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Lewis EL, Reichenberger ER, Anton L, Gonzalez MV, Taylor DM, Porrett PM, Elovitz MA. Regulatory T cell adoptive transfer alters uterine immune populations, increasing a novel MHC-II low macrophage associated with healthy pregnancy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1256453. [PMID: 37901247 PMCID: PMC10611509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) - fetal loss after 20 weeks - affects 6 pregnancies per 1,000 live births in the United States, and the majority are of unknown etiology. Maternal systemic regulatory T cell (Treg) deficits have been implicated in fetal loss, but whether mucosal immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface contribute to fetal loss is under-explored. We hypothesized that the immune cell composition and function of the uterine mucosa would contribute to the pathogenesis of IUFD. To investigate local immune mechanisms of IUFD, we used the CBA mouse strain, which naturally has mid-late gestation fetal loss. We performed a Treg adoptive transfer and interrogated both pregnancy outcomes and the impact of systemic maternal Tregs on mucosal immune populations at the maternal-fetal interface. Treg transfer prevented fetal loss and increased an MHC-IIlow population of uterine macrophages. Single-cell RNA-sequencing was utilized to precisely evaluate the impact of systemic Tregs on uterine myeloid populations. A population of C1q+, Trem2+, MHC-IIlow uterine macrophages were increased in Treg-recipient mice. The transcriptional signature of this novel uterine macrophage subtype is enriched in multiple studies of human healthy decidual macrophages, suggesting a conserved role for these macrophages in preventing fetal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Lewis
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Erin R. Reichenberger
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lauren Anton
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael V. Gonzalez
- Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment & Laboratory, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Deanne M. Taylor
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Paige M. Porrett
- Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michal A. Elovitz
- Women’s Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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2
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Nunes MC, Madhi SA. COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:662-680. [PMID: 35610123 PMCID: PMC9061132 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Shook LL, Fallah PN, Silberman JN, Edlow AG. COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy and Lactation: Current Research and Gaps in Understanding. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:735394. [PMID: 34604115 PMCID: PMC8481914 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.735394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the urgent need to develop vaccine strategies optimized for pregnant people and their newborns, as both populations are at risk of developing severe disease. Although not included in COVID-19 vaccine development trials, pregnant people have had access to these vaccines since their initial release in the US and abroad. The rapid development and distribution of novel COVID-19 vaccines to people at risk, including those who are pregnant and lactating, presents an unprecedented opportunity to further our understanding of vaccine-induced immunity in these populations. In this review, we aim to summarize the literature to date on COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and lactation and highlight opportunities for investigation that may inform future maternal vaccine development and implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L. Shook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Parisa N. Fallah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jason N. Silberman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrea G. Edlow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Vaccination in Pregnancy: Measures of Immunity and Placental Histopathology. Obstet Gynecol 2021; 138:281-283. [PMID: 33975329 PMCID: PMC8288194 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Receipt of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination was not associated with placental histopathologic lesions.
