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Foyle KL, Robertson SA. Gamma delta (γδ) T cells in the female reproductive tract: active participants or indifferent bystanders in reproductive success? DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 3:kyae004. [PMID: 38863792 PMCID: PMC11165432 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract accommodates and balances the unique immunological challenges of protection from sexually transmitted pathogens and tolerance of the fetus and placenta in pregnancy. Leukocytes in the female reproductive tract actively engage in extensive maternal adaptations that are imperative for embryo implantation, placental development, and fetal growth support. γδ T cells are abundant at many mucosal sites in the body, where they provide protection against pathogens and cancer, and have roles in tissue renewal and homeostasis. In this review, we summarize studies in humans and rodents showing that γδ T cells are prevalent in the female reproductive tract and fluctuate in response to hormone changes across the reproductive cycle. Emerging evidence points to a link between changes in their abundance and molecular repertoire in the uterus and pregnancy disorders including recurrent miscarriage and preterm birth. However, defining the precise functional role of female reproductive tract γδ T cells and understanding their physiological significance in reproduction and pregnancy have remained elusive. Here, we critically analyze whether reproductive tract γδ T cells could be active participants in reproductive events-or whether their principal function is immune defense, in which case they may compromise pregnancy success unless adequately regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L Foyle
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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2
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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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3
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Chen H, Chen Y, Zheng Q. The regulated cell death at the maternal-fetal interface: beneficial or detrimental? Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:100. [PMID: 38409106 PMCID: PMC10897449 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) plays a fundamental role in placental development and tissue homeostasis. Placental development relies upon effective implantation and invasion of the maternal decidua by the trophoblast and an immune tolerant environment maintained by various cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Although cell death in the placenta can affect fetal development and even cause pregnancy-related diseases, accumulating evidence has revealed that several regulated cell death were found at the maternal-fetal interface under physiological or pathological conditions, the exact types of cell death and the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this review, we summarized the apoptosis, necroptosis and autophagy play both promoting and inhibiting roles in the differentiation, invasion of trophoblast, remodeling of the uterine spiral artery and decidualization, whereas ferroptosis and pyroptosis have adverse effects. RCD serves as a mode of communication between different cells to better maintain the maternal-fetal interface microenvironment. Maintaining the balance of RCD at the maternal-fetal interface is of utmost importance for the development of the placenta, establishment of an immune microenvironment, and prevention of pregnancy disorders. In addition, we also revealed an association between abnormal expression of key molecules in different types of RCD and pregnancy-related diseases, which may yield significant insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of pregnancy-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Chen
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen, 518000, P.R. China
| | - Yin Chen
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen, 518000, P.R. China
| | - Qingliang Zheng
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen, 518000, P.R. China.
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4
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Yu L, Wang L, Wang L, Yan S, Chen S, Xu Q, Su D, Wang X. Identification and validation of immune cells and hub genes alterations in recurrent implantation failure: A GEO data mining study. Front Genet 2023; 13:1094978. [PMID: 36699469 PMCID: PMC9868458 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1094978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a distressing problem in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Immunity plays a vital role in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) occurrence and development, but its underlying mechanism still needs to be fully elucidated. Through bioinformatics analysis, this study aims to identify the RIF-associated immune cell types and immune-related genes. Methods: The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened based on RIF-associated Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Then, the enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were conducted with the DEGs. The RIF-associated immune cell types were clarified by combining single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT. Differentially expressed immune cell types-related modules were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and local maximal quasi-clique merger (lmQCM) analysis. The overlapping genes between DEGs and genes contained by modules mentioned above were delineated as candidate hub genes and validated in another two external datasets. Finally, the microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that interacted with hub genes were predicted, and the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was structured. Results: In the present study, we collected 324 DEGs between RIF and the control group, which functions were mainly enriched in immune-related signaling pathways. Regarding differential cell types, the RIF group had a higher proportion of activated memory CD4 T cells and a lower proportion of γδ T cells in the endometrial tissue. Finally, three immune-related hub genes (ALOX5AP, SLC7A7, and PTGS2) were identified and verified to effectively discriminate RIF from control individuals with a specificity rate of 90.8% and a sensitivity rate of 90.8%. In addition, we constructed a key ceRNA network that is expected to mediate molecular mechanisms in RIF. Conclusion: Our study identified the intricate correlation between immune cell types and RIF and provided new immune-related hub genes that offer promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets for RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangcheng Yu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lijin Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Song Yan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Danjie Su
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Xiaohong Wang,
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IL-10: A bridge between immune cells and metabolism during pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 154:103750. [PMID: 36156316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Energy metabolism plays a crucial role in the immune system. In addition to providing vital energy for cell growth, reproduction and other cell activities, the metabolism of nutrients such as glucose and lipids also have significant effects on cell function through metabolites, metabolic enzymes, and changing metabolic status. Interleukin-10 (IL-10), as a pleiotropic regulator, can be secreted by a diverse set of cells and can also participate in regulating the functions of various cells, thereby playing an essential role in the formation and maintenance of immune tolerance in pregnancy. Studies on the regulatory effects and mechanisms of IL-10 on immune cells are extensive; however, research from a metabolic perspective is relatively negligible. Here, we have discussed old and new data on the relationship between IL-10 and metabolism. The data show that alterations in cellular metabolism and specific metabolites regulate IL-10 production of immune cells. Moreover, IL-10 regulates immune cell phenotypes and functions by modulating oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. This review summarizes some earlier observations regarding IL-10 and its relationship with immune cells in pregnancy, and also presents recent research on the link between IL-10 and metabolism, highlighting the potential relationship between IL-10, immune cells, and energy metabolism during pregnancy.
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Ling S, You Z, Li Y, Zhang J, Zhao S, He Y, Chen X. The role of γδ T17 cells in cardiovascular disease. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:1649-1661. [PMID: 36073777 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3mr0822-761rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the ability of γδ T cells to bridge adaptive and innate immunity, γδ T cells can respond to a variety of molecular cues and acquire the ability to induce a variety of cytokines such as IL-17 family, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10. IL-17+ γδ T cells (γδ T17 cells) populations have recently received considerable interest as they are the major early source of IL-17A in many immune response models. However, the exact mechanism of γδ T17 cells is still poorly understood, especially in the context of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the leading cause of death in the world, and it tends to be younger. Here, we offer a review of the cardiovascular inflammatory and immune functions of γδ T17 cells in order to understand their role in CVD, which may be the key to developing new clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxue Ling
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Zonghao You
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Shuwu Zhao
- School of Intergrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Yongzhi He
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Xi Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Tianjin, 301617, China
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7
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Changes in expression of nuclear factor kappa B subunits in the ovine thymus during early pregnancy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17683. [PMID: 36271124 PMCID: PMC9587240 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21632-3] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a pregnant maternal immunological tolerance that protects the fetus and promotes its growth, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) family participates in the regulation of innate immune and adaptive immune responses. The thymus is related to establishing central tolerance, and early pregnancy has effects on expression of a good number of genes and proteins in the maternal thymus in sheep. However, it is unclear whether early pregnancy changes expression of NF-κB subunits in the ovine thymus. In this study, the thymic samples were collected from day 16 of non-pregnant ewes, and days 13, 16 and 25 of pregnant ewes, and the expression of NF-κB members (NF-κB1, NF-κB2, RelA, RelB and c-Rel) was analyzed through real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that c-Rel mRNA and protein upregulated at day 25 of pregnancy, and NF-κB1 mRNA and proteins increased at days 16 and 25 of pregnancy, and RelB mRNA and proteins enhanced during early pregnancy. However, expression levels of NF-κB2 and RelA were decreased during early pregnancy, but upregulated from day 13 to 25 of pregnancy. In addition, the RelA protein was located in the epithelial reticular cells, capillaries and thymic corpuscles. This paper reported for the first time that early pregnancy induced expression of NF-κB1, RelB and c-Rel, but inhibited expression of NF-κB2 and RelA in the maternal thymus during early pregnancy, which is involved in the central immune tolerance, and helpful for successful pregnancy in sheep.
