobiology of the Maternal-Fetal Interface. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1450-1464. [PMID: 36192116 PMCID: PMC9536179 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy success requires constant dialogue between the mother and developing conceptus. Such crosstalk is facilitated through complex interactions between maternal and fetal cells at distinct tissue sites, collectively termed the "maternal-fetal interface." The emergence of single-cell technologies has enabled a deeper understanding of the unique processes taking place at the maternal-fetal interface as well as the discovery of novel pathways and immune and nonimmune cell types. Single-cell approaches have also been applied to decipher the cellular dynamics throughout pregnancy, in parturition, and in obstetrical syndromes such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, and preterm labor. Furthermore, single-cell technologies have been used during the recent COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate placental viral cell entry and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on maternal and fetal immunity. In this brief review, we summarize the current knowledge of cellular immunobiology in pregnancy and its complications that has been generated through single-cell investigations of the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; and
| | - Roger Pique-Regi
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
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9
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Therapeutic targets and biomarkers of tumor immunotherapy: response versus non-response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:331. [PMID: 36123348 PMCID: PMC9485144 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers are highly complex diseases that are characterized by not only the overgrowth of malignant cells but also an altered immune response. The inhibition and reprogramming of the immune system play critical roles in tumor initiation and progression. Immunotherapy aims to reactivate antitumor immune cells and overcome the immune escape mechanisms of tumors. Represented by immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell transfer, tumor immunotherapy has seen tremendous success in the clinic, with the capability to induce long-term regression of some tumors that are refractory to all other treatments. Among them, immune checkpoint blocking therapy, represented by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (nivolumab) and CTLA-4 inhibitors (ipilimumab), has shown encouraging therapeutic effects in the treatment of various malignant tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma. In addition, with the advent of CAR-T, CAR-M and other novel immunotherapy methods, immunotherapy has entered a new era. At present, evidence indicates that the combination of multiple immunotherapy methods may be one way to improve the therapeutic effect. However, the overall clinical response rate of tumor immunotherapy still needs improvement, which warrants the development of novel therapeutic designs as well as the discovery of biomarkers that can guide the prescription of these agents. Learning from the past success and failure of both clinical and basic research is critical for the rational design of studies in the future. In this article, we describe the efforts to manipulate the immune system against cancer and discuss different targets and cell types that can be exploited to promote the antitumor immune response.
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10
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Barry F, Benart L, Robert L, Gala A, Ferrières-Hoa A, Loup V, Anahory T, Brouillet S, Hamamah S. [HLA-C KIR interactions and placental defects: Implications in ART pregnancy issues]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2022; 50:600-609. [PMID: 35724923 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to update data concerning the impact of HLA-C KIR system on placental disorders and assess the involvement on ART clinical outcomes. METHOD Ensuring the maintenance of human pregnancy requires the set up of immunological tolerance to prevent foetus rejection. This phenomenon involves different actors of the immune system: among them, uterine NK cells (uNK) hold specific KIR (killer-cell immunoglobulin-like) receptors linking to HLA molecules on the surface of trophoblastic cells at implantation. Many studies provided evidence that the specific interaction between maternal KIR and foetal HLA-C could influence the process of placentation; according to the KIR haplotype and the type of HLA-C, the interaction could be detrimental for placental function. We reviewed the latest data available regarding HLA-C KIR interactions and ART outcomes. RESULTS The available results highlight a significant increase of preeclampsia risk and recurrent miscarriages when the maternal inhibitory haplotype KIR AA is present, this risk is all the more enhanced when the interaction occurs with foetal HLA-C2. Recent data suggest the consequences of this detrimental interaction in case of DET (double embryo transfer) or use of donor's oocytes in ART practice. On the other hand, maternal KIR AB or BB haplotypes haven't been related to an additional obstetrical risk, as well as the foetal HLA-C1 homozygous allotype. CONCLUSION Despite the existence of many confoundings in current literature on the subject, interaction between maternal KIR and foetal HLA-C represent a promising target lead to broaden the spectrum of placental defects etiologies, especially in the reproductive health area.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barry
- UMR Inserm DEFE 1203, développement embryonnaire, fertilité et environnement, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - L Benart
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - L Robert
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - A Gala
- UMR Inserm DEFE 1203, développement embryonnaire, fertilité et environnement, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - A Ferrières-Hoa
- UMR Inserm DEFE 1203, développement embryonnaire, fertilité et environnement, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - V Loup
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - T Anahory
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - S Brouillet
- UMR Inserm DEFE 1203, développement embryonnaire, fertilité et environnement, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - S Hamamah
- UMR Inserm DEFE 1203, développement embryonnaire, fertilité et environnement, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France.
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11
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Wei XW, Zhang YC, Wu F, Tian FJ, Lin Y. The role of extravillous trophoblasts and uterine NK cells in vascular remodeling during pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:951482. [PMID: 37408837 PMCID: PMC10319396 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.951482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful embryo implantation requires both a receptive endometrium and competent blastocysts. After implantation, the maternal decidua undergoes a series of changes, including uterine spiral artery (SA) remodeling to accommodate the fetus and provide nutrients and oxygen for the fetus to survive. Uterine spiral arteries transform from small-diameter, high-resistance arteries to large-diameter and low-resistance arteries during pregnancy. This transformation includes many changes, such as increased permeability and dilation of vessels, phenotypic switching and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), transient loss of endothelial cells (ECs), endovascular invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), and presence of intramural EVT, which are regulated by uterine NK (uNK) cells and EVTs. In this review, we mainly focus on the separate and combined roles of uNK cells and EVTs in uterine SA remodeling in establishing and maintaining pregnancy. New insight into related mechanisms will help us better understand the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications such as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and preeclampsia (PE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Wei
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Chen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Wu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu-Ju Tian
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Hu S, Shao Z, Ni W, Sun P, Qiao J, Wan H, Huang Y, Liu X, Zhai H, Xiao M, Sun B. The KIR2DL2/HLA-C1C1 Gene Pairing Is Associated With an Increased Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:919110. [PMID: 35874712 PMCID: PMC9301464 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.919110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent for the global COVID-19 pandemic; however, the interaction between virus and host is not well characterized. Natural killer cells play a key role in the early phase of the antiviral response, and their primary functions are dependent on signaling through the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR). This study measured the association between KIR/HLA class I ligand pairings and the occurrence and development of COVID-19. DNA of blood samples from 257 COVID-19 patients were extracted and used to detect KIR and HLA-C gene frequencies using single strain sequence-specific primer (SSP) PCR. The frequency of these genes was compared among 158 individuals with mild COVID-19, 99 with severe disease, and 98 healthy controls. The frequencies of KIR2DL2 (P=0.04, OR=1.707), KIR2DS3 (P=0.047, OR=1.679), HLA-C1C1 (P<0.001, OR=3.074) and the KIR2DL2/HLA-C1C1 pairing (P=0.038, OR=2.126) were significantly higher in the COVID-19 patients than the healthy controls. At the same time, the frequency of KIR2DL3+KIR2DL2-/HLA-C1+Others+ was lower in COVID-19 patients than in healthy individuals (P=0.004, OR=0.477). These results suggest that the protective effect of KIR2DL3 against SARS-CoV-2 infection is related to the absence of the KIR2DL2 gene. This study found no correlation between the frequencies of these genes and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Global statistical analysis revealed that the incidence of COVID-19 infection was higher in geographic regions with a high frequency of KIR2DL2. Together these results suggest that the KIR2DL2/HLA-C1C1 gene pairing may be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Hu
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zuoyu Shao
- Hepatic Disease Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hepatic Disease Institute, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Ni
- Hepatic Disease Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hepatic Disease Institute, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Pan Sun
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Hepatic Disease Institute, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jialu Qiao
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hexing Wan
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoyang Zhai
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingzhong Xiao
- Hepatic Disease Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hepatic Disease Institute, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Binlian Sun, ; Mingzhong Xiao,
| | - Binlian Sun
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Binlian Sun, ; Mingzhong Xiao,
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13