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Migdał A, Migdał Ł, Oczkowicz M, Okólski A, Chełmońska-Soyta A. Influence of Age and Immunostimulation on the Level of Toll-Like Receptor Gene ( TLR3, 4, and 7) Expression in Foals. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10111966. [PMID: 33114637 PMCID: PMC7692595 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111966] [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: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Detailed knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of immunoglobulin synthesis appears necessary for a better understanding of foal immunity maturity and its influencing factors. At the same time, it encourages studies regarding the influence of the signaling cascade’s proteins on the primary immunological response, which provides an opportunity to develop extremely precise methods of regulating acquired immunity. The results revealed that the expression of theTLR3 and TLR4 genes, as well as the levels of immunoglobulins and interleukins, can be modulated by stimulation with the pharmacological agent, and that the expression of the TLR3 and TLR4genes in peripheral blood cells is dependent on age. Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms leading to the identification of pathogens by congenital immune receptors in foals up to 60 days of age. The study was conducted on 16 foal Polish Pony Horses (Polish Konik) divided into two study groups: control (n = 9) and experimental (n = 7). Foals from the experimental group received an intramuscular duplicate injection of 5 mL of Biotropina (Biowet) at 35 and 40 days of age. The RNA isolated from venous blood was used to evaluate the expression of theTLR3, TLR4, and TLR7 genes using RT-PCR. The results of the experiment demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the level of TLR3 gene expression and a decrease in the level ofTLR4 gene expression with foal aging. The level of TLR7 gene expression did not show age dependence. Immunostimulation with Biotropina had a significant impact on the level of the genes’ expression for Toll-like receptors. It increased the level of TLR4 expression and decreased TLR3 expression. Thus, it was concluded that the expression of theTLR3 and TLR4genes in peripheral blood cells is dependent on age. This experiment demonstrated a strong negative correlation between TLR3 and TLR4 gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Migdał
- Department of Genetics, Animal Breeding and Ethology, Faculty of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. 29 Listopada 46, 31-425 Kraków, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-(12)-662-53408
| | - Łukasz Migdał
- Department of Genetics, Animal Breeding and Ethology, Faculty of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. 29 Listopada 46, 31-425 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Maria Oczkowicz
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland;
| | - Adam Okólski
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine UJ-UR, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Anna Chełmońska-Soyta
- Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12 Street, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Department of Immunology, Pathophysiology and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Division of Immunology and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31 Street, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland
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Yi X, Zhang J, Liu H, Yi T, Ou Y, Liu M, Zhu L, Chen H, Zhang J. Suppressed Immune-Related Profile Rescues Abortion-Prone Fetuses: A Novel Insight Into the CBA/J × DBA/2J Mouse Model. Reprod Sci 2019; 26:1485-1492. [PMID: 30791861 DOI: 10.1177/1933719119828042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The adverse clinical result and poor treatment outcome in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) make it necessary to understand the pathogenic mechanism. The mating combination CBA/J × DBA/2 has been widely used as an abortion-prone model compared to DBA/2-mated CBA/J mice. Here, we used RNA-seq to get a comprehensive catalogue of genes differentially expressed between survival placenta in abortion-prone model and control. Five hundred twenty-four differentially expressed genes were obtained followed by clustering analysis, Gene Ontology analysis, and pathway analysis. We paid more attention to immune-related genes namely "immune response" and "immune system process" including 33 downregulated genes and 28 upregulated genes. Twenty-one genes contribute to suppressing immune system and 7 are against it. Six genes were validated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, namely Ccr1l1, Tlr4, Tgf-β1, Tyro3, Gzmb, and Il-1β. Furthermore, Tlr4, Tgf-β1, and Il-1β were analyzed by Western blot. Such immune profile gives us a better understanding of the complicated immune processing in RSA and immunosuppression can rescue pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huixiang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianxia Yi
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Ou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Meilan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Chatterjee P, Chiasson VL, Seerangan G, Tobin RP, Kopriva SE, Newell-Rogers MK, Mitchell BM. Cotreatment with interleukin 4 and interleukin 10 modulates immune cells and prevents hypertension in pregnant mice. Am J Hypertens 2015; 28:135-42. [PMID: 24906486 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpu100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive maternal immune system activation plays a central role in the development of the hypertensive disorder of pregnancy preeclampsia (PE). The immunomodulatory cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) are dysregulated during PE; therefore we hypothesized that treatment with both recombinant IL-4 and IL-10 during pregnancy could prevent the development of PE in mice. METHODS Using our mouse model of PE in which immune system activation is induced by the double-stranded RNA receptor agonist poly I:C, we gave daily injections of IL-4, IL-10, or both on days 13-17 of pregnancy. Mice were then killed on day 18. RESULTS Poly I:C caused a significant increase in systolic blood pressure in pregnant (P-PIC) mice compared with vehicle-treated pregnant (P) mice. All 3 treatments significantly decreased blood pressure in P-PIC mice to P levels, ameliorated the endothelial dysfunction, and decreased placental TLR3 levels in P-PIC mice. However, only IL-4/IL-10 cotreatment prevented the proteinuria and increased incidence of fetal demise in P-PIC mice; IL-4 or IL-10 alone had no effect. Additionally, only IL-4/IL-10 cotreatment prevented the significant increase in CD3(+)/γδ(+) T cells and CD11c(+) dendritic cells and significant decrease in CD11b(+)/CD14(-) suppressor monocytes, as well as completely prevented placental necrosis, in P-PIC mice. Importantly, IL-4/IL-10 cotreatment in P mice had no detrimental effects. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these data demonstrate that exogenous IL-4 and IL-10 administration concurrently during pregnancy can normalize immune cell subsets and prevent PE induced by maternal immune system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyali Chatterjee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center/Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Valorie L Chiasson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center/Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Geetha Seerangan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center/Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Richard P Tobin
- Department of Surgery, Texas A&M Health Science Center/Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Shelley E Kopriva
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center/Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - M Karen Newell-Rogers
- Department of Surgery, Texas A&M Health Science Center/Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Brett M Mitchell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center/Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas;
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8
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Potter JA, Garg M, Girard S, Abrahams VM. Viral single stranded RNA induces a trophoblast pro-inflammatory and antiviral response in a TLR8-dependent and -independent manner. Biol Reprod 2014; 92:17. [PMID: 25429091 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.124032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Interest is growing in the role of viral infections and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The trophoblast is permissive to viruses, but little is known about their impact on the placenta. We previously established that viral single stranded RNA (ssRNA), a Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) agonist, induces a restricted trophoblast pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine response by upregulating the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. In parallel, the type I interferon, IFNbeta, is produced and acts back on the cell in an autocrine/paracrine manner to trigger caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. In this study, we sought to extend these findings by determining the mechanisms involved, examining whether viral ssRNA could induce a trophoblast antiviral response, and evaluating the influence of viral ssRNA on pregnancy outcome using a mouse model. Viral ssRNA induced human first-trimester trophoblast inflammation, type I interferon production, an antiviral response, and apoptosis in both a TLR8/MyD88-dependent and -independent manner. Furthermore, administration of viral ssRNA to pregnant mice induced placental caspase-3 activation, a pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine, type I interferon, and antiviral response as well as immune cell infiltration. Thus, ssRNA viral infections may compromise pregnancy by altering placental trophoblast survival and function through both TLR8 and non-TLR8 signaling pathways, leading to immune changes at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Potter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Divisions of Reproductive Sciences and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Manish Garg
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvie Girard
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Divisions of Reproductive Sciences and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Divisions of Reproductive Sciences and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Kannaki TR, Reddy MR, Verma PC, Shanmugam M. Differential Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) mRNA Expression Patterns during Chicken Embryological Development. Anim Biotechnol 2014; 26:130-5. [DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2014.939658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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10
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Cavagnaro J, Berman C, Kornbrust D, White T, Campion S, Henry S. Considerations for assessment of reproductive and developmental toxicity of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. Nucleic Acid Ther 2014; 24:313-25. [PMID: 25137397 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2014.0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This white paper summarizes the current consensus of the Reproductive Subcommittee of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group on strategies to assess potential reproductive and/or developmental toxicities of therapeutic oligonucleotides (ONs). The unique product characteristics of ONs require considerations when planning developmental and reproductive toxicology studies, including (a) chemical characteristics, (b) assessment of intended and unintended mechanism of action, and (c) the optimal exposure, including dosing regimen. Because experience across the various classes of ONs as defined by their chemical backbone is relatively limited, best practices cannot be defined. Rather, points to consider are provided to help in the design of science-based reproductive safety evaluation programs based upon product attributes.