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8
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Collins MK, McCutcheon CR, Petroff MG. Impact of Estrogen and Progesterone on Immune Cells and Host–Pathogen Interactions in the Lower Female Reproductive Tract. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 209:1437-1449. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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9
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Feng X, Meng X, Guo S, Li K, Wang L, Ai J. Identification of key genes and immune cell infiltration in recurrent implantation failure: A study based on integrated analysis of multiple microarray studies. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13607. [PMID: 35929523 PMCID: PMC9786880 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) refers to a challenging topic in assisted reproductive technology (ART), the etiology of which may be attributed to impaired endometrial receptivity; however, the precise pathogenesis of RIF has not been thoroughly elucidated. METHOD OF STUDY Four RIF microarray datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and integrated by the "sva" R package. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using the "limma" package and then GO, KEGG, GSEA, and GSVA were applied to perform functional and pathway enrichment analysis. The immune cell infiltration in the RIF process was evaluated by the CIBERSORT algorithm. Finally, the hub genes were identified through the CytoHubba and subsequently verified using two items of external endometrial data. RESULTS 236 genes were differentially expressed in the endometrium of the RIF group. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the biological functions of DEGs were mainly correlated to the immune-related pathways, including immune response, TNF signaling pathway, complement and coagulation cascades. Among the immune cells, γδ T cells decreased significantly in the endometrium of RIF patients. In addition, the key DEGs such as PTGS2, FGB, MUC1, SST, VCAM1, MMP7, ERBB4, FOLR1, and C3 were screened and identified as the hub genes involved in the pathogenesis of RIF. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal immune response regulation of endometrium contributes to the occurrence of RIF, and γδ T cells may be the pivotal immune cells causing RIF. At the same time, the novel hub genes identified will provide effective targets for the prediction and therapy of RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Feng
- Reproductive Medicine CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Xiaolin Meng
- Reproductive Medicine CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Shuaiqingying Guo
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Kezhen Li
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Lingjuan Wang
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Jihui Ai
- Reproductive Medicine CenterTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
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10
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Cervantes O, Talavera IC, Every E, Coler B, Li M, Li A, Li H, Adams Waldorf K. Role of hormones in the pregnancy and sex-specific outcomes to infections with respiratory viruses. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:123-148. [PMID: 35373371 PMCID: PMC9189035 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women infected with pathogenic respiratory viruses, such as influenza A viruses (IAV) and coronaviruses, are at higher risk for mortality, hospitalization, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Several factors are likely to contribute to the susceptibility of pregnant individuals to severe lung disease including changes in pulmonary physiology, immune defenses, and effector functions of some immune cells. Pregnancy is also a physiologic state characterized by higher levels of multiple hormones that may impact the effector functions of immune cells, such as progesterone, estrogen, human chorionic gonadotropin, prolactin, and relaxin. Each of these hormones acts to support a tolerogenic immune state of pregnancy, which helps prevent fetal rejection, but may also contribute to an impaired antiviral response. In this review, we address the unique role of adaptive and innate immune cells in the control of pathogenic respiratory viruses and how pregnancy and specific hormones can impact their effector actions. We highlight viruses with sex-specific differences in infection outcomes and why pregnancy hormones may contribute to fetal protection but aid the virus at the expense of the mother's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Cervantes
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Irene Cruz Talavera
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Emma Every
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brahm Coler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
| | - Miranda Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Amanda Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Hanning Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kristina Adams Waldorf
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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11
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Bafor EE, Valencia JC, Young HA. Double Negative T Regulatory Cells: An Emerging Paradigm Shift in Reproductive Immune Tolerance? Front Immunol 2022; 13:886645. [PMID: 35844500 PMCID: PMC9283768 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune regulation of female reproductive function plays a crucial role in fertility, as alterations in the relationship between immune and reproductive processes result in autoimmune subfertility or infertility. The breakdown of immune tolerance leads to ovulation dysfunction, implantation failure, and pregnancy loss. In this regard, immune cells with regulatory activities are essential to restore self-tolerance. Apart from regulatory T cells, double negative T regulatory cells (DNTregs) characterized by TCRαβ+/γδ+CD3+CD4–CD8– (and negative for natural killer cell markers) are emerging as effector cells capable of mediating immune tolerance in the female reproductive system. DNTregs are present in the female reproductive tract of humans and murine models. However, their full potential as immune regulators is evolving, and studies so far indicate that DNTregs exhibit features that can also maintain tolerance in the female reproductive microenvironment. This review describes recent progress on the presence, role and mechanisms of DNTregs in the female reproductive system immune regulation and tolerance. In addition, we address how DNTregs can potentially provide a paradigm shift from the known roles of conventional regulatory T cells and immune tolerance by maintaining and restoring balance in the reproductive microenvironment of female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enitome E Bafor
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Julio C Valencia
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Howard A Young
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
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12
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Yang S, Feng T, Ma C, Wang T, Chen H, Li L, Liu Y, Zhou B, Zhou R, Li H. Early Pregnancy Human Decidua Gamma/Delta T Cells Exhibit Tissue Resident and Specific Functional Characteristics. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6618535. [PMID: 35758607 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A successful pregnancy is a complicated process that builds upon two aspects of the maternal immune system that need to be balanced. As one of the indispensable groups of immune cell at the maternal-fetal interface, the decidual gamma/delta (γδ) T cells have attracted research attention in normal pregnancy and miscarriage. However, the role of γδ T cells in fetal growth remains poorly understood. Here we found that the γδ T cell population resident in decidua during early pregnancy was enriched and secreted growth factors including growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1). A diminution in such growth factors may impair fetal development and result in fetal growth restriction. We also observed that early decidual γδ T cells exhibited stronger cytokine-secretion characteristics, but that their cytotoxic actions against A549 cells were weaker, compared with γδ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In addition, the functional abilities of early decidual γδ T cells in promoting trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation were also significantly more robust than in γδ T cells of PBMCs. These findings highlight the importance of γδ T cells in fetal growth and maternal immunotolerance during pregnancy, and show that they differ from γδ T cells in PBMCs. We thus recommend additional investigation in this research area to further elucidate a role for γδ T cells in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yang
- Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Feng
- Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - ChengYong Ma
- West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tiehao Wang
- West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongqin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital,Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liman Li
- Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital,Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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13
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Xu QH, Muyayalo KP, Zhang YJ, Wang H, Lin XX, Liao AH. Altered vitamin D metabolism is involved in the dysregulation of γδT cell function and their crosstalk with trophoblasts in recurrent pregnancy loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 89:e13581. [PMID: 35704547 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common disease characterized by immune dysfunction and vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to investigate vitamin D metabolism and γδT cell phenotypes at the maternal-fetal interface in women with early normal pregnancy (NP) and RPL and to determine the effects of vitamin D on the functions of γδT cells and their crosstalk with trophoblasts. METHODS The levels of 25-(OH)VD3 , the expression of vitamin D metabolic enzymes in the villi, and the proportion of γδT cells in the decidua were detected in women with NP and RPL. After treatment with different concentrations of vitamin D, the mRNA expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), cytokines, and transcription factors was detected in Vδ2+ γδT cells. In addition, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblasts were determined by co-culturing them with vitamin D-treated Vδ2+ γδT cells and their supernatants. RESULTS In women with RPL, the level of 25-(OH)VD3 in the villi was increased; however, that of CYP27B1 (enzyme converting 25-(OH)VD3 into 1,25-(OH)2 VD3 ) was decreased. In addition, the proportion of Vδ2+ γδT cells increased, whereas that of Foxp3+ Vδ2+ γδT cells decreased in the decidua of women with RPL. An in vitro study showed that vitamin D increased the expression of VDR mRNA and Foxp3, but decreased the expression of IFN-γ mRNA, in Vδ2+ γδT cells. Finally, vitamin D-treated Vδ2+ γδT cells promoted trophoblast migration and invasion. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal vitamin D metabolism and γδT cell proportions were present at the maternal-fetal interface in women with RPL. Under normal pregnancy conditions, vitamin D can induce the differentiation of decidual Vδ2+ γδT cells toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype (Treg-like γδT cells) and modulate the crosstalk between Vδ2+ γδT cells and trophoblasts. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Han Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Huan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Xiu Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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14
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Guo R, Jiang S, Zhang J, Yang Q, Gao L, Xia W, Tong L, Feng P, Xu Y, Zhang T, Cheng H, Liu C, Zhang X, Yin Z, Zhang H. PD-1 mediates decidual γδ T cells cytotoxicity during recurrent pregnancy loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13562. [PMID: 35567369 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is one of the big challenges of normal pregnancy. Immune dysregulation has been proposed for the key underline mechanisms of RPL. However, the essential roles of T cells, especially γδ T cells, have not been defined. METHOD OF STUDY Decidua were obtained from normal pregnancy women or recurrent pregnancy loss patients and the surface molecules of γδ T cells in decidua were evaluated via flow cytometric analysis. The expression of PD-1 in clinical samples was analyzed by immunohistochemistry assay. The intracellular cytokines of decidual PD-1+ and PD-1- γδ T cells were evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. The cytotoxicity of PD-1- γδ T cells were confirmed via an in vitro co-culture experiment. The specific inhibitors for Erk, p38 and JNK against the MAPK pathway were added to the co-culture media to evaluate the functions of the Erk, p38 and JNK. RESULTS We demonstrated that PD-1 was significantly decreased on decidual tissue γδ T cells of patients with RPL, resulting in the enhanced cytotoxicity of γδ T cells against trophoblasts. We further elucidated an Erk-dependent TNF-α production mediates the γδ T cell cytotoxicity against the trophoblast cells. Finally, the reduced expression of PD-L1 in the villi tissues of patients with RPL might be the cause of the reduction of PD-1 on the tissue γδ T cells. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers an important role of PD-1 expression on decidual γδ T cells in maintaining the normal pregnancy, and may provide a new strategy for immune therapy against RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Silin Jiang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jianliang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Quanli Yang
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Gao
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lingxia Tong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Peiran Feng
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Xu
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Center for Cancer Immunology Research, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - CuiPing Liu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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15
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Contribution of plasma, placental, inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators in labor induction. Placenta 2022; 122:9-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Tissue-resident immunity in the female and male reproductive tract. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:785-799. [PMID: 35488095 PMCID: PMC9053558 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00934-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The conception of how the immune system is organized has been significantly challenged over the last years. It became evident that not all lymphocytes are mobile and recirculate through secondary lymphoid organs. Instead, subsets of immune cells continuously reside in tissues until being reactivated, e.g., by a recurring pathogen or other stimuli. Consequently, the concept of tissue-resident immunity has emerged, and substantial evidence is now available to support its pivotal function in maintaining tissue homeostasis, sensing challenges and providing antimicrobial protection. Surprisingly, insights on tissue-resident immunity in the barrier tissues of the female reproductive tract are sparse and only slowly emerging. The need for protection from vaginal and amniotic infections, the uniqueness of periodic tissue shedding and renewal of the endometrial barrier tissue, and the demand for a tailored decidual immune adaptation during pregnancy highlight that tissue-resident immunity may play a crucial role in distinct compartments of the female reproductive tract. This review accentuates the characteristics of tissue-resident immune cells in the vagina, endometrium, and the decidua during pregnancy and discusses their functional role in modulating the risk for infertility, pregnancy complications, infections, or cancer. We here also review data published to date on tissue-resident immunity in the male reproductive organs, which is still a largely uncharted territory.