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Feng Q, Zhou M, Li S, Morimoto L, Hansen H, Myint SS, Wang R, Metayer C, Kang A, Fear AL, Pappas D, Erlich H, Hollenbach JA, Mancuso N, Trachtenberg E, de Smith AJ, Ma X, Wiemels JL. Interaction between maternal killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and offspring HLAs and susceptibility of childhood ALL. Blood Adv 2022; 6:3756-3766. [PMID: 35500222 PMCID: PMC9631572 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children is associated with a distinct neonatal cytokine profile. The basis of this neonatal immune phenotype is unknown but potentially related to maternal-fetal immune receptor interactions. We conducted a case-control study of 226 case child-mother pairs and 404 control child-mother pairs to evaluate the role of interaction between HLA genotypes in the offspring and maternal killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypes in the etiology of childhood ALL, while considering potential mediation by neonatal cytokines and the immune-modulating enzyme arginase-II (ARG-II). We observed different associations between offspring HLA-maternal KIR activating profiles and the risk of ALL in different predicted genetic ancestry groups. For instance, in Latino subjects who experience the highest risk of childhood leukemia, activating profiles were significantly associated with a lower risk of childhood ALL (odds ratio [OR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-0.71) and a higher level of ARG-II at birth (coefficient = 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.22). HLA-KIR activating profiles were also associated with a lower risk of ALL in non-Latino Asians (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.38-1.01), although they had a lower tumor necrosis factor-α level (coefficient = -0.27; 95% CI, -0.49 to -0.06). Among non-Latino White subjects, no significant association was observed between offspring HLA-maternal KIR interaction and ALL risk or cytokine levels. The current study reports the association between offspring HLA-maternal KIR interaction and the development of childhood ALL with variation by predicted genetic ancestry. We also observed some associations between activating profiles and immune factors related to cytokine control; however, cytokines did not demonstrate causal mediation of the activating profiles on ALL risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianxi Feng
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Shaobo Li
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Libby Morimoto
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Helen Hansen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Swe Swe Myint
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Alice Kang
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Anna Lisa Fear
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA; and
| | - Derek Pappas
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA; and
| | - Henry Erlich
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA; and
| | - Jill A. Hollenbach
- Department of Neurology and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Nicholas Mancuso
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Adam J. de Smith
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Joseph L. Wiemels
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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14
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Placental Syndromes-A New Paradigm in Perinatology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127392. [PMID: 35742640 PMCID: PMC9224387 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Placental syndromes include pregnancy loss, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption and intrauterine fetal demise. This paper discusses the common etiopathogenesis of those syndromes and the role of angiogenic biomarkers in their development. Pregnancy implantation, placental development and maternal adaptation are complex processes in which fetal and maternal cells interact. The syncytiotrophoblast, trophoblast, uterine natural killer cells and regulatory T cells interfere and interact in all the above-mentioned processes. The proper angioneogenesis and vasculogenesis of the placenta, as well as maternal circulatory adaptation, are dependent on angiogenic factor expression. Insufficient maternal immunotolerance, dysregulation in uterine natural killer or regulatory T cell function, syncytiotrophoblast and trophoblast ischemia and hypoxia or impaired balance in angiogenic factors are all related to the occurrence of placental syndromes. Differences in the time of impairment onset and its intensity and correlation with other dysfunctions result in the development of a specific syndrome. The clinical manifestations in the form of a combination of specific symptoms determine the diagnosis. However, they are just symptoms of an underlying complex trophoblast disorder.
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15
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Robertson SA, Moldenhauer LM, Green ES, Care AS, Hull ML. Immune determinants of endometrial receptivity: a biological perspective. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1107-1120. [PMID: 35618356 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation and early placental development. They exert tissue-remodeling and immune regulatory roles-acting to promote epithelial attachment competence, regulate the differentiation of decidual cells, remodel the uterine vasculature, control and resolve inflammatory activation, and suppress destructive immunity to paternally inherited alloantigens. From a biological perspective, the endometrial immune response exerts a form of "quality control"-it promotes implantation success when conditions are favorable but constrains receptivity when physiological circumstances are not ideal. Women with recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage may exhibit altered numbers or disturbed function of certain uterine immune cell populations-most notably uterine natural killer cells and regulatory T cells. Preclinical and animal studies indicate that deficiencies or aberrant activation states in these cells can be causal in the pathophysiological mechanisms of infertility. Immune cells are, therefore, targets for diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention. However, current diagnostic tests are overly simplistic and have limited clinical utility. To be more informative, they need to account for the full complexity and reflect the range of perturbations that can occur in uterine immune cell phenotypes and networks. Moreover, safe and effective interventions to modulate these cells are in their infancy, and personalized approaches matched to specific diagnostic criteria will be needed. Here we summarize current biological understanding and identify knowledge gaps to be resolved before the promise of therapies to target the uterine immune response can be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ella S Green
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alison S Care
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - M Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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16
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Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, Dimova T. Immunity at maternal-fetal interface: KIR/HLA (Allo)recognition. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:55-76. [PMID: 35610960 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Both KIR and HLA are the most variable gene families in the human genome. The recognition of the semi-allogeneic embryo-derived trophoblasts by maternal decidual NK (dNK) cells is essential for the establishment of the functional placenta. This recognition is based on the KIR-HLA interactions and trophoblast expresses a specific HLA profile that constitutes classical polymorphic HLA-C and non-classical oligomorphic HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G molecules. This review highlights some features of the KIR/HLA-C (allo)recognition by decidual NK (dNK) cells as a main immune cell population specifically enriched at maternal-fetal interface during human early pregnancy. How KIR/HLA-C axis operates in pregnancy disorders and in the context of transplacental infections is discussed as well. We summarized old and new data on dNK-cell functional plasticity, their selective expression of KIR and fetal maternal/paternal HLA-C haplotypes present. Results showed that KIR-HLA-C combinations and the corresponding axis operate differently in each pregnancy, determined by the variability of both maternal KIR haplotypes and fetus' maternal/paternal HLA-C allotype combinations. Moreover, the maturation of NK cells strongly depends on if or not HLA allotypes for certain KIR are present. We suggest that the unique KIR/HLA combinations reached in each pregnancy (normal and pathological) should be studied according to well-defined guidelines and unified methodologies to have comparable results ease to interpret and use in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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17
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Häfliger IM, Spengeler M, Seefried FR, Drögemüller C. Four novel candidate causal variants for deficient homozygous haplotypes in Holstein cattle. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5435. [PMID: 35361830 PMCID: PMC8971413 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09403-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mendelian variants can determine both insemination success and neonatal survival and thus influence fertility and rearing success of cattle. We present 24 deficient homozygous haplotype regions in the Holstein population of Switzerland and provide an overview of the previously identified haplotypes in the global Holstein breed. This study encompasses massive genotyping, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phenotype association analyses. We performed haplotype screenings on almost 53 thousand genotyped animals including 114 k SNP data with two different approaches. We revealed significant haplotype associations to several survival, birth and fertility traits. Within haplotype regions, we mined WGS data of hundreds of bovine genomes for candidate causal variants, which were subsequently evaluated by using a custom genotyping array in several thousand breeding animals. With this approach, we confirmed the known deleterious SMC2:p.Phe1135Ser missense variant associated with Holstein haplotype (HH) 3. For two previously reported deficient homozygous haplotypes that show negative associations to female fertility traits, we propose candidate causative loss-of-function variants: the HH13-related KIR2DS1:p.Gln159* nonsense variant and the HH21-related NOTCH3:p.Cys44del deletion. In addition, we propose the RIOX1:p.Ala133_Glu142del deletion as well as the PCDH15:p.Leu867Val missense variant to explain the unexpected low number of homozygous haplotype carriers for HH25 and HH35, respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrate that with mining massive SNP data in combination with WGS data, we can map several haplotype regions and unravel novel recessive protein-changing variants segregating at frequencies of 1 to 5%. Our findings both confirm previously identified loci and expand the spectrum of undesired alleles impairing reproduction success in Holstein cattle, the world's most important dairy breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene M Häfliger
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.
| | | | | | - Cord Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
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18
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The etiology of preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S844-S866. [PMID: 35177222 PMCID: PMC8988238 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is one of the "great obstetrical syndromes" in which multiple and sometimes overlapping pathologic processes activate a common pathway consisting of endothelial cell activation, intravascular inflammation, and syncytiotrophoblast stress. This article reviews the potential etiologies of preeclampsia. The role of uteroplacental ischemia is well-established on the basis of a solid body of clinical and experimental evidence. A causal role for microorganisms has gained recognition through the realization that periodontal disease and maternal gut dysbiosis are linked to atherosclerosis, thus possibly to a subset of patients with preeclampsia. The recent reports indicating that SARS-CoV-2 infection might be causally linked to preeclampsia are reviewed along with the potential mechanisms involved. Particular etiologic factors, such as the breakdown of maternal-fetal immune tolerance (thought to account for the excess of preeclampsia in primipaternity and egg donation), may operate, in part, through uteroplacental ischemia, whereas other factors such as placental aging may operate largely through syncytiotrophoblast stress. This article also examines the association between gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal obesity with preeclampsia. The role of autoimmunity, fetal diseases, and endocrine disorders is discussed. A greater understanding of the etiologic factors of preeclampsia is essential to improve treatment and prevention.