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Koga K, Izumi G, Mor G, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Toll-like receptors at the maternal-fetal interface in normal pregnancy and pregnancy complications. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:192-205. [PMID: 24754320 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) form the major family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that are involved in innate immunity. Innate immune responses against microorganisms at the maternal-fetal interface may have a significant impact on the success of pregnancy, as intrauterine infections have been shown to be strongly associated with certain complications of pregnancy. At the maternal-fetal interface, TLRs are expressed not only in the immune cells but also in non-immune cells such as trophoblasts and decidual cells; moreover, their expression patterns vary according to the stage of pregnancy. Here, we will update potential functions of TLRs in these cells, their recognition and response to microorganisms, and their involvement in the innate immunity. The impact of TLR-mediated innate immune response will be discussed via animal model studies, as well as clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Sanchez-Lopez JA, Caballero I, Montazeri M, Maslehat N, Elliott S, Fernandez-Gonzalez R, Calle A, Gutierrez-Adan A, Fazeli A. Local Activation of Uterine Toll-Like Receptor 2 and 2/6 Decreases Embryo Implantation and Affects Uterine Receptivity in Mice1. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:87. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.115253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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Mao X, Lai X, Yu B, He J, Yu J, Zheng P, Tian G, Zhang K, Chen D. Effects of dietary threonine supplementation on immune challenge induced by swine Pseudorabies live vaccine in weaned pigs. Arch Anim Nutr 2014; 68:1-15. [PMID: 24422657 DOI: 10.1080/1745039x.2013.869988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine whether dietary threonine supplementation can improve immunity of weaned pigs challenged by swine Pseudorabies live vaccine (SPLV). Thirty crossbred piglets weaned at 21 days of age were randomly assigned to three groups receiving diets containing true ileal digestible threonine (TIDT) at 0.74, 0.89 and 1.11% for 14 days. On day 8, all pigs were injected intramuscularly with SPLV or sterile 0.9% NaCl solution. SPLV injection enhanced serum IgA, IgM, IgG, IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 concentrations (p < 0.05) and stimulated the relative mRNA abundance of Toll-like receptors (TLR3, TLR7 or TLR9) in different tissues (p < 0.05). Under no challenge, increasing dietary TIDT levels enhanced serum IgG (p < 0.05), IgM (p = 0.07) and IFN-γ (p < 0.05) concentration, tended to decrease serum IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 concentration, and regulated relative mRNA abundance of TLR3, TLR7 or TLR9 in different tissues (p < 0.05). However, there was a synergistic role for increasing the serum IL-10 concentration between dietary TIDT levels and SPLV injection (p < 0.05). Under SPLV challenge, increasing dietary TIDT levels attenuated the increase of the serum IFN-γ concentration, and the increase of the relative mRNA abundance of TLR3, TLR7 and TLR9 in the different tissues (p < 0.05). These results suggest that an appropriate dietary threonine supplementation could improve the immune status of weaned pigs injected with SPLV by down-regulating the expression of TLR3, TLR7 and TLR9 in tissues, and thus regulating T-helper cytokine secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbing Mao
- a Animal Nutrition Institute , Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University , Ya'an , People's Republic of China
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14
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Winger EE, Reed JL. The multiple faces of the decidual natural killer cell. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 70:1-9. [PMID: 23448380 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The decidual NK (dNK) cell is called on to support placental growth by providing an array of growth factors that directly transform the spiral artery and direct trophoblast invasion. Successful transformation is dependent upon adequate stimulation paradoxically stimulating the cell for placental support rather than cytotoxicity. With the identification of its supportive role, the presence of an intact cytotoxic mechanism has been confusing. Investigators have found that the cell remains fully capable of cytotoxic responses particularly in response to pathogen-specific signals. We postulate a dual threshold model where moderate stimulation results in release of stimulatory factors supporting placentation while intense stimulation, particularly triggered through pathogen-specific receptors, restores the cell to its protective, cytotoxic, role. Individual dNK cells mature attaining the capacity to respond to the delivery of cognate signals. The process, known as 'licensing' tunes responsiveness to the degree to which stochastically selected inhibitory receptors block cytotoxic response to self. A changing licensing milieu within the decidua may result in altered and unsuitable receptor expression. We postulate that a heterogeneous population of dNK cells where cells inappropriately licensed for the milieu contributes to pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward E Winger
- Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine & Immunology, San Jose, CA, USA
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15
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Caballero I, Al Ghareeb S, Basatvat S, Sánchez-López JA, Montazeri M, Maslehat N, Elliott S, Chapman NR, Fazeli A. Human trophoblast cells modulate endometrial cells nuclear factor κB response to flagellin in vitro. PLoS One 2013; 8:e39441. [PMID: 23320062 PMCID: PMC3540055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Implantation is a complex process that requires a delicate cooperation between the immune and reproductive system. Any interference in the fine balance could result in embryo loss and infertility. We have recently shown that Toll-like receptor 5 activation results in a decrease of trophoblast cells binding to endometrial cells in an in vitro model of human implantation. However, little is known about the downstream signalling leading to the observed failure in implantation and the factors that modulate this immune response. Methods and Principal Findings An in vitro model of embryo implantation was used to evaluate the effect of trophoblasts and flagellin on the activation of NF-κB in endometrial cells and whether TLR5-related in vitro implantation failure is signalled through NF-κB. We generated two different NF-κB reporting cell lines by transfecting either an immortalized endometrial epithelial cell line (hTERT-EECs) or a human endometrial carcinoma cell line (Ishikawa 3-H-12) with a plasmid containing the secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) under the control of five NF-κB sites. The presence of trophoblast cells as well as flagellin increased NF-κB activity when compared to controls. The NF-κB activation induced by flagellin was further increased by the addition of trophoblast cells. Moreover, blocking NF-κB signalling with a specific inhibitor (BAY11-7082) was able to restore the binding ability of our trophoblast cell line to the endometrial monolayer. Conclusions These are the first results showing a local effect of the trophoblasts on the innate immune response of the endometrial epithelium. Moreover, we show that implantation failure caused by intrauterine infections could be associated with abnormal levels of NF-κB activation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the target genes through which NF-κB activation after TLR5 stimulation lead to failure in implantation and the effect of the embryo on those genes. Understanding these pathways could help in the diagnosis and treatment of implantation failure cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Caballero
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sumiah Al Ghareeb
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Shaghayegh Basatvat
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Javier A. Sánchez-López
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mehrnaz Montazeri
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Nasim Maslehat
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Elliott
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Neil R. Chapman
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Increased expression of Toll-like receptor 3 in decidual natural killer cells of patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2012; 165:326-30. [PMID: 22944378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2011] [Revised: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the expression of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in decidual natural killer (dNK) cells plays a role in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (URSM). STUDY DESIGN NK cells were isolated from human decidual tissue through magnetic cell sorting and analyzed for phenotypes through flow cytometry. TLR3 expression in dNK cells was detected by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The cytotoxicity of dNK was detected using a lactate dehydrogenase release test. RESULTS The CD56(+) dNK percentages varied between 85% and 96%. The expression of TLR3 mRNA and protein in dNK cells of URSM patients was statistically significantly higher than that in control women (p=0.005 and p=0.01, respectively). Meanwhile, the mean cytotoxicity percentage of freshly isolated dNK cells from the patients was significantly higher than that from normal controls (31.24 ± 7.46% vs. 16.20 ± 6.03%; p=0.03). CONCLUSION The expression of TLR3 in dNK cells is abnormally higher in URSM patients, which indicates that TLR3 expression may be critical to the activation of dNK cells infiltrating the maternal-fetal interface and account for the loss of immune tolerance.