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Li N, Saghafi N, Ghaneifar Z, Rezaee SA, Rafatpanah H, Abdollahi E. Evaluation of the Effects of 1,25VitD3 on Inflammatory Responses and IL-25 Expression. Front Genet 2021; 12:779494. [PMID: 34956328 PMCID: PMC8693381 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.779494] [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: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
VitD3 may contribute to a successful pregnancy through modulation of immune responses, so VitD3 deficiency may have a role in the immunopathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). However, the mechanisms of immunomodulatory actions of VitD3 in decreasing the risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion have not been understood well. Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of 1,25VitD3 on IL-25 and related cytokines of Th17 cells including IL-17A, IL-6, and IL-23 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy women as a control group and women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Method: Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed from peripheral blood of the subjects of the studied groups (20 women with URSA as a case group, and 20 control women). The effects of 1,25VitD3 (50 nM, for 24 h) on the studied parameters were evaluated and were compared to the positive and negative controls in vitro. Flow cytometry analysis was used to determine the percentages of regulatory T cells and Th17 cells. For gene expression measurement and cytokines assay, real-time PCR and ELISA were carried out. Results: The proportion of Th17 cells in women with URSA was considerably higher than in the control group. IL-25 mRNA and protein levels in cultured PBMCs from women with URSA were lower than the controls. 1,25VitD3 increased IL-25 expressions at both the protein and mRNA levels in PBMCs from women with URSA relative to the control group. Additionally, 1,25VitD3 treatment not only significantly decreased the percentage of Th17 cells frequency but also reduced expressions of IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-23 in PBMCs from women with URSA. Conclusion: 1,25VitD3 may diminish inflammatory responses cells via downregulation of IL-25 expression. It could be an interesting subject for future researches in the field of the immunopathology of URSA to identify molecular pathways in URSA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Jinan Maternal and Child Care Health Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Nafiseh Saghafi
- Department of Gynecology, Woman Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghaneifar
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdorahim Rezaee
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Research Center for HIV/AIDS, HTLV and Viral Hepatitis, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran.,Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Houshang Rafatpanah
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Research Center for HIV/AIDS, HTLV and Viral Hepatitis, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran.,Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elham Abdollahi
- Department of Gynecology, Woman Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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18
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Li WX, Xu XH, Jin LP. Regulation of the innate immune cells during pregnancy: An immune checkpoint perspective. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10362-10375. [PMID: 34708495 PMCID: PMC8581333 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The foetus can be regarded as a half‐allograft implanted into the maternal body. In a successful pregnancy, the mother does not reject the foetus because of the immune tolerance mechanism at the maternal‐foetal interface. The innate immune cells are a large part of the decidual leukocytes contributing significantly to a successful pregnancy. Although the contributions have been recognized, their role in human pregnancy has not been completely elucidated. Additionally, the accumulated evidence demonstrates that the immune checkpoint molecules expressed on the immune cells are co‐inhibitory receptors regulating their activation and biological function. Therefore, it is critical to understand the immune microenvironment and explore the function of the innate immune cells during pregnancy. This review summarizes the classic immune checkpoints such as PD‐1, CTLA‐4 and some novel molecules recently identified, including TIM‐3, CD200, TIGIT and the Siglecs family on the decidual and peripheral innate immune cells during pregnancy. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of the immune checkpoint molecules in pregnancy‐associated complications and reproductive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xuan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Biobank, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ping Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Biobank, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Gao J, Wang L, Bu L, Song Y, Huang X, Zhao J. Immunopharmacological properties of VitD3: 1,25VitD3 modulates regulatory T cells and Th17 cells and the cytokine balance in PBMCs from women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion [URSA]. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:779-793. [PMID: 34649494 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666211015084803] [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: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND VitD3 may contribute to a successful pregnancy through modulation of immune responses, so VitD3 deficiency may have a role in the immunopathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion [URSA]. However, the mechanisms of immunomodulatory actions of VitD3 in decreasing the risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion have not been understood well. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of 1,25VitD3 on regulatory T cells /Th17 axis, the gene expressions and concentrations of related cytokines including, TGF-β, IL-10, IL-6, IL-23, and IL-17A in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs] of healthy women as a control group and women with URSA. METHOD Isolation of PBMCs was performed from peripheral blood of the subjects of the studied groups [20 women with URSA as a case group, and 20 control women]. The effects of 1,25VitD3 [50 nM, for 24 hours] on the studied parameters were evaluated and were compared to the positive and negative controls in vitro. Flow cytometry analysis was used to determine the percentages of regulatory T cells and Th17 cells. For gene expression measurement and cytokines assay, Real-time PCR and ELISA were carried out. RESULTS The proportion of regulatory T cells was markedly lower, while the proportion of Th17 cells in women with URSA was considerably higher than in the control group [P=0.01, P=0.01]. The ratio of the frequency of Tregs to the baseline [1,25VitD3/Untreated] increased, while the ratio of the frequency of Th17 cells to the baseline decreased in women with URSA relative to the controls [P= 0.01, P=0.04]. 1,25VitD3 increased IL-10 expressions at both the protein and mRNA levels in PBMCs in women with URSA relative to the control group [P=0.0001, P=0.04]. TGF-β levels in the cultured supernatants decreased significantly in the case group in the presence of 1,25VitD3 relative to the controls [P=0.03]. 1,25VitD3 treatment also significantly decreased gene expressions of IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-23 in PBMCs of women with URSA [P=0.01, P=0.001, P=0.0005], as well as the levels of those cytokines in cell culture supernatants [P=0.03, P=0.02, P=0.01, respectively] in women with URSA relative to the controls. CONCLUSION According to the findings of this research, modulation of immune responses by 1,25VitD3 is accomplished by strengthening Tregs function and inhibiting inflammatory responses of Th17 cells which may have a positive impact on pregnancy outcome. Thus, as an immunomodulating agent, VitD3 may be effective in reducing the risk of URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiefan Gao
- Department of reproductive medicine, Cangzhou Central Hospital, No. 16, Xinhua West Road, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, 061014. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, No. 4, Duanxing West Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan City, Shandong Province, 250022. China
| | - Lei Bu
- Department of nephrology, Linyi people's hospital, Linyi City, Shandong Province, 276003. China
| | - Yangyang Song
- Department of reproductive medicine, Cangzhou Central Hospital, No. 16, Xinhua West Road, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, 061014. China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Department of reproductive medicine, Cangzhou Central Hospital, No. 16, Xinhua West Road, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, 061014. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of nursing, Dongying District People's Hospital, No. 333, Jinan Road, Dongying City, Shandong Province, 257099. China
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20
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Tao Y, Li Y, Zhang D, Xu L, Chen J, Sang Y, Piao H, Jing X, Yu M, Fu Q, Zhou S, Li D, Du M. Decidual CXCR4 + CD56 bright NK cells as a novel NK subset in maternal-foetal immune tolerance to alleviate early pregnancy failure. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e540. [PMID: 34709764 PMCID: PMC8516340 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells preferentially accumulate at maternal-foetal interface and are believed to play vital immune-modulatory roles during early pregnancy and related immunological dysfunction may result in pregnant failure such as recurrent miscarriage (RM). However, the mechanisms underlying the establishment of maternal-foetal immunotolerance are complex but clarifying the roles of decidual NK (dNK) cells offers the potential to design immunotherapeutic strategies to assist RM patients. In this report, we analysed RNA sequencing on peripheral NK (pNK) and decidual NK cells during early pregnancy; we identified an immunomodulatory dNK subset CXCR4+ CD56bright dNK and investigated its origin and phenotypic and functional characteristics. CXCR4+ CD56bright dNK displayed a less activated and cytotoxic phenotype but an enhanced immunomodulatory potential relative to the CXCR4 negative subset. CXCR4+ CD56bright dNK promote Th2 shift in an IL-4-dependent manner and can be recruited from peripheral blood and reprogramed by trophoblasts, as an active participant in the establishment of immune-tolerance during early pregnancy. Diminished CXCR4+ dNK cells and their impaired ability to induce Th2 differentiation were found in RM patients and mouse models of spontaneous abortion. Moreover, adoptive transfer of CXCR4+ dNK cells to NK-deficient (Nfil3-/-) mice showed great therapeutic potential of CXCR4+ dNK via recovering the Th2/Th1 bias and reducing embryo resorption rates. The identification of this new dNK cell subset may lay the foundation for understanding NK cell mechanisms in early pregnancy and provide potential prognostic factors for the diagnosis and therapy of RM.