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19
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Ritari J, Hyvärinen K, Partanen J, Koskela S. KIR gene content imputation from single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the Finnish population. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12692. [PMID: 35036093 PMCID: PMC8744484 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene cluster on chromosome 19 encodes cell surface glycoproteins that bind class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules as well as some other ligands. Through regulation of natural killer (NK) cell activity KIRs participate in tumour surveillance and clearing viral infections. KIR gene gene copy number variation associates with the outcome of transplantations and susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases. Inferring KIR gene content from genetic variant data is therefore desirable for immunogenetic analysis, particularly in the context of growing biobank genome data collections that rely on genotyping by microarray. Here we describe a stand-alone and freely available gene content imputation for 12 KIR genes. The models were trained using 807 Finnish biobank samples genotyped for 5900 KIR-region SNPs and analysed for KIR gene content with targeted sequencing. Cross-validation results demonstrate a high mean overall accuracy of 98.5% (95% CI [97.0-99.2]%) which compares favourably with previous methods including short-read sequencing based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarmo Ritari
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Satu Koskela
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
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20
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Orgul G, Dalva K, Dalva-Aydemir S, Alniacik RG, Donmez HG, Cakar AN, Beksac M, Beksac MS. Significance of inhibitory maternal killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and fetal KIR ligand genotype combinations in placenta related obstetric complications. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103425. [PMID: 34607283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Some maternal killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and fetal KIR ligand genotypes are associated with obstetric complications, such as recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. However, how KIR/KIR ligand genotypes affect these placenta-related obstetric complications has not been fully understood. We aimed to demonstrate the association of maternal KIR-fetal KIR ligand genotype combinations with immunological/metabolic risk factor associated placenta-related obstetric complications. This study consisted of three groups of pregnant women: 1) Miscarriage group (n = 30), 2) Complicated Pregnancy (CP) group (n = 30), and 3) Control group (n = 30). The observed maternal genotype frequencies of all inhibitory and activating KIRs were similar in all groups (p > 0.05). However, inhibitory 2DL3 was quite frequent in the miscarriage group (p = 0.052). There was no difference between groups in terms of centromeric and telomeric maternal haplotypes (p > 0.05). The fetal group 1 HLA-C genotype was frequently detected in the miscarriage and CP groups with rates of 83.3 % and 93.3 % respectively, while the observed frequency was 70 % in the control group. The fetal group 2 HLA-C genotype was the same in all groups. The results demonstrated significantly less fetal group 2 HLA-C homozygosity in the CP groups when compared to the control group (p = 0.020). The fetal HLA-Bw4 genotype was detected more frequently in the miscarriage and CP groups (p = 0.028 and p = 0.001, respectively). The inhibitory KIR/KIR ligand genotype combinations of 2DL3-C1 and 3DL1-Bw4 were more frequent in the miscarriage and CP groups (p = 0.045 and p = 0.002, respectively). Enhanced NK cell inhibition may be one of the mechanisms underlying placenta-related obstetric complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokcen Orgul
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Turkey.
| | - Klara Dalva
- Division of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey.
| | | | | | - Hanife Guler Donmez
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ayse Nur Cakar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, TOBB University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Meral Beksac
- Division of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Sinan Beksac
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Turkey.
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21
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Yang X, Meng T. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor/human leukocyte antigen-C combination and 'great obstetrical syndromes' (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1178. [PMID: 34504623 PMCID: PMC8394021 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and preterm delivery are examples of ‘great obstetrical syndromes’ (GOS). Placental dysfunction is the most common pathogenesis of GOS. In human pregnancies, the effects of uterine natural killer cells involve angiogenesis, promoting the remodeling of uterine spiral artery, and improving the invasion of trophoblast cells. The uNK cells supply killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), which come into contact with human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) ligands expressed by extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs). Numerous studies have investigated the association between GOS and KIR/HLA-C combination. However, the outcomes have not been conclusive. The present review aimed to reveal the association between GOS and KIR/HLA-C combination to screen out high-risk pregnancies, strengthen the treatment of pregnancy complications, and reduce the frequency of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. It has been reported that a female with a KIR AA genotype and a neonate with a paternal HLA-C2 molecule is more prone to develop GOS and have a small fetus since less cytokines were secreted by uNK cells. Conversely, the combination of KIR BB haplotype (including the activating KIR2DS1) and HLA-C2 can induce the production of cytokines and increase trophoblast invasion, leading to the birth of a large fetus. KIR/HLA-C combinations may be applicable in selecting third-party gametes or surrogates. Detection of maternal KIR genes and HLA-C molecules from the couple could serve as useful markers for predicting and diagnosing GOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Tao Meng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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22
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Biology and pathology of the uterine microenvironment and its natural killer cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:2101-2113. [PMID: 34426671 PMCID: PMC8429689 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00739-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissues are the new frontier of discoveries in immunology. Cells of the immune system are an integral part of tissue physiology and immunity. Determining how immune cells inhabit, housekeep, and defend gut, lung, brain, liver, uterus, and other organs helps revealing the intimate details of tissue physiology and may offer new therapeutic targets to treat pathologies. The uterine microenvironment modulates the development and function of innate lymphoid cells [ILC, largely represented by natural killer (NK) cells], macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells. These immune cells, in turn, contribute to tissue homeostasis. Regulated by ovarian hormones, the human uterine mucosa (endometrium) undergoes ~400 monthly cycles of breakdown and regeneration from menarche to menopause, with its fibroblasts, glands, blood vessels, and immune cells remodeling the tissue into the transient decidua. Even more transformative changes occur upon blastocyst implantation. Before the placenta is formed, the endometrial glands feed the embryo by histiotrophic nutrition while the uterine spiral arteries are stripped of their endothelial layer and smooth muscle actin. This arterial remodeling is carried out by invading fetal trophoblast and maternal immune cells, chiefly uterine NK (uNK) cells, which also assist fetal growth. The transformed arteries no longer respond to maternal stimuli and meet the increasing demands of the growing fetus. This review focuses on how the everchanging uterine microenvironment affects uNK cells and how uNK cells regulate homeostasis of the decidua, placenta development, and fetal growth. Determining these pathways will help understand the causes of major pregnancy complications.