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17
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Sun Y, Cai J, Ma F, Lü P, Huang H, Zhou J. miR-155 mediates suppressive effect of progesterone on TLR3, TLR4-triggered immune response. Immunol Lett 2012; 146:25-30. [PMID: 22546503 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that progesterone has immune suppressive properties and can inhibit Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-triggered immune response. Multiple microRNAs are induced in innate immune cells, among them miR-155, miR-146a and miR-21 are particularly ubiquitous. In this study, we investigated the potential roles of miR-155 in progesterone-mediated regulation of innate immune responses. We found that progesterone pre-treatment suppressed LPS- and poly(I:C)-induced miR-155 expression in macrophages. Increasing the activity of miR-155, significantly attenuated the progesterone's inhibition on LPS-induced IL-6 as well as LPS- and poly(I:C)-induced IFN-β expression in macrophages. Furthermore, we demonstrated that progesterone up-regulated LPS-induced SOCS1 expression while overexpression of miR-155 inhibited SOCS1 expression. In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated that progesterone suppresses TLRs-triggered immune response by regulating miR-155, and the decreased miR-155 contributes to inhibit TLR-induced IL-6 and IFN-β via increased SOCS1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixi Sun
- Institute of Reproduction and Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
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18
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Karimi K, Solano ME, Ashkar AA, Ho H, Steidle EM, McVey Neufeld KA, Hecher K, Bienenstock J, Arck PC. Regulation of pregnancy maintenance and fetal survival in mice by CD27(low) mature NK cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2012; 90:1047-57. [PMID: 22358070 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-012-0872-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Uterine natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal for successful mammalian reproduction. However, insights on functionally distinct subpopulations of uterine NK cells are largely elusive. Furthermore, translation of findings from murine into human pregnancy has been overshadowed by the limited number of mutual phenotypic NK cell markers. We here provide evidence that a subset of murine mature NK (mNK) cells present at the feto-maternal interface, identified as CD27(low)DX5(+)CD3(neg), is pivotal in maintaining pregnancy. This mNK subset has low cytotoxic capacity, produces higher amounts of interferon (IFN)-γ, and expresses functional homologs of human NK cell immunoglobulin-like receptors. We further show that bone marrow-derived CD27(low) mNK cells are selectively recruited to the uterus and ameliorate the rate of fetal loss when adoptively transferred into alymphoid RAG2(-/-)/γc(-/-) mice. Additionally, expression of CD27 is down-modulated on mNK cells upon migration to the uterus. Hence, we propose the existence of a regulatory mNK cell subset, which is licensed toward successful pregnancy maintenance at the fetomaternal interface in mice. As CD27(low) NK cells are also present in human decidua, the CD27(low) NK subset may provide a tool to foster translational research in reproduction, aiming to improve pregnancy outcome in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Karimi
- Brain Body Institute, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
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19
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Effect of threonine on immunity and reproductive performance of male mice infected with pseudorabies virus. Animal 2012; 6:1821-9. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731112000833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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20
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Wu D, Luo XL, Lin Y, Fang ZF, Luo XR, Xu HT, Zeng W. Effects of vitamin E on reproductive protection in pregnant mice infected with pseudorabies virus (PRV) via regulating expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytokine balance. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2011; 56:353-63. [PMID: 21422704 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.56.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin E supplement and pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection have a reciprocal role in influencing the maternal immune response, a key determinant of the success or failure of pregnancy. However, it remains unknown whether vitamin E supplement provides protection against PRV-induced failure of pregnancy. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E level (0, 75, 375, 750 and 1,500 mg/kg) on the reproduction performance, immunity and expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) of PRV-challenged mice. The mortality and abortion rate of PRV-challenged mice decreased with the increase in vitamin E consumption. Overall, PBS-injected mice had a higher live embryo number and live litter size than PRV-challenged mice. Both live embryo number and live litter size of PRV-challenged mice increased with increasing vitamin E levels. Vitamin E supplement resulted in decreased concentration of serum IL-2 and IFN-γ, but increased concentration of serum IL-10. The concentration of serum IgG, IgA and IgM increased with increasing vitamin E levels. In the uterine and embryo mRNA abundance of TLR3, TLR7 and TLR9 was higher in PRV-challenged mice than that in PBS-injected mice fed on the same dosage of vitamin E. The mRNA abundance of embryonic TLR3, TLR7 and TLR9 in PRV-challenged mice decreased with increasing vitamin E levels. Collectively, vitamin E supplement may improve reproductive performance of PRV-challenged mice by attenuating PRV-induced negative effects on the cytokine profile, immunoglobulin synthesis and TLR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, China