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MESH Headings
- Abortion, Habitual/blood
- Abortion, Habitual/immunology
- Abortion, Habitual/prevention & control
- Animals
- Decidua/immunology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Humans
- Immune Tolerance/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules/blood
- Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics
- Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules/immunology
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Trimester, First
- Receptors, CXCR4/blood
- Receptors, CXCR4/genetics
- Receptors, CXCR4/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
- Department of Assisted ReproductionShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yan‐Hong Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Di Zhang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Ling Xu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Jia‐Jia Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Yi‐Fei Sang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Hai‐Lan Piao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Xue‐Ling Jing
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Min Yu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of ImmunologyBinzhou Medical CollegeYantaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Sheng‐Tao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation CenterChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Da‐Jin Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Mei‐Rong Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of PharmacyMacau University of Science and TechnologyMacauChina
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21
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Yu L, Zhang Y, Xiong J, Liu J, Zha Y, Kang Q, Zhi P, Wang Q, Wang H, Zeng W, Huang Y. Activated γδ T Cells With Higher CD107a Expression and Inflammatory Potential During Early Pregnancy in Patients With Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. Front Immunol 2021; 12:724662. [PMID: 34484234 PMCID: PMC8416064 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.724662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported the involvement of γδ T cells in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA); however, both pathogenic and protective effects were suggested. To interrogate the role of γδ T cells in RSA, peripheral blood from RSA patients and healthy women with or without pregnancy were analyzed for γδ T cells by flow cytometry (n = 9–11 for each group). Moreover, the decidua from pregnant RSA patients and healthy controls (RSA-P and HC-P group, respectively) was simultaneously stained for γδ T cells by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and bulk sequenced for gene expression. Our results demonstrated that the frequencies of peripheral γδ T cells and their subpopulations in RSA patients were comparable to that in healthy subjects, but the PD1 expression on Vδ2+ cells was increased in pregnant patients. Furthermore, peripheral Vδ2+ cells in RSA-P patients demonstrated significantly increased expression of CD107a, as compared to that in pregnant healthy controls. In addition, RSA-P patients had higher proportion of IL-17A-secreting but not IL-4-secreting Vδ2+ cells compared to the control groups. In decidua, an inflammatory microenvironment was also evident in RSA-P patients, in which CCL8 expression and the infiltration of certain immune cells were higher than that in the HC-P group, as revealed by transcriptional analysis. Finally, although the presence of γδ T cells in decidua could be detected during pregnancy in both RSA patients and healthy subjects by multicolor IHC analysis, the expression of CD107a on γδ T cells was markedly higher in the RSA-P group. Collectively, our results indicated that the increased activation, cytotoxicity, and inflammatory potential of peripheral and/or local γδ T cells might be responsible for the pathogenesis of RSA. These findings could provide a better understanding of the role of γδ T cells in RSA and shed light on novel treatment strategies by targeting γδ T cells for RSA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Yu
- Department of Immunology, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Chaoyang City, Chaoyang, China
| | - Jinfeng Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pan Zhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Immunology, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanjiang Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yafei Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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22
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Xu QH, Liu H, Wang LL, Zhu Q, Zhang YJ, Muyayalo KP, Liao AH. Roles of γδT cells in pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13487. [PMID: 34331364 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A successful pregnancy is a complex and unique process comprised of discrete events, including embryo implantation, placentation, and parturition. To maintain the balance between maternal-fetal immune tolerance and resistance to infections, the maternal immune system must have a high degree of stage-dependent plasticity throughout the period of pregnancy. Innate immunity is the frontline force for the establishment of early anti-infection and tolerance mechanisms in mammals. Belonging to the innate immune system, a subset of T cells called γδT cells (based on γδT cell receptors) are the main participants in immune surveillance and immune defense. Unlike traditional αβT cells, γδT cells are regarded as a bridge between innate immunity and acquired immunity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the functional plasticity of γδT cells during pregnancy. Furthermore, we discuss the roles of γδT cells in pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Han Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Ling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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23
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Slepicka PF, Yazdanifar M, Bertaina A. Harnessing Mechanisms of Immune Tolerance to Improve Outcomes in Solid Organ Transplantation: A Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:688460. [PMID: 34177941 PMCID: PMC8222735 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.688460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival after solid organ transplantation (SOT) is limited by chronic rejection as well as the need for lifelong immunosuppression and its associated toxicities. Several preclinical and clinical studies have tested methods designed to induce transplantation tolerance without lifelong immune suppression. The limited success of these strategies has led to the development of clinical protocols that combine SOT with other approaches, such as allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT prior to SOT facilitates engraftment of donor cells that can drive immune tolerance. Recent innovations in graft manipulation strategies and post-HSCT immune therapy provide further advances in promoting tolerance and improving clinical outcomes. In this review, we discuss conventional and unconventional immunological mechanisms underlying the development of immune tolerance in SOT recipients and how they can inform clinical advances. Specifically, we review the most recent mechanistic studies elucidating which immune regulatory cells dampen cytotoxic immune reactivity while fostering a tolerogenic environment. We further discuss how this understanding of regulatory cells can shape graft engineering and other therapeutic strategies to improve long-term outcomes for patients receiving HSCT and SOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ferreira Slepicka
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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24
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Nörenberg J, Jaksó P, Barakonyi A. Gamma/Delta T Cells in the Course of Healthy Human Pregnancy: Cytotoxic Potential and the Tendency of CD8 Expression Make CD56+ γδT Cells a Unique Lymphocyte Subset. Front Immunol 2021; 11:596489. [PMID: 33603738 PMCID: PMC7884463 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.596489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, pregnancy is an immunological paradox. The semi-allogenic fetus must be accepted by the maternal immune system, while defense against pathogens and immune surveillance cannot be compromised. Gamma/delta T cells are believed to play an important role in this immunological puzzle. In this study, we analyzed peripheral blood CD56+ γδT cells from pregnant women (1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester) and non-pregnant women by multicolor flow cytometry. Interestingly, γδT cells represent almost half of CD3+/CD56+ cells. Among γδT cells, the CD56+ population expands in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. CD56+ γδT cells maintained a predominantly CD4–/CD8– or CD8+ phenotype, while CD56– γδT cells were in similar rates CD4–/CD8– or CD4+ during pregnancy. Investigation of the lysosomal degranulation marker CD107a revealed a preserved elevated rate of potentially cytotoxic CD56+ γδT cells in pregnancy, while their cytotoxic strength was reduced. Furthermore, CD56+ γδT cells continuously showed a higher prevalence of PD-1 expression. CD56+ γδT cells’ rate of PD-1 increased in the 1st trimester and decreased hereafter back to normal level. We correlated the cytotoxic potential and the expression of the inhibitory immune checkpoint PD-1 and were able to demonstrate that highly cytotoxic cells within this CD56+ γδT population tend to express PD-1, which might allow the inhibition of these cells after binding its ligand in the placenta. These findings should support the understanding of the complex processes, which ensure the maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Nörenberg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Pál Jaksó
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alíz Barakonyi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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25
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Clark BL, Thomas PG. A Cell for the Ages: Human γδ T Cells across the Lifespan. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8903. [PMID: 33255339 PMCID: PMC7727649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the human immune system is exacerbated by age-related changes to immune cell functionality. Many of these age-related effects remain undescribed or driven by mechanisms that are poorly understood. γδ T cells, while considered an adaptive subset based on immunological ontogeny, retain both innate-like and adaptive-like characteristics. This T cell population is small but mighty, and has been implicated in both homeostatic and disease-induced immunity within tissues and throughout the periphery. In this review, we outline what is known about the effect of age on human peripheral γδ T cells, and call attention to areas of the field where further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandi L. Clark
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Paul G. Thomas
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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26
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Liang Q, Tong L, Xiang L, Shen S, Pan C, Liu C, Zhang H. Correlations of the expression of γδ T cells and their co-stimulatory molecules TIGIT, PD-1, ICOS and BTLA with PR and PIBF in the peripheral blood and decidual tissues of women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 203:55-65. [PMID: 33017473 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Semi-allogeneic embryos are not rejected by the maternal immune system due to maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Progesterone (P) receptor (PR)-expressing γδ T cells are present in healthy pregnant women. In the presence of P, these cells secrete an immunomodulatory protein called progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF), which can facilitate immune escape and is important in preventing embryonic rejection. This work investigated the correlations of the expression of γδ T cells and their co-stimulatory molecules T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) and B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) with progesterone receptor (PR) and progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) in peripheral blood and decidual tissue in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) and normal pregnant (NP) women. We confirmed that γδ T cell proportions and PIBF expression in the peripheral blood and decidua of URSA women decreased significantly, while PR expression in decidua decreased. However, TIGIT, PD-1, ICOS and BTLA expression in γδ T cells in peripheral blood did not change, while TIGIT and PD-1 expression in γδ T cells in decidua increased significantly. Under the action of PHA-P (10 µg/ml), co-blocking of TIGIT (15 µg/ml) and PD-1 (10 µg/ml) antibodies further induced γδ T cell proliferation, but PIBF levels in the culture medium supernatant did not change. At 10-10 M P, γδ T cells proliferated significantly, and PIBF concentrations in the culture medium supernatant increased. γδ T cells co-cultured with P, TIGIT and PD-1 blocking antibodies showed the most significant proliferation, and PIBF concentrations in the culture medium supernatant were the highest. These results confirm that P is necessary for PIBF production. The TIGIT and PD-1 pathways participate in γδ T cell proliferation and activation and PIBF expression and play important roles in maintaining pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - L Tong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - L Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - S Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - C Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - C Liu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - H Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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27