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23
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Di D, Nunes JM, Jiang W, Sanchez-Mazas A. Like Wings of a Bird: Functional Divergence and Complementarity between HLA-A and HLA-B Molecules. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:1580-1594. [PMID: 33320202 PMCID: PMC8355449 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are among the most polymorphic of our genome, as a likely consequence of balancing selection related to their central role in adaptive immunity. HLA-A and HLA-B genes were recently suggested to evolve through a model of joint divergent asymmetric selection conferring all human populations, including those with severe loss of diversity, an equivalent immune potential. However, the mechanisms by which these two genes might undergo joint evolution while displaying very distinct allelic profiles in populations are still unknown. To address this issue, we carried out extensive data analyses (among which factorial correspondence analysis and linear modeling) on 2,909 common and rare HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C alleles and 200,000 simulated pathogenic peptides by taking into account sequence variation, predicted peptide-binding affinity and HLA allele frequencies in 123 populations worldwide. Our results show that HLA-A and HLA-B (but not HLA-C) molecules maintain considerable functional divergence in almost all populations, which likely plays an instrumental role in their immune defense. We also provide robust evidence of functional complementarity between HLA-A and HLA-B molecules, which display asymmetric relationships in terms of amino acid diversity at both inter- and intraprotein levels and in terms of promiscuous or fastidious peptide-binding specificities. Like two wings of a flying bird, the functional complementarity of HLA-A and HLA-B is a perfect example, in our genome, of duplicated genes sharing their capacity of assuming common vital functions while being submitted to complex and sometimes distinct environmental pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Di
- Laboratory of Anthropology, Genetics and Peopling History (AGP Lab), Department of Genetics and Evolution-Anthropology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jose Manuel Nunes
- Laboratory of Anthropology, Genetics and Peopling History (AGP Lab), Department of Genetics and Evolution-Anthropology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (IGE3), University of Geneva Medical Centre (CMU), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Sanchez-Mazas
- Laboratory of Anthropology, Genetics and Peopling History (AGP Lab), Department of Genetics and Evolution-Anthropology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (IGE3), University of Geneva Medical Centre (CMU), Geneva, Switzerland
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24
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Migdal M, Ruan DF, Forrest WF, Horowitz A, Hammer C. MiDAS-Meaningful Immunogenetic Data at Scale. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009131. [PMID: 34228721 PMCID: PMC8284797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunogenetic variation in the form of HLA and KIR types has been shown to be strongly associated with a multitude of immune-related phenotypes. However, association studies involving immunogenetic loci most commonly involve simple analyses of classical HLA allelic diversity, resulting in limitations regarding the interpretability and reproducibility of results. We here present MiDAS, a comprehensive R package for immunogenetic data transformation and statistical analysis. MiDAS recodes input data in the form of HLA alleles and KIR types into biologically meaningful variables, allowing HLA amino acid fine mapping, analyses of HLA evolutionary divergence as well as experimentally validated HLA-KIR interactions. Further, MiDAS enables comprehensive statistical association analysis workflows with phenotypes of diverse measurement scales. MiDAS thus closes the gap between the inference of immunogenetic variation and its efficient utilization to make relevant discoveries related to immune and disease biology. It is freely available under a MIT license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Migdal
- Roche Global IT Solution Centre (RGITSC), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dan Fu Ruan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - William F. Forrest
- Department of OMNI Bioinformatics, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Amir Horowitz
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Christian Hammer
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Human Genetics, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, United States of America
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25
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Odendaal J, Quenby S. Immunological Testing in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Semin Reprod Med 2021; 39:13-23. [PMID: 34161996 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Fetal implantation requires carefully orchestrated involvement of the maternal immune system. Aberrant function within implantation has been suggested as a cause of implantation failure. The emergence of immunological theories of miscarriage has led to immunological testing as an adjuvant treatment in assisted reproductive technology; however, it remains controversial, with mixed evidence both for immunological cause and the benefits of immunological testing. Literature on common methods of immunological testing within assisted reproductive technology is reviewed including those of peripheral and uterine natural killer cells, chronic endometritis, and T-helper cells cytokine ratio. There is little consensus in the evidence on immunological testing in the context of recurrent implantation failure. The field is limited by a lack of uniformity in approach to testing and heterogeneity of the pathophysiological cause. Nevertheless, the maternal immune system is heavily involved in implantation and the new era of personalized medicine ensures that a more defined approach to immunological testing will be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Odendaal
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
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26
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Díaz-Hernández I, Alecsandru D, García-Velasco JA, Domínguez F. Uterine natural killer cells: from foe to friend in reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:720-746. [PMID: 33528013 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent miscarriage and pre-eclampsia are common reproductive disorders, but their causes are often unknown. Recent evidence has provided new insight into immune system influences in reproductive disorders. A subset of lymphocytes of the innate immune system known as uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are now recognized as fundamental to achieving embryo implantation and successful pregnancy, but were initially attributed a bad reputation. Indeed, immune therapies have been developed to treat the 'exaggerated' immune response from uNK cells. These treatments have been based on studies of peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cells. However, uNK cells and pbNK cells have different phenotypic and functional characteristics. The functions of uNK cells are closely related to their interactions with the extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) and spiral arteries, which underlie an essential role in regulating vascular function, controlling trophoblast invasion and promoting placental development. EVTs express MHC molecules of class I HLA-C/E/G/F, while uNK cells express, among other receptors, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) that bind to HLA-C or CD94/NKG2A inhibitory receptors, and then bind HLA-E. Associations of certain KIR/HLA-C combinations with recurrent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and foetal growth restriction and the interactions between uNK cells, trophoblasts and vascular cells have led to the hypothesis that uNK cells may play a role in embryo implantation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our objective was to review the evolution of our understanding of uNK cells, their functions, and their increasingly relevant role in reproduction. SEARCH METHODS Relevant literature through June 2020 was retrieved using Google Scholar and PubMed. Search terms comprised uNK cells, human pregnancy, reproductive failure, maternal KIR and HLA-C, HLA-E/G/F in EVT cells, angiogenic cytokines, CD56+ NK cells, spiral artery, oestrogen and progesterone receptors, KIR haplotype and paternal HLA-C2. OUTCOMES This review provides key insights into the evolving conceptualization of uNK cells, from their not-so-promising beginnings to now, when they are considered allies in reproduction. We synthesized current knowledge about uNK cells, their involvement in reproduction and their main functions in placental vascular remodeling and trophoblast invasion. One of the issues that this review presents is the enormous complexity involved in studying the immune system in reproduction. The complexity in the immunology of the maternal-foetal interface lies in the great variety of participating molecules, the processes and interactions that occur at different levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, etc.) and the great diversity of genetic combinations that are translated into different types of responses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Insights into uNK cells could offer an important breakthrough for ART outcomes, since each patient could be assessed based on the combination of HLA and its receptors in their uNK cells, evaluating the critical interactions at the materno-foetal interface. However, owing to the technical challenges in studying uNK cells in vivo, there is still much knowledge to gain, particularly regarding their exact origin and functions. New studies using novel molecular and genetic approaches can facilitate the identification of mechanisms by which uNK cells interact with other cells at the materno-foetal interface, perhaps translating this knowledge into clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
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27
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Amorim LM, Augusto DG, Nemat-Gorgani N, Montero-Martin G, Marin WM, Shams H, Dandekar R, Caillier S, Parham P, Fernández-Viña MA, Oksenberg JR, Norman PJ, Hollenbach JA. High-Resolution Characterization of KIR Genes in a Large North American Cohort Reveals Novel Details of Structural and Sequence Diversity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:674778. [PMID: 34025673 PMCID: PMC8137979 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.674778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The KIR (killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor) region is characterized by structural variation and high sequence similarity among genes, imposing technical difficulties for analysis. We undertook the most comprehensive study to date of KIR genetic diversity in a large population sample, applying next-generation sequencing in 2,130 United States European-descendant individuals. Data were analyzed using our custom bioinformatics pipeline specifically designed to address technical obstacles in determining KIR genotypes. Precise gene copy number determination allowed us to identify a set of uncommon gene-content KIR haplotypes accounting for 5.2% of structural variation. In this cohort, KIR2DL4 is the framework gene that most varies in copy number (6.5% of all individuals). We identified phased high-resolution alleles in large multi-locus insertions and also likely founder haplotypes from which they were deleted. Additionally, we observed 250 alleles at 5-digit resolution, of which 90 have frequencies ≥1%. We found sequence patterns that were consistent with the presence of novel alleles in 398 (18.7%) individuals and contextualized multiple orphan dbSNPs within the KIR complex. We also identified a novel KIR2DL1 variant, Pro151Arg, and demonstrated by molecular dynamics that this substitution is predicted to affect interaction with HLA-C. No previous studies have fully explored the full range of structural and sequence variation of KIR as we present here. We demonstrate that pairing high-throughput sequencing with state-of-art computational tools in a large cohort permits exploration of all aspects of KIR variation including determination of population-level haplotype diversity, improving understanding of the KIR system, and providing an important reference for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo M. Amorim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Danillo G. Augusto
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Neda Nemat-Gorgani
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Gonzalo Montero-Martin
- Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics Laboratory, Stanford Blood Center, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Wesley M. Marin
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hengameh Shams
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ravi Dandekar
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Stacy Caillier
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | | | - Jorge R. Oksenberg
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Jill A. Hollenbach
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
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28
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Strunz B, Bister J, Jönsson H, Filipovic I, Crona-Guterstam Y, Kvedaraite E, Sleiers N, Dumitrescu B, Brännström M, Lentini A, Reinius B, Cornillet M, Willinger T, Gidlöf S, Hamilton RS, Ivarsson MA, Björkström NK. Continuous human uterine NK cell differentiation in response to endometrial regeneration and pregnancy. Sci Immunol 2021; 6:6/56/eabb7800. [PMID: 33617461 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abb7800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune cell differentiation is critical for adequate tissue-specific immune responses to occur. Here, we studied differentiation of human uterine natural killer cells (uNK cells). These cells reside in a tissue undergoing constant regeneration and represent the major leukocyte population at the maternal-fetal interface. However, their physiological response during the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy remains elusive. By surface proteome and transcriptome analysis as well as using humanized mice, we identify a differentiation pathway of uNK cells in vitro and in vivo with sequential acquisition of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and CD39. uNK cell differentiation occurred continuously in response to the endometrial regeneration and was driven by interleukin-15. Differentiated uNK cells displayed reduced proliferative capacity and immunomodulatory function including enhanced angiogenic capacity. By studying human uterus transplantation and monozygotic twins, we found that the uNK cell niche could be replenished from circulation and that it was under genetic control. Together, our study uncovers a continuous differentiation pathway of human NK cells in the uterus that is coupled to profound functional changes in response to local tissue regeneration and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Strunz