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21
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Chatterjee P, Chiasson VL, Kopriva SE, Young KJ, Chatterjee V, Jones KA, Mitchell BM. Interleukin 10 deficiency exacerbates toll-like receptor 3-induced preeclampsia-like symptoms in mice. Hypertension 2011; 58:489-96. [PMID: 21768525 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.111.172114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia may result from overactivation of the maternal immune system and is characterized by endothelial dysfunction and excessive inflammation. Given the importance of maternal immune system regulation and anti-inflammatory cytokines in normotensive pregnancies, we hypothesized that maternal immune system activation via Toll-like receptor 3 during pregnancy would cause preeclampsia-like symptoms in mice, which would be made worse by deficiency of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10. The Toll-like receptor 3 agonist polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) caused hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and proteinuria in mice only when pregnant. In the absence of poly I:C, pregnant interleukin 10 knockout mice exhibited a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, and serum proinflammatory cytokines, as well as aortic and placental platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression compared with pregnant wild-type mice. Deficiency of interleukin 10 further augmented these measures in poly I:C-treated pregnant mice. In addition, sera from poly I:C-treated pregnant wild-type mice significantly decreased relaxation responses and increased platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression in isolated aortas from nonpregnant wild-type mice, and these effects were augmented by sera from poly I:C-treated interleukin 10 knockout mice. Coincubation with recombinant interleukin 10 normalized relaxation responses and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression in all of the groups. Collectively, Toll-like receptor 3 activation during pregnancy causes preeclampsia-like symptoms, which are exacerbated by the absence of interleukin 10. Exogenous interleukin 10 treatment had beneficial effects on endothelial function and may be beneficial in women with preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyali Chatterjee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center/Scott & White Memorial Hospital, 702 SW HK Dodgen Loop, Temple, TX 76504, USA
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22
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Qiu S, Fang Z, Wu D, Lin Y, Che L. Tryptophan Supplements Promote Pregnancy Success in Mice Challenged with Pseudorabies Virus (PRV) by Regulating the Expression of Systemic Cytokines, Immunoglobulins, PRV-Specific Protein Profiles, and Toll-Like Receptors. J Med Food 2011; 14:857-65. [DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2010.1146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shixiu Qiu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
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23
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Cardenas I, Mulla MJ, Myrtolli K, Sfakianaki AK, Norwitz ER, Tadesse S, Guller S, Abrahams VM. Nod1 activation by bacterial iE-DAP induces maternal-fetal inflammation and preterm labor. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:980-6. [PMID: 21677137 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1100578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is a strong association between infection and prematurity; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Nod1 and Nod2 are intracellular pattern recognition receptors that are activated by bacterial peptides and mediate innate immunity. We previously demonstrated that human first-trimester trophoblasts express Nod1 and Nod2, which trigger inflammation upon stimulation. This study sought to determine the expression and function of Nod1 and Nod2 in third-trimester trophoblasts, and to characterize the in vivo effects of Nod1 activation on pregnancy outcome. Human term placental tissues and isolated term trophoblast expressed Nod1, but not Nod2. Activation of Nod1 by its agonist, bacterial γ-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP), in term trophoblast cultures induced a proinflammatory cytokine profile, characterized by elevated levels of secreted IL-6, GRO-α, and MCP-1, when compared with the control. However, these cytokines were not upregulated in response to Nod2 stimulation with bacterial MDP. Administration of high-dose bacterial iE-DAP to pregnant C57BL/6J mice on embryonic day 14.5 triggered preterm delivery within 24 h. iE-DAP at a lower dose that did not induce prematurity, reduced fetal weight, altered the cytokine profile at the maternal-fetal interface, and induced fetal inflammation. Thus, functional Nod1 is expressed by trophoblast cells across gestation and may have a role in mediating infection-associated inflammation and prematurity. This study demonstrates that pattern recognition receptors, other than the TLRs, may be implicated or involved in infection-associated preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Cardenas
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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24