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Chabab G, Barjon C, Bonnefoy N, Lafont V. Pro-tumor γδ T Cells in Human Cancer: Polarization, Mechanisms of Action, and Implications for Therapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2186. [PMID: 33042132 PMCID: PMC7524881 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment contributes to tumor initiation, progression and response to therapy. Among the immune cell subsets that play a role in the tumor microenvironment, innate-like T cells that express T cell receptors composed of γ and δ chains (γδ T cells) are of particular interest. Indeed, γδ T cells contribute to the immune response against many cancers, notably through their powerful effector functions that lead to the elimination of tumor cells and the recruitment of other immune cells. However, their presence in the tumor microenvironment has been associated with poor prognosis in various solid cancers (breast, colon and pancreatic cancer), suggesting that γδ T cells also display pro-tumor activities. In this review, we outline the current evidences of γδ T cell pro-tumor functions in human cancer. We also discuss the factors that favor γδ T cell polarization toward a pro-tumoral phenotype, the characteristics and functions of such cells, and the impact of pro-tumor subsets on γδ T cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghita Chabab
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Clément Barjon
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nathalie Bonnefoy
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Virginie Lafont
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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28
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Lin F, Yang C, Feng T, Yang S, Zhou R, Li H. The Maternal-Fetal Interface in Small-for-Gestational-Age Pregnancies Is Associated With a Reduced Quantity of Human Decidual NK Cells With Weaker Functional Ability. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:633. [PMID: 33015028 PMCID: PMC7509437 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Small for gestational age (SGA) refers to a birth weight that is less than the 10th percentile of the mean weight of infants at the same gestational age. This condition is associated with a variety of complications, and a high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in adulthood. Decidual natural killer (dNK) cells at the maternal–fetal interface have received significant research attention in terms of normal pregnancy or miscarriage; however, data relating to SGA are limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics and regulatory role of dNK cells at the maternal–fetal interface in SGA. Using immunofluorescence assays, we found that dNK cells maintained close contact with extra-villous trophoblasts, and the proportion of dNK cells in SGA decreased more than in appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Flow cytometry also showed that there was a significantly lower percentage of dNK cells in SGA (25.01 ± 2.43%) than in AGA (34.25 ± 2.30%) (p = 0.0103). The expression of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A on dNK cells and the secretion levels of both perforin and TGF-β1 from dNK cells were significantly higher in SGA than in AGA, while the cytotoxicity of dNK cells in SGA against K562 cells was attenuated. Compared to AGA, the functional ability of dNK cells in SGA showed significant functional impairment in promoting proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation in trophoblast cells or vascular endothelial cells. The abnormal function of dNK cells may affect fetal growth and development, and could therefore participate in the pathogenesis of SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Feng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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29
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Kaipe H, Raffetseder J, Ernerudh J, Solders M, Tiblad E. MAIT Cells at the Fetal-Maternal Interface During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1788. [PMID: 32973750 PMCID: PMC7466580 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main functions of the human placenta is to provide a barrier between the fetal and maternal blood circulations, where gas exchange and transfer of nutrients to the developing fetus take place. Despite being a barrier, there is a multitude of crosstalk between maternal immune cells and fetally derived semi-allogeneic trophoblast cells. Therefore, the maternal immune system has a difficult task to both tolerate the fetus but at the same time also defend the mother and the fetus from infections. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an increasingly recognized subset of T cells with anti-microbial functions that get activated in the context of non-polymorphic MR1 molecules, but also in response to inflammation. MAIT cells accumulate at term pregnancy in the maternal blood that flows into the intervillous space inside the placenta. Chemotactic factors produced by the placenta may be involved in recruiting and retaining particular immune cell subsets, including MAIT cells. In this Mini-Review, we describe what is known about MAIT cells during pregnancy and discuss the potential biological functions of MAIT cells at the fetal-maternal interface. Since MAIT cells have anti-microbial and tissue-repairing functions, but lack alloantigen reactivity, they could play an important role in protecting the fetus from bacterial infections and maintaining tissue homeostasis without risks of mediating harmful responses toward semi-allogenic fetal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Kaipe
- Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Raffetseder
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jan Ernerudh
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Martin Solders
- Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eleonor Tiblad
- Center for Fetal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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30
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Aneman I, Pienaar D, Suvakov S, Simic TP, Garovic VD, McClements L. Mechanisms of Key Innate Immune Cells in Early- and Late-Onset Preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1864. [PMID: 33013837 PMCID: PMC7462000 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a complex cardiovascular disorder of pregnancy with underlying multifactorial pathogeneses; however, its etiology is not fully understood. It is characterized by the new onset of maternal hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation, accompanied by proteinuria, maternal organ damage, and/or uteroplacental dysfunction. Preeclampsia can be subdivided into early- and late-onset phenotypes (EOPE and LOPE), diagnosed before 34 weeks or from 34 weeks of gestation, respectively. Impaired placental development in early pregnancy and subsequent growth restriction is often associated with EOPE, while LOPE is associated with maternal endothelial dysfunction. The innate immune system plays an essential role in normal progression of physiological pregnancy and fetal development. However, inappropriate or excessive activation of this system can lead to placental dysfunction or poor maternal vascular adaptation and contribute to the development of preeclampsia. This review aims to comprehensively outline the mechanisms of key innate immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, and innate B1 cells, in normal physiological pregnancy, EOPE and LOPE. The roles of the complement system, syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicles and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are also discussed in the context of innate immune system regulation and preeclampsia. The outlined molecular mechanisms, which represent potential therapeutic targets, and associated emerging treatments, are evaluated as treatments for preeclampsia. Therefore, by addressing the current understanding of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of EOPE and LOPE, this review will contribute to the body of research that could lead to the development of better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies. Importantly, it will delineate the differences in the mechanisms of the innate immune system in two different types of preeclampsia, which is necessary for a more personalized approach to the monitoring and treatment of affected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Aneman
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dillan Pienaar
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonja Suvakov
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Tatjana P. Simic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna D. Garovic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Lana McClements
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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31
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Komine-Aizawa S, Ito S, Aizawa S, Namiki T, Hayakawa S. Cow milk exosomes activate NK cells and γδT cells in human PBMCs in vitro. Immunol Med 2020; 43:161-170. [PMID: 32649844 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2020.1791400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cow milk is a nourishing food containing numerous essential nutrients. In Japan, the consumption of cow milk is thought to enhance resistance to exhaustion-related diseases. Although several nutrients in cow milk, such as lactoferrin, are thought to modulate immune cells, the mechanisms remain unclear. Recently, the immunoregulatory functions of food-derived microRNAs or exosomes have been reported. Therefore, we studied the effects of exosomes derived from cow milk (CM-Exs) on immune cells in the present study. We obtained blood samples from healthy adult donors with the approval of the ethics committee. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with CM-Exs in the absence or presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-12. Cell surface markers and intracellular cytokine production were analysed by flow cytometry. CM-Ex stimulation enhanced the expression of CD69 on NK cells. Although CM-Ex stimulation alone did not induce interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production by NK cells or γδT cells, simultaneous stimulation with CM-Ex, IL-2 and IL-12 significantly enhanced IFN-γ production. In conclusion, cow milk consumption alone may not activate immune cells; however, CM-Exs could enhance immune cells under inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihoko Komine-Aizawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Ito
- Nihon University Itabashi Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shu Aizawa
- Department of Animal Science, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Akoto C, Chan CYS, Ravi K, Zhang W, Vatish M, Norris SA, Hemelaar J. γδ T cell frequencies are altered in HIV positive pregnant South African women and are associated with preterm birth. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235162. [PMID: 32584913 PMCID: PMC7316337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal and child mortality worldwide. Maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment (ART) increase the rate of preterm birth, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, limiting progress in prediction, prevention and treatment. While overall γδ T cell levels remain constant, acute HIV infection is associated with a depletion of the Vδ2 subset and an increase in the Vδ1 subset, which do not return to baseline with ART. γδ T cells have also been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes and we therefore investigated the potential association between maternal HIV infection, peripheral γδ T cell frequencies and preterm birth. Methods Study participants were HIV positive (n = 47) and HIV negative (n = 45) women enrolled in a prospective pregnancy cohort study at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, South Africa. Women were enrolled in early pregnancy and gestational age was accurately determined by first trimester ultrasound scan. Peripheral blood samples were collected in each trimester and peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated. Frequencies of γδ T cells, Vδ1+ and Vδ2+ γδ T cell subsets, and CCR6 chemokine receptor expression were determined by flow cytometry. Results Total γδ T cell levels were similar between HIV positive and HIV negative women throughout pregnancy. However, in each trimester maternal HIV infection was associated with reduced levels of the Vδ2+ subset and increased levels of the Vδ1+ subset, leading to a reversal of the Vδ1/Vδ2 ratio. Timing of ART initiation among HIV positive women did not affect levels of γδ T cells, the Vδ1+ and Vδ2+ subsets, or the Vδ1/Vδ2 ratio. Importantly, preterm birth was associated with lower total γδ T cell levels in early pregnancy and γδ T cell frequencies were lowest in HIV positive women who delivered preterm. Moreover, in the first trimester the proportion of Vδ1+ T cells that were CCR6+ was significantly reduced in HIV+ women and women who delivered preterm, resulting in the lowest proportion of CCR6+ Vδ1 T cells in HIV positive women who delivered preterm. Conclusions Our findings suggest that altered γδ T cell frequencies may link maternal HIV infection and preterm birth. γδ T cell frequencies in early pregnancy may serve as predictive biomarkers to identify women at risk of delivering preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Akoto