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jonna Bister
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Jönsson
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iva Filipovic
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ylva Crona-Guterstam
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Egle Kvedaraite
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalie Sleiers
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bogdan Dumitrescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mälarsjukhuset, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Antonio Lentini
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Reinius
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Cornillet
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tim Willinger
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Gidlöf
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Russell S Hamilton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin A Ivarsson
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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29
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Panisi C, Guerini FR, Abruzzo PM, Balzola F, Biava PM, Bolotta A, Brunero M, Burgio E, Chiara A, Clerici M, Croce L, Ferreri C, Giovannini N, Ghezzo A, Grossi E, Keller R, Manzotti A, Marini M, Migliore L, Moderato L, Moscone D, Mussap M, Parmeggiani A, Pasin V, Perotti M, Piras C, Saresella M, Stoccoro A, Toso T, Vacca RA, Vagni D, Vendemmia S, Villa L, Politi P, Fanos V. Autism Spectrum Disorder from the Womb to Adulthood: Suggestions for a Paradigm Shift. J Pers Med 2021; 11:70. [PMID: 33504019 PMCID: PMC7912683 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The wide spectrum of unique needs and strengths of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a challenge for the worldwide healthcare system. With the plethora of information from research, a common thread is required to conceptualize an exhaustive pathogenetic paradigm. The epidemiological and clinical findings in ASD cannot be explained by the traditional linear genetic model, hence the need to move towards a more fluid conception, integrating genetics, environment, and epigenetics as a whole. The embryo-fetal period and the first two years of life (the so-called 'First 1000 Days') are the crucial time window for neurodevelopment. In particular, the interplay and the vicious loop between immune activation, gut dysbiosis, and mitochondrial impairment/oxidative stress significantly affects neurodevelopment during pregnancy and undermines the health of ASD people throughout life. Consequently, the most effective intervention in ASD is expected by primary prevention aimed at pregnancy and at early control of the main effector molecular pathways. We will reason here on a comprehensive and exhaustive pathogenetic paradigm in ASD, viewed not just as a theoretical issue, but as a tool to provide suggestions for effective preventive strategies and personalized, dynamic (from womb to adulthood), systemic, and interdisciplinary healthcare approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Panisi
- Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia ONLUS, Cesano Boscone, 20090 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Franca Rosa Guerini
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Federico Balzola
- Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Pier Mario Biava
- Scientific Institute of Research and Care Multimedica, 20138 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Bolotta
- DIMES, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.M.A.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Marco Brunero
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- ECERI—European Cancer and Environment Research Institute, Square de Meeus 38-40, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium;
| | - Alberto Chiara
- Dipartimento Materno Infantile ASST, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Croce
- Centro Domino per l’Autismo, Universita’ Cattolica Brescia, 20139 Milan, Italy;
| | - Carla Ferreri
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), 40129 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Niccolò Giovannini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Ghezzo
- DIMES, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.M.A.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Autism Research Unit, Villa Santa Maria Foundation, 22038 Tavernerio, Italy;
| | - Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Centre DSM ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy;
| | - Andrea Manzotti
- RAISE Lab, Foundation COME Collaboration, 65121 Pescara, Italy;
| | - Marina Marini
- DIMES, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.M.A.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Medical Genetics Laboratories, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Lucio Moderato
- Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia ONLUS, Cesano Boscone, 20090 Milan, Italy;
| | - Davide Moscone
- Associazione Spazio Asperger ONLUS, Centro Clinico CuoreMenteLab, 00141 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michele Mussap
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Antonia Parmeggiani
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS ISNB, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Valentina Pasin
- Milan Institute for health Care and Advanced Learning, 20124 Milano, Italy;
| | | | - Cristina Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Marina Saresella
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Medical Genetics Laboratories, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Tiziana Toso
- Unione Italiana Lotta alla Distrofia Muscolare UILDM, 35100 Padova, Italy;
| | - Rosa Anna Vacca
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - David Vagni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy;
| | | | - Laura Villa
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy;
| | - Pierluigi Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (V.F.)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
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Mansour L, Alkhuriji A, Babay ZA, Alqadheeb S, Al-Khulaifi F, Al-Talhi R, Alomar S. Association of Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor and Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Ligand with Recurrent Abortion in Saudi Women. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2020; 24:78-84. [PMID: 31999488 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2019.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This study was designed to determine whether genetic polymorphisms of the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-C) genes are associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in Saudi women. Materials and Methods: Sixty-five healthy women with a history of RSA (three or more spontaneous abortions) and 65 healthy controls (with two or more healthy-born children) living in Riyadh were typed for 17 KIR genes and the HLA-C1 and HLA-C2 allotypes using polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer methodology. Results: The frequencies of KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL5A were significantly lower among RSA women compared to healthy controls (odds ratio [OR] = 0.17; p < 0.001; OR = 0.16; p < 0.001, respectively). No association with maternal HLA-C genotypes was observed. Analysis of KIR-HLA-C combinations indicated a protective effect of KIR2DS2 with its cognate HLA-C1 ligand in both homozygote or heterozygote combinations. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the KIR genes of the B haplotype may play an important role in ensuring the success of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamjed Mansour
- Doping Research Chair, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afrah Alkhuriji
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeneb Ahmed Babay
- College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Alqadheeb
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadwa Al-Khulaifi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razan Al-Talhi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suliman Alomar
- Doping Research Chair, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Guerrero B, Hassouneh F, Delgado E, Casado JG, Tarazona R. Natural killer cells in recurrent miscarriage: An overview. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103209. [PMID: 32992208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent Miscarriage is an early pregnancy complication which affects about 1-3 % of child-bearing couples. The mechanisms involved in the occurrence of recurrent miscarriages are not clearly understood. In the last decade Natural Killer cells have been studied in peripheral blood and uterus in order to determine if there are specific characteristics of Natural Killer cells associated with miscarriage. Different authors have described an increased number of uterine and peripheral blood Natural Killer cells in women with recurrent miscarriages compared to control women. However, its relationship with miscarriage has not been confirmed. In patients with recurrent miscarriage a lack of inhibition of decidua Natural Killer cells can be observed, which leads to a more activated state characterized by higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines. In peripheral blood, it has been also reported a dysfunctional cytokine production by Natural Killer cells, with an increase of interferon-γ levels and a decrease of Interleukin-4. Significant progress has been made in the last decade in understanding the biology of Natural Killer cells, including the identification of new receptors that also contribute to the activation and regulation of Natural Killer cells. In this review, we summarize the current progress in the study of Natural Killer cells in recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena Delgado
- Clínica Norba, Ginecología y Reproducción, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Javier G Casado
- Stem Cell Therapy Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, Cáceres, Spain
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Bruijnesteijn J, de Groot NG, Bontrop RE. The Genetic Mechanisms Driving Diversification of the KIR Gene Cluster in Primates. Front Immunol 2020; 11:582804. [PMID: 33013938 PMCID: PMC7516082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.582804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity and function of natural killer (NK) cells are modulated through the interactions of multiple receptor families, of which some recognize MHC class I molecules. The high level of MHC class I polymorphism requires their ligands either to interact with conserved epitopes, as is utilized by the NKG2A receptor family, or to co-evolve with the MHC class I allelic variation, which task is taken up by the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family. Multiple molecular mechanisms are responsible for the diversification of the KIR gene system, and include abundant chromosomal recombination, high mutation rates, alternative splicing, and variegated expression. The combination of these genetic mechanisms generates a compound array of diversity as is reflected by the contraction and expansion of KIR haplotypes, frequent birth of fusion genes, allelic polymorphism, structurally distinct isoforms, and variegated expression, which is in contrast to the mainly allelic nature of MHC class I polymorphism in humans. A comparison of the thoroughly studied human and macaque KIR gene repertoires demonstrates a similar evolutionarily conserved toolbox, through which selective forces drove and maintained the diversified nature of the KIR gene cluster. This hypothesis is further supported by the comparative genetics of KIR haplotypes and genes in other primate species. The complex nature of the KIR gene system has an impact upon the education, activity, and function of NK cells in coherence with an individual’s MHC class I repertoire and pathogenic encounters. Although selection operates on an individual, the continuous diversification of the KIR gene system in primates might protect populations against evolving pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Bruijnesteijn
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Natasja G de Groot
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Ronald E Bontrop
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands.,Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Variations in killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor and human leukocyte antigen genes and immunity to malaria. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 17:799-806. [PMID: 32541835 PMCID: PMC7294524 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. Immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum malaria vary among individuals and between populations. Human genetic variation in immune system genes is likely to play a role in this heterogeneity. Natural killer (NK) cells produce inflammatory cytokines in response to malaria infection, kill intraerythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum parasites by cytolysis, and participate in the initiation and development of adaptive immune responses to plasmodial infection. These functions are modulated by interactions between killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). Therefore, variations in KIR and HLA genes can have a direct impact on NK cell functions. Understanding the role of KIRs and HLAs in immunity to malaria can help to better characterize antimalarial immune responses. In this review, we summarize the different KIRs and HLAs associated with immunity to malaria thus far.
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Yahara H, Horita S, Yanamoto S, Kitagawa Y, Asaka T, Yoda T, Morita K, Michi Y, Takechi M, Shimasue H, Maruoka Y, Kondo E, Kusukawa J, Tsujiguchi H, Sato T, Kannon T, Nakamura H, Tajima A, Hosomichi K, Yahara K. A Targeted Genetic Association Study of the Rare Type of Osteomyelitis. J Dent Res 2020; 99:271-276. [PMID: 31977282 DOI: 10.1177/0022034520901519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis is a rare bone disorder that can be found in the jaw. It is often associated with systemic conditions, including autoimmune deficiencies. However, little is known about how the genetic and immunologic background of patients influences the disease. Here, we focus on human leukocyte antigen (HLA), killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), and their specific combinations that have been difficult to analyze owing to their high diversity. We employed a recently developed technology of simultaneous typing of HLA alleles and KIR haplotype and investigated alleles of the 35 HLA loci and KIR haplotypes composed of centromeric and telomeric motifs in 18 cases and 18 controls for discovery and 472 independent controls for validation. We identified an amino acid substitution of threonine at position 94 of HLA-C in combination with the telomeric KIR genotype of haplotype tA01/tB01 that had significantly higher frequency (>20%) in the case population than in both control populations. Multiple logistic regression analysis based on a dominant model with adjustments for age and sex revealed and validated its statistical significance and high predictive accuracy (C-statistic ≥0.85). Structure-based analysis revealed that the combination of the amino acid change in HLA-C and the telomeric genotype tA01/tB01 could be associated with lower stability of HLA-C. This is the first case-control study of a rare disease that employed the latest sequencing technology enabling simultaneous typing and investigated amino acid polymorphisms at HLA loci in combination with KIR haplotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Yahara
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Horita
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - S Yanamoto
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Y Kitagawa
- Department of Oral Diagnosis and Medicine, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - T Asaka
- Department of Oral Diagnosis and Medicine, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - T Yoda
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Morita
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Bioresource Research Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y Michi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Takechi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - H Shimasue
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Y Maruoka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - E Kondo
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, School of Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - J Kusukawa
- Dental and Oral Medical Center, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - H Tsujiguchi
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - T Sato
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - T Kannon
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - H Nakamura
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - A Tajima
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - K Hosomichi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - K Yahara
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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Fadiloglu E, Unal C, Tanacan A, Cagan M, Beksac MS. Effect of hypocomplementemia on perinatal outcomes of pregnancies with autoimmune disorders. Hum Antibodies 2020; 28:179-184. [PMID: 32116241 DOI: 10.3233/hab-200401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the effect of preconceptional complement levels on perinatal outcomes of pregnancies with autoimmune disorders. METHODS Pregnant women with autoimmune disorders (autoimmune disease and/or autoimmune antibody positivity) who were screened for complement levels (C3 and C4) prior to their pregnancies were enrolled in a special antenatal care program. These patients were administered low-dose low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparine, 1 × 2000 Anti-XA IU/0.2 mL/day), low-dose salysilic acid (100 mg/day) and low-dose corticosteroid (methylprednisolone, 1 × 4 mg/day orally) as soon as their pregnancies were confirmed according to the institutional protocol. We have compared hypo- and normocomplement pregnancies with autoimmune disorders in terms of their obstetric and perinatal outcomes. We have also used Beksac Obstetric Index (BOI) which is "[living child + (π/10)]/gravidity" for the comparison of their previous obstetric histories. RESULTS Obstetric and neonatal outcomes showed no significant difference between hypocomplement patients (n= 38) and control group (n= 157) (p> 0.05). "Composite obstetric and perinatal adverse outcome" rates were 26.2% and 27.3% in study and control groups, respectively (p> 0.05). BOI was significantly lower in hypocomplement patients (p: 0.002). Then, we have classified hypocomplement patients into 3 subgroups according to the type of complement (C3, C4 or both). Comparison inbetween these groups revealed no statistical significance in any of the analyzed parameters (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION Low complement levels in pregnant women with autoimmune disorders may be associated with gestational problems and poor obstetric history. Immunomodulatory treatment modalities such as ours may be beneficial for improving the obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
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Sereshki N, Andalib A, Ghahiri A, Mehrabian F, Sherkat R, Rezaei A, Wilkinson D. The expression of human leukocyte antigen by human ejaculated spermatozoa. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e1005. [PMID: 31625276 PMCID: PMC6900355 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background After coitus and insemination, an inflammatory response is evident in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Semen contains a variety of immune‐activating components that have a major role in the induction of an immune response in the FRT. One of the most important is (human leukocyte antigen) HLA molecules which are present in soluble form in seminal plasma and in membrane form on the surface of cells (such as epithelial and leukocytes) existing in semen. Nevertheless, there is considerable debate over the expression of HLA antigens by human spermatozoa. Considering the critical role of HLA molecules in reproduction and the induction of an immune response, it is very important to clearly define HLA expression by spermatozoa and the role of these molecules in sperm morphology, motility, and strength to fertilize an egg. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine HLA expression by ejaculated spermatozoa. The results of this study will facilitate the design of future studies. Method Semen samples were collected from 50 healthy men with normal semen status by masturbation after 2–3 days of sexual abstinence. After purification of normal spermatozoa, HLA class I & II expression was evaluated by quantitative real‐time PCR and flow cytometry methods. Results The results showed the expression of both HLA class I & class II by spermatozoa. The results also showed that the expression of HLA class Ⅱ was significantly more than HLA class Ⅰ. Conclusion Spermatozoa express both HLA class I & class II molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Sereshki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Andalib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ataollah Ghahiri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ferdos Mehrabian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Sherkat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - David Wilkinson
- School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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Cornillet M, Jansson H, Schaffer M, Hertwig L, Berglin L, Zimmer CL, Johansson H, Ellis E, Isaksson B, Gonzalez-Galarza FF, Middleton D, Malmberg KJ, Sparrelid E, Björkström NK. Imbalance of Genes Encoding Natural Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptors and Human Leukocyte Antigen in Patients With Biliary Cancer. Gastroenterology 2019; 157:1067-1080.e9. [PMID: 31229495 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Bile duct tumors are rare and have poor prognoses. Natural killer (NK) cells are frequent in human liver and infiltrate these tumors but do not control their progression. Responses of NK cells are regulated by NK immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), which interact with HLA class I ligands. We aimed to characterize the features of the KIR gene loci and their ligands in patients with bile duct cancer (BDC). METHODS We performed combined multidimensional characterization of genes that encode KIRs and their ligands in blood samples from patients with BDC from Sweden, followed for up to 8 years after diagnosis (n = 148), in 2 geographically matched cohorts of healthy individuals from Northern Europe (n = 204 and n = 900), and in healthy individuals from 6 geographically unrelated populations (n = 2917). We used real-time polymerase chain reaction, RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to evaluate NK-cell presence, as well as KIR and KIR-ligand expression in bile duct tumors and control tissues. RESULTS Patients with bile duct tumors had multiple alterations at the KIR gene loci. KIR loci are grouped into genotypes that encode more inhibitory (group A) and more activating (group B) receptors, which can be subdivided into centromeric and telomeric fragments. Patients with BDC had a lower prevalence of KIR2DL3, which was linked to disequilibrium in centromeric A/B and B/B genotypes, compared with control individuals. The associations between KIRs and KIR ligands differed between patients with BDC and control individuals; patients had an altered balance between activating and inhibitory KIRs. KIR-positive NK cells infiltrated biliary tumors that expressed matched KIR ligands. CONCLUSIONS In a multidimensional analysis of DNA from blood samples of patients with BDC in Europe, we found patients to have multiple alterations at the KIR and HLA gene loci compared with control individuals. These alterations might affect NK-cell tumor surveillance. NK cells from bile duct tumors expressed KIRs and were found in tumors that expressed cognate ligands. This should be considered in development of immune-based therapies for BDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Cornillet
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Hannes Jansson
- Division of Surgery, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Schaffer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Hertwig
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Berglin
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christine L Zimmer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helene Johansson
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ewa Ellis
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Isaksson
- Division of Surgery, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Faviel F Gonzalez-Galarza
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Torreon, Mexico
| | - Derek Middleton
- Transplant Immunology Laboratory, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ernesto Sparrelid
- Division of Surgery, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Shiina T, Blancher A. The Cynomolgus Macaque MHC Polymorphism in Experimental Medicine. Cells 2019; 8:E978. [PMID: 31455025 PMCID: PMC6770713 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the non-human primates used in experimental medicine, cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis hereafter referred to as Mafa) are increasingly selected for the ease with which they are maintained and bred in captivity. Macaques belong to Old World monkeys and are phylogenetically much closer to humans than rodents, which are still the most frequently used animal model. Our understanding of the Mafa genome has progressed rapidly in recent years and has greatly benefited from the latest technical advances in molecular genetics. Cynomolgus macaques are widespread in Southeast Asia and numerous studies have shown a distinct genetic differentiation of continental and island populations. The major histocompatibility complex of cynomolgus macaque (Mafa MHC) is organized in the same way as that of human, but it differs from the latter by its high degree of classical class I gene duplication. Human polymorphic MHC regions play a pivotal role in allograft transplantation and have been associated with more than 100 diseases and/or phenotypes. The Mafa MHC polymorphism similarly plays a crucial role in experimental allografts of organs and stem cells. Experimental results show that the Mafa MHC class I and II regions influence the ability to mount an immune response against infectious pathogens and vaccines. MHC also affects cynomolgus macaque reproduction and impacts on numerous biological parameters. This review describes the Mafa MHC polymorphism and the methods currently used to characterize it. We discuss some of the major areas of experimental medicine where an effect induced by MHC polymorphism has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Shiina
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Antoine Blancher
- Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse-Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse 31000, France.