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Y. S. Chan
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Krithi Ravi
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Zhang
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shane A. Norris
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, South African Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Joris Hemelaar
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, South African Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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Krop J, Heidt S, Claas FHJ, Eikmans M. Regulatory T Cells in Pregnancy: It Is Not All About FoxP3. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1182. [PMID: 32655556 PMCID: PMC7324675 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In pregnancy, the semi-allogeneic fetus needs to be tolerated by the mother's immune system. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a prominent role in this process. Novel technologies allow for in-depth phenotyping of previously unidentified immune cell subsets, which has resulted in the appreciation of a vast heterogeneity of Treg subsets. Similar to other immunological events, there appears to be great diversity within the Treg population during pregnancy, both at the maternal-fetal interface as in the peripheral blood. Different Treg subsets have distinct phenotypes and various ways of functioning. Furthermore, the frequency of individual Treg subsets varies throughout gestation and is altered in aberrant pregnancies. This suggests that distinct Treg subsets play a role at different time points of gestation and that their role in maintaining healthy pregnancy is crucial, as reflected for instance by their reduced frequency in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Since pregnancy is essential for the existence of mankind, multiple immune regulatory mechanisms and cell types are likely at play to assure successful pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to understand the complete microenvironment of the decidua, preferably in the context of the whole immune cell repertoire of the pregnant woman. So far, most studies have focused on a single mechanism or cell type, which often is the FoxP3 positive regulatory T cell when studying immune regulation. In this review, we instead focus on the contribution of FoxP3 negative Treg subsets to the decidual microenvironment and their possible role in pregnancy complications. Their phenotype, function, and effect in pregnancy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Krop
- 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
| | - Frans H J Claas
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Michael Eikmans
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Monin L, Whettlock EM, Male V. Immune responses in the human female reproductive tract. Immunology 2019; 160:106-115. [PMID: 31630394 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal surfaces are key interfaces between the host and its environment, but also constitute ports of entry for numerous pathogens. The gut and lung mucosae act as points of nutrient and gas exchange, respectively, but the physiological purpose of the female reproductive tract (FRT) is to allow implantation and development of the fetus. Our understanding of immune responses in the FRT has traditionally lagged behind our grasp of the situation at other mucosal sites, but recently reproductive immunologists have begun to make rapid progress in this challenging area. Here, we review current knowledge of immune responses in the human FRT and their heterogeneity within and between compartments. In the commensal-rich vagina, the immune system must allow the growth of beneficial microbes, whereas the key challenge in the uterus is allowing the growth of the semi-allogeneic fetus. In both compartments, these objectives must be balanced with the need to eliminate pathogens. Our developing understanding of immune responses in the FRT will help us develop interventions to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and to improve outcomes of pregnancy for mothers and babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Monin
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Emily M Whettlock
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Male
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Placental bed research: II. Functional and immunological investigations of the placental bed. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 221:457-469. [PMID: 31288009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Research on the placenta as the interface between the mother and the fetus has been undertaken for some 150 years, and in 2 subsequent reviews, we attempted to summarize the situation. In the first part, we described the discovery of unique physiological modifications of the uteroplacental spiral arteries, enabling them to cope with a major increase in blood flow necessary to ensure proper growth of the fetus. These consist of an invasion of the arterial walls by trophoblast and a progressive disappearance of its normal structure. Researchers then turned to the pathophysiology of the placental bed and in particular to its maternal vascular tree. This yielded vital information for a better understanding of the so-called great obstetrical syndromes (preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, premature labor and delivery, placenta accreta). Systematic morphological investigations of the uteroplacental vasculature showed that preeclampsia is associated with decreased or failed transformation of spiral arteries and the persistence of endothelial and smooth muscle cells in segments of their myometrial portion. Here we report on recent functional investigations of the placental bed, including in situ biophysical studies of uteroplacental blood flow and vascular resistance, and manipulation of uteroplacental perfusion. These new methodologies have provided a novel way of identifying pregnancies in which remodeling is impaired. In animals it is now possible to manipulate uteroplacental blood flow, leading to an enhancement of fetal growth; this opens the way to trials in abnormal human pregnancies. In this second part, we explored a new, extremely important area of research that deals with the role of specific subsets of leukocytes and macrophages in the placental bed. The human first-trimester decidua is rich in leukocytes called uterine natural killer cells. Both macrophages and uterine natural killer cells increase in number from the secretory endometrium to early pregnancy and play a critical role in mediating the process of spiral artery transformation by inducing initial structural changes. It seems therefore that vascular remodeling of spiral arteries is initiated independently of trophoblast invasion. Dysregulation of the immune system may lead to reproductive failure or pregnancy complications, and in this respect, recent studies have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms regulating immunological tolerance during pregnancy, with several mechanisms being proposed for the development of tolerance to the semiallogeneic fetus. In particular, these include several strategies by which the trophoblast avoids maternal recognition. Finally, an important new dimension is being explored: the likelihood that pregnancy syndromes and impaired uteroplacental vascular remodeling may be linked to future maternal and even the child's cardiovascular disease risk. The functional evidence underlying these observations will be discussed.
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Tagoma A, Haller‐Kikkatalo K, Roos K, Oras A, Kirss A, Ilonen J, Uibo R. Interleukin‐7, T helper 1, and regulatory T‐cell activity‐related cytokines are increased during the second trimester of healthy pregnancy compared to non‐pregnant women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 82:e13188. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aili Tagoma
- Department of Immunology Faculty of Medicine Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Kadri Haller‐Kikkatalo
- Department of Immunology Faculty of Medicine Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Kristine Roos
- Department of Immunology Faculty of Medicine Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Astrid Oras
- Department of Immunology Faculty of Medicine Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Anne Kirss
- Women's Clinic Tartu University Hospital Tartu Estonia
| | - Jorma Ilonen
- Immunogenetics Laboratory Institute of Biomedicine University of Turku Turku Finland
- Clinical Microbiology Turku University Hospital Turku Finland
| | - Raivo Uibo
- Department of Immunology Faculty of Medicine Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
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Solano ME. Decidual immune cells: Guardians of human pregnancies. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 60:3-16. [PMID: 31285174 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During human pregnancy, trophoblast cells, the main cellular component of the placenta, invade deeply into uterine blood vessels and the modified endometrium (decidua). Hence, the maternal immune system must adapt to it. A successful pregnancy requires the tolerance of genetically different (allogenic) cells while the mother's immune competence is maintained. This tolerance is ensured through multiple overlapping and occasionally redundant innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. The present article aims to provide a broad overview on uterine immune cell components and the phenotypical and functional changes that they experience during pregnancy. Particularly, we seek to highlight very recent findings in functional adaptations to pregnancy in immune cell populations encountered in the decidua. These adaptations not only ensure tolerance to allogenic trophoblast cells but also promote optimal placental and fetal growth, simultaneously endeavoring to maintain immune surveillance to provide defense against infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Emilia Solano
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg Germany.
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TIM-3 and TIM-1 Could Regulate Decidual γδTCR Bright T Cells during Murine Pregnancy. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:3836942. [PMID: 31236420 PMCID: PMC6545878 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3836942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is an immunological enigma where paternal antigens are present at the fetomaternal interface. What regulates the local immunotolerance, which is necessary to prevent rejection of the conceptus, is still under strong investigation. Gamma/delta T cells are believed to play a role in the local regulation of this immunotolerance towards the semiallogenic fetus. Gamma/delta T cells from the uterus and spleen of pregnant and nonpregnant mice were analyzed by flow cytometry. We confirmed that the rate of γδT cells in the decidua increases during murine pregnancy and half of decidual γδT cells are CD4+. Furthermore, we found a unique association of CD4 or CD8 coreceptor expression with their γδTCR intensity, where in all investigated groups CD4- or CD8-positive γδT cells seemed principally to be γδTCRdim. In addition, compared to peripheral γδT lymphocytes, a greater proportion of decidual γδT cells expressed the cytotoxic marker CD107a and markers of Th1 or Th2 polarization (TIM-3, TIM-1), where decidual γδTCRbright cells were characterized by high TIM-3 and TIM-1 receptor expression. On the other hand, no difference in the expression of CD160, a receptor with dual function affecting cytotoxicity and T cell inhibition, was detected. Within lymphocytes expressing CD107a, TIM-1, or CD160, the rate of γδT cells was significantly higher in the decidua. According to our results, cytotoxic potential of decidual γδTCRbright cells could be regulated by TIM-3 ligation, while the TIM-1 receptor seems to be able to influence the Th1-Th2 balance at the fetomaternal interface. These mechanisms could play a part in the active maternal immunotolerance towards the fetus, allowing an efficient protection against pathogens during healthy murine pregnancy.
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Santos LS, Sgnotto FDR, Inoue AHS, Padreca AF, Menghini RP, Duarte AJDS, Victor JR. IgG from Non-atopic Individuals Induces In Vitro IFN-γ and IL-10 Production by Human Intra-thymic γδT Cells: A Comparison with Atopic IgG and IVIg. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2019; 67:263-270. [PMID: 31087106 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-019-00545-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Matured in the thymus, γδT cells can modulate the development of allergy in humans. The main γδT cell subsets have been described as interleukin (IL)-17A or interferon (IFN)-γ producers, but these cells can also produce other modulatory cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-10. Here, we aimed to evaluate whether IgG can modulate the profile of cytokine production by γδT cells during their maturation in the thymus and after its migration to peripheral tissues. Thymic tissues were obtained from 12 infants, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from adults (both groups without an atopic background). IgG was purified from atopic and non-atopic volunteers. Thymocytes and PBMCs were cultured with purified atopic or non-atopic IgG, and intracellular cytokine production and phenotype were assessed. Mock and IVIg conditions were used as controls. IgG from non-atopic individuals induced IFN-γ and IL-10 production by thymic γδT cells, and no effect was observed on peripheral γδT cells. IL-17 production was inhibited by non-atopic IgG on thymic γδT cells and augmented by atopic IgG on peripheral γδT cells. Modulated thymic γδT cells did not produce IFN-γ and IL-10 simultaneously. We additionally evaluated the phenotype of intrathymic γδT cells and observed that IgG from all groups could induce CD25 expression and could not influence the CD28 expression of these cells. This report describes evidence revealing that IgG may influence the production of IFN-γ and IL-10 by intrathymic γδT cells depending on the donor atopic state. This observation is unprecedented and needs to be considered in further studies in the IgG immunotherapy field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludimila Souza Santos
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation LIM-56, Division of Clinical Dermatology, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 500, 3rd Floor, 05403-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Harumi Sabô Inoue
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation LIM-56, Division of Clinical Dermatology, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 500, 3rd Floor, 05403-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Archangelo Fernandes Padreca
- Division of Environmental Health, Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU), Laureate International Universities, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Palamar Menghini
- Division of Environmental Health, Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU), Laureate International Universities, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alberto José da Silva Duarte
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation LIM-56, Division of Clinical Dermatology, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 500, 3rd Floor, 05403-000, São Paulo, Brazil.,Division of Pathology, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Russo Victor
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation LIM-56, Division of Clinical Dermatology, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 500, 3rd Floor, 05403-000, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Division of Environmental Health, Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU), Laureate International Universities, São Paulo, Brazil.
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IL-36 Cytokines: Regulators of Inflammatory Responses and Their Emerging Role in Immunology of Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071649. [PMID: 30987081 PMCID: PMC6479377 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The IL-36 subfamily of cytokines has been recently described as part of the IL-1 superfamily. It comprises three pro-inflammatory agonists (IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ), their receptor (IL-36R), and one antagonist (IL-36Ra). Although expressed in a variety of cells, the biological relevance of IL-36 cytokines is most evident in the communication between epithelial cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, which constitute the common triad responsible for the initiation, maintenance, and expansion of inflammation. The immunological role of IL-36 cytokines was initially described in studies of psoriasis, but novel evidence demonstrates their involvement in further immune and inflammatory processes in physiological and pathological situations. Preliminary studies have reported a dynamic expression of IL-36 cytokines in the female reproductive tract throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as their association with the production of immune mediators and cellular recruitment in the vaginal microenvironment contributing to host defense. In pregnancy, alteration of the placental IL-36 axis has been reported upon infection and pre-eclampsia suggesting its pivotal role in the regulation of maternal immune responses. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the regulatory mechanisms and biological actions of IL-36 cytokines, their participation in different inflammatory conditions, and the emerging data on their potential role in normal and complicated pregnancies.
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Terzieva A, Dimitrova V, Djerov L, Dimitrova P, Zapryanova S, Hristova I, Vangelov I, Dimova T. Early Pregnancy Human Decidua is Enriched with Activated, Fully Differentiated and Pro-Inflammatory Gamma/Delta T Cells with Diverse TCR Repertoires. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030687. [PMID: 30764544 PMCID: PMC6387174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a state where high and stage-dependent plasticity of the maternal immune system is necessary in order to equilibrate between immunosuppression of harmful responses towards the fetus and ability to fight infections. TCR γδ cells have been implicated in the responses in infectious diseases, in the regulation of immune responses, and in tissue homeostasis and repair. The variety of functions makes γδ T cells a particularly interesting population during pregnancy. In this study, we investigated the proportion, phenotype and TCR γ and δ repertoires of γδ T cells at the maternal–fetal interface and in the blood of pregnant women using FACS, immunohistochemistry and spectratyping. We found an enrichment of activated and terminally differentiated pro-inflammatory γδ T-cell effectors with specific location in the human decidua during early pregnancy, while no significant changes in their counterparts in the blood of pregnant women were observed. Our spectratyping data revealed polyclonal CDR3 repertoires of the δ1, δ2 and δ3 chains and γ2, γ3, γ4 and γ5 chains and oligoclonal and highly restricted CDR3γ9 repertoire of γδ T cells in the decidua and blood of pregnant women. Early pregnancy induces recruitment of differentiated pro-inflammatory γδ T-cell effectors with diverse TCR repertoires at the maternal–fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Terzieva
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Violeta Dimitrova
- Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Lyubomir Djerov
- Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Petya Dimitrova
- Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Silvina Zapryanova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Iana Hristova
- Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Ivaylo Vangelov
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Changes of γδT cell subtypes during pregnancy and their influences in spontaneous abortion. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 131:57-62. [PMID: 30710888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A successful pregnancy is a complicated process that involves the precisely timed regulation of endocrine as well as immune system. Despite increasing knowledge about immunology in gestation, the studies of immune cells in endometrium and decidua are still fragmented. Dynamic data is lacking on the transition of pre-pregnancy endometrial lymphocytes to initial pregnancy states as well as to second/third-trimester status. Here, we determined the composition of Gamma delta (γδ) T cells in endometrium and decidua from women with normal pregnancy and unexplained spontaneous abortion. We found that the frequency of γδT cells is fluctuating over the course of pregnancy, and these changes were regulated by progesterone. Different from peripheral blood, Vδ1+ γδT cells accounted for the majority in endometrium and early-pregnancy decidua of healthy women, and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) may involve in Vδ1/ Vδ2 shift directly. Moreover, an increase in the percentage of γδT cells with Vδ2 subset predominant in early-pregnancy decidua was associated with unexplained spontaneous abortion. Our results unraveled the precise timing of γδT cells occurring during pregnancy and the close relationship among endocrine, immune cells and pregnancy, which can further help understand and solve the problem of infertility and unexplained spontaneous abortion.
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Kaur M, Hartling I, Burnett TA, Polsky LB, Donnan CR, Leclerc H, Veira D, Cerri RLA. Rumen-protected B vitamin complex supplementation during the transition period and early lactation alters endometrium mRNA expression on day 14 of gestation in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2018; 102:1642-1657. [PMID: 30580942 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Greater metabolic demands in high-producing dairy cows are believed to be a cause of sub-fertility in these animals. Previously, supplementation with vitamin B complex molecules has shown benefits in improving milk production, health, and reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. The primary aim of this project was to determine the effects of rumen-protected vitamin B complex supplementation of 100 g of Transition VB (Jefo, St. Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) and 4 g of Lactation VB (VB; Jefo), during the transition and early lactation periods, respectively, compared with a control diet containing no supplementation on d 14 endometrial outcomes of pregnancy. In the vitamin B supplemented cows, we expect to see a change in the mark-up of endometrial genes important for embryo survival before implantation. Multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled into the study 3 wk before parturition and were randomly assigned to either the VB or control treatment. Twice-a-week blood samples, weekly milk samples, and daily feed intake were collected. Cows were enrolled onto a double-ovsynch protocol at 33 ± 3 d postpartum and inseminated by timed artificial insemination. Milk production and components, concentrations of BHB, haptoglobin, and progesterone in serum, and ovarian dynamics were also measured, but no treatment effect was observed. The uterus was flushed on d 14 after artificial insemination (around 72 DIM) for conceptus collection, and endometrial samples were collected at the same time. Overall, 42 cows were flushed and 13 embryos were collected. Analysis of mRNA expression of genes related to embryo development, immune system, adhesion, and regulation of vitamin B molecules showed that OXTR, MUC5B, MUC1, IL1B, SPP, TRD, FZD8, and FOLR1 genes were significantly upregulated in the VB group. Vitamin B supplementation had no effect on the size of the embryo and ovulatory follicle or corpus luteum diameter at embryo collection. In conclusion, the benefits of strategic dietary VB supplementation during the transition and early lactation might be directly linked to endometrial functions required for embryo survival during the peri-implantation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manveen Kaur
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Ivan Hartling
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Tracy A Burnett
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Liam B Polsky
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Charlotte R Donnan
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | | | - Douglas Veira
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Ronaldo L A Cerri
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada.