- Laboratoire d'immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, hôpital Purpan, 330 Avenue de Grande Bretagne, TSA40031, 31059 Toulouse CEDEX 9, France.
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Placental Ageing in Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Telomere Shortening, Cell Senescence, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:3095383. [PMID: 31249642 PMCID: PMC6556237 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3095383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a multisystemic pregnancy disorder and a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The exact pathophysiology of preeclampsia remains unclear; however, it is speculated that the various pathologies can be attributed to impaired vascular remodelling and elevated oxidative stress within the placenta. Oxidative stress plays a key role in cell ageing, and the persistent presence of elevated oxidative stress precipitates cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in premature ageing of the placenta. Premature ageing of the placenta is associated with placental insufficiency, which reduces the functional capacity of this critical organ and leads to abnormal pregnancy outcomes. The changes brought about by oxidative insults are irreversible and often lead to deleterious modifications in macromolecules such as lipids and proteins, DNA mutations, and alteration of mitochondrial functioning and dynamics. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge of placental ageing in the aetiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes and discussed the hallmarks of ageing which could be potential markers for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.
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Bruno A, Mortara L, Baci D, Noonan DM, Albini A. Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells Interactions With Natural Killer Cells and Pro-angiogenic Activities: Roles in Tumor Progression. Front Immunol 2019; 10:771. [PMID: 31057536 PMCID: PMC6482162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) contribute to the induction of an immune suppressive/anergic, tumor permissive environment. MDSCs act as immunosuppression orchestrators also by interacting with several components of both innate and adaptive immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells functioning as primary effector of immunity, against tumors and virus-infected cells. Apart from the previously described anergy and hypo-functionality of NK cells in different tumors, NK cells in cancer patients show pro-angiogenic phenotype and functions, similar to decidual NK cells. We termed the pro-angiogenic NK cells in the tumor microenvironment "tumor infiltrating NK" (TINKs), and peripheral blood NK cells in cancer patients "tumor associated NK" (TANKs). The contribution of MDSCs in regulating NK cell functions in tumor-bearing host, still represent a poorly explored topic, and even less is known on NK cell regulation of MDSCs. Here, we review whether the crosstalk between MDSCs and NK cells can impact on tumor onset, angiogenesis and progression, focusing on key cellular and molecular interactions. We also propose that the similarity of the properties of tumor associated/tumor infiltrating NK and MDSC with those of decidual NK and decidual MDSCs during pregnancy could hint to a possible onco-fetal origin of these pro-angiogenic leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Bruno
- Scientific and Technology Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Denisa Baci
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Douglas M Noonan
- Scientific and Technology Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Adriana Albini
- Scientific and Technology Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Mora-Sánchez A, Aguilar-Salvador DI, Nowak I. Towards a gamete matching platform: using immunogenetics and artificial intelligence to predict recurrent miscarriage. NPJ Digit Med 2019; 2:12. [PMID: 31304361 PMCID: PMC6550222 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-019-0089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The degree of Allele sharing of the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes has been linked with recurrent miscarriage (RM). However, no clear genetic markers of RM have yet been identified, possibly because of the complexity of interactions between paternal and maternal genes during embryo development. We propose a methodology to analyse HLA haplotypes from couples either with histories of successful pregnancies or RM. This article describes a method of RM genetic-risk calculation. The proposed HLA representation techniques allowed us to create an algorithm (IMMATCH) to retrospectively predict RM with an AUC = 0.71 (p = 0.0035) thanks to high-resolution typing and the use of linear algebra on peptide binding affinity data. The algorithm features an adjustable threshold to increase either sensitivity or specificity, allowing a sensitivity of 86%. Combining immunogenetics with artificial intelligence could create personalised tools to better understand the genetic causes of unexplained infertility and a gamete matching platform that could increase pregnancy success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Izabela Nowak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
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Wilczyńska K, Wiśniewski A, Malinowski A, Barcz E, Wilczyński JR, Kuśnierczyk P, Nowak I. ERAP, KIR and HLA-C gene interaction in susceptibility to recurrent spontaneous abortion in the Polish population. Hum Immunol 2019; 80:344-348. [PMID: 30797824 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidases ERAP1 and ERAP2 trim peptides to generate stable antigenic epitopes for their presentation by HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules to T cell receptor. By influencing the peptide repertoire of HLA-I molecules, they affect also the interactions of HLA-I with killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) of natural killer (NK) cells. HLA-C is the only polymorphic HLA-I molecule present on the trophoblast. In this study we investigated the role of ERAP1 and ERAP2 polymorphisms in the context of KIR and HLA-C genes in women suffering from recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in the Polish population. We used TaqMan genotyping assays for ERAP1 rs27044, rs30187, rs2287987, rs26618, rs2665 and ERAP2 rs2248374; PCR-SSP methods for KIR and HLA-C genotyping. We tested 285 women who experienced recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and 319 fertile women. We observed a significant association of ERAP1 rs30187TT genotype with RSA (p = 0.02, OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.11-3.21), however the most striking association was found in comparison of patients and controls with ERAP1 rs30187TT and KIR Bx genotypes (p = 0.006, pcorr. = 0.036, OR = 2.40, 95%CI = 1.27-4.52). Moreover, this effect was even stronger in HLA-C2 positive patients (p = 0.0031, pcorr. = 0.019, OR = 3.46, 95%CI = 1.48-8.11). Other weaker associations of the remaining tested ERAP single nucleotide polymorphisms with RSA were also presented. In conclusion, ERAP1 rs30187TT genotype itself increased susceptibility to RSA but this effect was much stronger in patients positive for HLA-C2 and KIR Bx genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wilczyńska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Wiśniewski
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Malinowski
- Department of Surgical, Endoscopic and Oncologic Gynecology, Polish Mothers' Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, ul. Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Ewa Barcz
- First Chair and Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, Pl. Starynkiewcza 1/3, 02-015 Warszawa, Poland.
| | - Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Surgical and Oncological Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, Al. Kościuszki 4, 90-419 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Piotr Kuśnierczyk
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Izabela Nowak
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland.