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Fan DX, Zhou WJ, Jin LP, Li MQ, Xu XH, Xu CJ. Trophoblast-Derived CXCL16 Decreased Granzyme B Production of Decidual γδ T Cells and Promoted Bcl-xL Expression of Trophoblasts. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:532-542. [PMID: 29909746 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118777638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidual γδ T cells are known to regulate the function of trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface; however, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of cross talk between trophoblast cells and decidual γδ T cells. METHODS Expression of chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 6 (CXCL16) and its receptor CXCR6 was evaluated in first-trimester human villus and decidual tissues by immunohistochemistry. γδ T cells were isolated from first-trimester human deciduae and cocultured with JEG3 trophoblast cells. Cell proliferation and apoptosis-related molecules, together with cytotoxicity factor and cytokine production, were measured by flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS Expression of CXCL16 and CXCR6 was reduced at the maternal-fetal interface in patients who experienced unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion as compared to healthy pregnancy women. With the administration of pregnancy-related hormones or coculture with JEG3 cells, CXCR6 expression was upregulated on decidual γδ T cells. CXCL16 derived from JEG3 cells caused a decrease in granzyme B production of decidual γδ T cells. In addition, decidual γδ T cells educated by JEG3-derived CXCL16 upregulated the expression of Bcl-xL in JEG3 cells. CONCLUSION This study suggested that the CXCL16/CXCR6 axis may contribute to maintaining normal pregnancy by reducing the secretion of cytotoxic factor granzyme B of decidual γδ T cells and promoting the expression of antiapoptotic marker Bcl-xL of trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng-Xuan Fan
- 1 Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhou
- 1 Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ping Jin
- 2 Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- 1 Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Hong Xu
- 2 Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong-Jian Xu
- 1 Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,4 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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45
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Peters C, Kabelitz D, Wesch D. Regulatory functions of γδ T cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:2125-2135. [PMID: 29520421 PMCID: PMC11105251 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2788-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
γδ T cells share characteristics of innate and adaptive immune cells and are involved in a broad spectrum of pro-inflammatory functions. Nonetheless, there is accumulating evidence that γδ T cells also exhibit regulatory functions. In this review, we describe the different phenotypes of regulatory γδ T cells in correlation with the identified mechanisms of suppression.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Genes, cdc/physiology
- Humans
- Immune System Phenomena/physiology
- Immune Tolerance
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/physiology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller Strasse 3, Haus 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller Strasse 3, Haus 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Daniela Wesch
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller Strasse 3, Haus 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
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46
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Hebeda CB, Machado ID, Reif-Silva I, Moreli JB, Oliani SM, Nadkarni S, Perretti M, Bevilacqua E, Farsky SHP. Endogenous annexin A1 (AnxA1) modulates early-phase gestation and offspring sex-ratio skewing. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6591-6603. [PMID: 29115663 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is a glucocorticoid-regulated anti-inflammatory protein secreted by phagocytes and other specialised cells. In the endocrine system, AnxA1 controls secretion of steroid hormones and it is abundantly expressed in the testis, ovaries, placenta and seminal fluid, yet its potential modulation of fertility has not been described. Here, we observed that AnxA1 knockout (KO) mice delivered a higher number of pups, with a higher percentage of female offsprings. This profile was not dependent on the male features, as sperm from KO male mice did not present functional alterations, and had an equal proportion of Y and X chromosomes, comparable to wild type (WT) male mice. Furthermore, mismatched matings of male WT mice with female KO yielded a higher percentage of female pups per litter, a phenomenon which was not observed when male KO mice mated with female WT animals. Indeed, AnxA1 KO female mice displayed several differences in parameters related to gestation including (i) an arrested estrous cycle at proestrus phase; (ii) increased sites of implantation; (iii) reduced pre- and post-implantation losses; (iv) exacerbated features of the inflammatory reaction in the uterine fluid during implantation phase; and (v) enhanced plasma progesterone in the beginning of pregnancy. In summary, herein we highlight that AnxA1 pathway as a novel determinant of fundamental non-redundant regulatory functions during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina B Hebeda
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabel D Machado
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isadora Reif-Silva
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jusciele B Moreli
- Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sonia M Oliani
- Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biology, IBILCE, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suchita Nadkarni
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mauro Perretti
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Estela Bevilacqua
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra H P Farsky
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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47
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Talukdar A, Rai R, Aparna Sharma K, Rao D, Sharma A. Peripheral Gamma Delta T cells secrete inflammatory cytokines in women with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss. Cytokine 2018; 102:117-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2017.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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48
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Polese B, Gridelet V, Perrier d'Hauterive S, Renard C, Munaut C, Martens H, Vermijlen D, King IL, Jacobs N, Geenen V. Accumulation of IL-17 + Vγ6 + γδ T cells in pregnant mice is not associated with spontaneous abortion. Clin Transl Immunology 2018; 7:e1008. [PMID: 29484185 PMCID: PMC5822401 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pregnancy is an immune paradox. While the immune system is required for embryo implantation, placental development and progression of gestation, excessive inflammation is associated with pregnancy failure. Similarly, the cytokine IL‐17A plays an important role in defence against extracellular pathogens, but its dysregulation can lead to pathogenic inflammation and tissue damage. Although expression of IL‐17 has been reported during pregnancy, the cellular source of this cytokine and its relevance to gestation are not clear. Objectives Here we define the kinetics and cellular source of IL‐17A in the uterus during healthy and abortion‐prone murine pregnancy. Methods The CBA/J x DBA/2J abortion‐prone mating was used and compared to CBA/J x BALB/c control mating. Results We demonstrate that, irrespective of gestational health, the number of IL‐17‐producing cells peaks during midterm pregnancy and is largely derived from the γδ T‐cell lineage. We identify γδ T, Th17, CD8 T and NKT cells as the cellular source of IL‐17A in pregnant mice. Furthermore, we positively identify the Vγ6+ subset of uterine γδ T cells as the main producer of IL‐17A during both healthy pregnancy and abortive pregnancy. Conclusions To conclude, the accumulation of uterine IL‐17+ innate‐like T cells appears not to adversely impact the developing foetus. Collectively, our results show that IL‐17+ γδ T cells are present in the uterus throughout the course of normal gestation and therefore may play an important role in healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Polese
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology GIGA Research Institute University of Liege Liege Belgium
| | - Virginie Gridelet
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology GIGA Research Institute University of Liege Liege Belgium
| | | | - Chantal Renard
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology GIGA Research Institute University of Liege Liege Belgium
| | - Carine Munaut
- GIGA Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology (LBTD) GIGA Research Institute University of Liege Liege Belgium
| | - Henri Martens
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology GIGA Research Institute University of Liege Liege Belgium
| | - David Vermijlen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics and Institute for Medical Immunology Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Bruxelles Belgium
| | - Irah L King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Microbiome and Disease Tolerance Centre McGill University Montreal QC Canada
| | - Nathalie Jacobs
- GIGA-I3 Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology GIGA Research Institute University of Liege Liege Belgium
| | - Vincent Geenen
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology GIGA Research Institute University of Liege Liege Belgium
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Li MQ, Duan J, Fan DX, Jin LP. IL-25 promotes Th2 bias by upregulating IL-4 and IL-10 expression of decidual γδT cells in early pregnancy. Exp Ther Med 2017; 15:1855-1862. [PMID: 29434775 PMCID: PMC5776656 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidual immune cells (DICs), consisting of both innate and adaptive immune cells, have a pivotal role in maintaining immune tolerance for normal pregnancy. Our previous study demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-25 stimulates the proliferation of decidual stromal cells (DSCs) in an autocrine manner. However, the role of IL-25 in functional regulation of DICs is largely unknown. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of IL-25 and its receptor (IL-17RB) in DICs, and the effect of IL-25 on the expression of Ki-67, IL-4, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in decidual γδT cells. In addition, ELISA assays were performed to detect the secretion of IL-10 and TGF-β in decidual γδT cells. The present findings indicated that decidual CD56 bright CD16-natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells, CD3+ T cells, macrophages and γδT cells co-expressed IL-25 and IL-17RB, particularly γδT cells. Recombinant human (rh) IL-25 protein upregulated the expression of Ki-67, IL-4, and IL-10, but downregulated the expression of IFN-γ in γδT cells; however, anti-human IL-25 or IL-17RB neutralizing antibody reversed these effects. These data suggest that IL-25 may promote IL-10 production by γδT cells as well as the proliferation of γδT cells, and possibly forms a positive feedback loop to maintain a T helper 2 cell bias at the maternal-fetal interface and further contributes to the maintenance of successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Jie Duan
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Deng-Xuan Fan
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ping Jin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China.,Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, P.R. China
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50
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Lymphocytes in Placental Tissues: Immune Regulation and Translational Possibilities for Immunotherapy. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:5738371. [PMID: 29348758 PMCID: PMC5733952 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5738371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune modulation at the fetomaternal interface is crucial to ensure that the fetal allograft is not rejected. In the present review, the focus is to describe basic functions of lymphocyte populations and how they may contribute to fetomaternal immune regulation, as well as determining what proportions and effector functions of these cells are reported to be present in placental tissues in humans. Also explored is the possibility that unique cell populations at the fetomaternal interface may be targets for adoptive cell therapy. Increasing the understanding of immune modulation during pregnancy can give valuable insight into other established fields such as allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and solid organ transplantation. In these settings, lymphocytes are key components that contribute to inflammation and rejection of either patient or donor tissues following transplantation. In contrast, an allogeneic fetus eludes rejection by the maternal immune system.
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