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Rapacz-Leonard A, Leonard M, Chmielewska-Krzesińska M, Paździor-Czapula K, Janowski T. Major histocompatibility complex class I in the horse (Equus caballus) placenta during pregnancy and parturition. Placenta 2018; 74:36-46. [PMID: 30638631 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major histocompatibility protein class I (MHC-I) is believed to be expressed in the horse allantochorion only in limited areas at limited times. However, its expression has only been investigated in early pregnancy with non-quantitative techniques that cannot reliably detect small amounts of protein. OBJECTIVE To quantify the relative expression of MHC-I in the allantochorion and endometrium during days 90-240 of pregnancy (PREG), parturition with physiological delivery of fetal membranes (PHYS), and parturition with retention of these membranes (FMR). Also, to visualize protein expression and determine whether classical or non-classical MHC-I mRNA is expressed. ANIMALS Heavy draft horses. SETTING PREG horses (n = 12) were sampled postmortem at a slaughterhouse. PHYS (n = 6) and FMR (n = 5) horses were sampled at farms in the vicinity of Olsztyn, Poland. METHODS For relative quantification of MHC-I, western blotting with densitometry was used. To visualize MHC-I, immunohistochemistry was used. For mRNA identification, RT-PCR was performed. RESULTS Although the quantity of MHC-I was lower during PREG than parturition, it was present in the allantochorion and endometrium during PREG. During parturition, MHC-I expression was upregulated in the allantochorion (PHYS vs. PREG: 2.7-times higher, 95% confidence interval, 1.3- to 5.7-times higher; FMR vs. PREG: 3.2-times higher, 95% confidence interval, 1.5- to 6.7-times higher). At parturition, staining for MHC-I was detected in the microcotyledons. Classical and non-classical MHC-I were expressed in both tissues during PREG, PHYS, and FMR. CONCLUSION MHC-I protein is present in the horse allantochorion and endometrium for at least the first two-thirds of pregnancy and at parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rapacz-Leonard
- Department of Animal Reproduction with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - M Leonard
- University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - M Chmielewska-Krzesińska
- Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary and Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
| | - K Paździor-Czapula
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
| | - T Janowski
- Department of Animal Reproduction with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
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Tesarik J. Customised Oocyte Donation Enhancement and New Findings Regarding the Role of Growth Hormone. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/10313812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with donated oocytes is the most effective assisted reproduction treatment currently available; however, repeated implantation failure (RIF) can occur with this treatment. The protocol of patient preparation for IVF with donated oocytes is relatively simple and works well in most cases; however, it can fail in a minority of women, which is what occurs in RIF patients. While the probability of RIF occuring is 20–35%, it is reasonable to take adequate measures in all patients in order to avoid procedural failure. The risk of oocyte donation failure can be minimised by applying a customised oocyte donation enhancement (CODE) protocol, in which pitfalls of the standard protocol are detected and corrected in the pretreatment phase, during the patient’s uterus preparation for embryo transfer, and after the transfer. Growth hormone, recently reported to improve pregnancy outcomes in women with RIF after oocyte donation, is a possible component of the CODE protocol, but it cannot be considered a unique solution to RIF. This article reviews possible causes of RIF and places growth hormone treatment in the context of other important measures to be followed in the CODE protocol.
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van der Zwan A, van der Meer-Prins EMW, van Miert PPMC, van den Heuvel H, Anholts JDH, Roelen DL, Claas FHJ, Heidt S. Cross-Reactivity of Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cells Against Allogeneic HLA-C: Possible Implications for Pregnancy Outcome. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2880. [PMID: 30574149 PMCID: PMC6291497 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterologous immunity of virus-specific T cells poses a potential barrier to transplantation tolerance. Cross-reactivity to HLA-A and -B molecules has broadly been described, whereas responses to allo-HLA-C have remained ill defined. In contrast to the transplant setting, HLA-C is the only polymorphic HLA molecule expressed by extravillous trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy. Uncontrolled placental viral infections, accompanied by a pro-inflammatory milieu, can alter the activation status and stability of effector T cells. Potential cross-reactivity of maternal decidual virus-specific T cells to fetal allo-HLA-C may thereby have detrimental consequences for the success of pregnancy. To explore the presence of cross-reactivity to HLA-C and the other non-classical HLA antigens expressed by trophoblasts, HLA-A and -B-restricted CD8+ T cells specific for Epstein-Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, Varicella-Zoster virus, and Influenza virus were tested against target cells expressing HLA-C, -E, and -G molecules. An HLA-B*08:01-restricted EBV-specific T cell clone displayed cross-reactivity against HLA-C*01:02. Furthermore, cross-reactivity of HLA-C-restricted virus-specific CD8+ T cells was observed for HCMV HLA-C*06:02/TRA CD8+ T cell lines and clones against HLA-C*03:02. Collectively, these results demonstrate that cross-reactivity against HLA-C can occur and thereby may affect pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita van der Zwan
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Paula P M C van Miert
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Heleen van den Heuvel
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline D H Anholts
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dave L Roelen
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frans H J Claas
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Heidt
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Filipovic I, Chiossone L, Vacca P, Hamilton RS, Ingegnere T, Doisne JM, Hawkes DA, Mingari MC, Sharkey AM, Moretta L, Colucci F. Molecular definition of group 1 innate lymphoid cells in the mouse uterus. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4492. [PMID: 30374017 PMCID: PMC6206068 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06918-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Determining the function of uterine lymphocytes is challenging because of the dynamic changes in response to sex hormones and, during pregnancy, to the invading foetal trophoblast cells. Here we provide a genome-wide transcriptome atlas of mouse uterine group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) at mid-gestation. Tissue-resident Eomes+CD49a+ NK cells (trNK), which resemble human uterine NK cells, are most abundant during early pregnancy, and have gene signatures associated with TGF-β responses and interactions with trophoblast, epithelial, endothelial, smooth muscle cells, leucocytes and extracellular matrix. Conventional NK cells expand late in gestation and may engage in crosstalk with trNK cells involving IL-18 and IFN-γ. Eomes-CD49a+ ILC1s dominate before puberty, and specifically expand in second pregnancies when the expression of the memory cell marker CXCR6 is upregulated. These results identify trNK cells as the cellular hub of uterine group 1 ILCs, and mark CXCR6+ ILC1s as potential memory cells of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Filipovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Laura Chiossone
- G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa, 16147, Genoa, Italy
- Innate Pharma Research Labs, Innate Pharma, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Paola Vacca
- Policlinico San Martino IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Russell S Hamilton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Tiziano Ingegnere
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Jean-Marc Doisne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Delia A Hawkes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Policlinico San Martino IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrew M Sharkey
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
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Abstract
The principal focus of this paper is to consider the implications of head and neck transplantation surgery on the issue of personal identity. To this end, it is noted that the immune system has not only been established to impose a level of self-identity on bodily cells, it has also been implicated in mental development and the regulation of mental state. In this it serves as a paradigm for the mind as the product of cephalic and extracephalic systems. The importance of bodily systems in identity is then discussed in relation to phantom tissue syndrome. The data strongly indicate that, even if surgically successful, head and neck transplantation will result in the loss of the continuity of personal identity.
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Zhang P. Decidual Vasculopathy in Preeclampsia and Spiral Artery Remodeling Revisited: Shallow Invasion versus Failure of Involution. AJP Rep 2018; 8:e241-e246. [PMID: 30370178 PMCID: PMC6202578 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1675348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidual vasculopathy is commonly associated with preeclampsia and develops in the late pregnancy in the uterine spiral arteries, which were previously remodeled by the extravillous trophoblasts. In normal early pregnancy, trophoblasts invade into the spiral artery, leading to vascular transformation, and this transformation is found to be associated with phenotypic switch of the endovascular trophoblasts to express CD56, a maternal protein likely from the natural killer (NK) cells. These endovascular trophoblasts are diminished at term. The decidual vessels are also returned to near normal at the delivery. Both the uterus and the uterine spiral arteries undergo involution after delivery. In preeclampsia, the endovascular trophoblasts are present within the vessel wall associated with the persistence of switched phenotype similar to those seen in the early implantation. The persistence of the endovascular trophoblasts in decidual vasculopathy indicates a failure to return to normal vessels in preeclampsia, thus suggesting a potential mechanism of pathogenesis. NK cells seem critical not only for early implantation and spiral artery remodeling but also for the development of decidual vasculopathy in preeclampsia. In this short review, some critical aspects of decidual vasculopathy in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia are reexamined and a new hypothesis is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, NYP Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
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Boudreau JE, Hsu KC. Natural killer cell education in human health and disease. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 50:102-111. [PMID: 29413815 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells maintain immune homeostasis by detecting and eliminating damaged cells. Simultaneous activating and inhibitory input are integrated by NK cells, with the net signal prompting cytotoxicity and cytokine production, or inhibition. Chief among the inhibitory ligands for NK cells are 'self' human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, which are sensed by killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). Through a process called 'education', the functional capabilities of each NK cell are counterbalanced by their sensitivity for inhibition by co-inherited 'self' HLA. HLA and their ligands, the killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), are encoded by polymorphic, polygenic gene loci that segregate independently, therefore, NK education and function differ even between related individuals. In this review, we describe how variation in NK education, reactivity and sensitivity for inhibition impacts reproductive success, infection, cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette E Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Katharine C Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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50
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald E Bontrop
- Biomedical Primate Research Center, PO Box 3306, 2280, Rijswijk, GH, Netherlands.
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