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Kannaki T, Shanmugam M, Verma P. Toll-like receptors and their role in animal reproduction. Anim Reprod Sci 2011; 125:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2011.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Revised: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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25
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Aboussahoud W, Bruce C, Elliott S, Fazeli A. Activation of Toll-like receptor 5 decreases the attachment of human trophoblast cells to endometrial cells in vitro. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:2217-28. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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26
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Kwak-Kim J, Park JC, Ahn HK, Kim JW, Gilman-Sachs A. Immunological Modes of Pregnancy Loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63:611-23. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00847.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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27
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Koga K, Mor G. Toll-like receptors at the maternal-fetal interface in normal pregnancy and pregnancy disorders. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63:587-600. [PMID: 20367625 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00848.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLR) form the major family of pattern recognition receptors (PRR) that are involved in innate immunity. Innate immune responses against microorganisms at the maternal-fetal interface may have a significant impact on the success of pregnancy, as intrauterine infections have been shown to be strongly associated with certain disorders of pregnancy. At the maternal-fetal interface, TLRs are expressed not only in the immune cells but also in non-immune cells such as trophoblasts and decidual cells; moreover, their expression patterns vary according to the stage of pregnancy. Here, we will describe potential functions of TLRs in these cells, their recognition and response to microorganisms, and their involvement in the innate immunity. The impact of TLR-mediated innate immune response will be discussed via animal model studies, as well as clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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28
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Su L, Sun Y, Ma F, Lü P, Huang H, Zhou J. Progesterone inhibits Toll-like receptor 4-mediated innate immune response in macrophages by suppressing NF-kappaB activation and enhancing SOCS1 expression. Immunol Lett 2009; 125:151-5. [PMID: 19607861 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2009] [Revised: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although progesterone has been recognized as essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, this steroid hormone has been implicated to have a functional role in immune response, mainly at concentrations commensurate with pregnancy. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. Here we present the evidences that progesterone inhibited immune response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) through modulating Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. Pretreatment with progesterone can significantly inhibit TLR4 and TLR9-triggered IL-6 and nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages. Furthermore, we found that progesterone can significantly inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide synthesis (iNOS), TLR4 expression and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. Consistently, as a negative feedback inhibitor, the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS1) protein was up-regulated by progesterone in LPS-stimulated macrophages. These results support the concept that progesterone might inhibit innate immune response by suppressing NF-kappaB activation and enhancement of SOCS1 expression, providing a possible mechanistic explanation for the function of progesterone in regulating innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Su
- Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
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29
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Koga K, Aldo PB, Mor G. Toll-like receptors and pregnancy: Trophoblast as modulators of the immune response. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2009; 35:191-202. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2008.00963.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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30
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Horne AW, Stock SJ, King AE. Innate immunity and disorders of the female reproductive tract. Reproduction 2008; 135:739-49. [PMID: 18502890 DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections, and their associated sequelae, such as tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy and preterm labour, are a major worldwide health problem. Chlamydia trachomatis infection is thought to be the leading global cause of tubal infertility and tubal ectopic pregnancy. Preterm birth occurs in around 10% of all deliveries, and nearly 30% of preterm deliveries are associated with intrauterine infection. The mucosal innate immune system of the female reproductive tract has evolved to eliminate such sexually transmitted pathogens whilst maintaining its ability to accommodate specialized physiological functions that include menstruation, fertilization, implantation, pregnancy and parturition. The aim of this review was to describe the role and distribution of key mediators of the innate immune system, the natural antimicrobial peptides (secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, elafin and the defensins) and the pattern recognition toll-like receptors in the normal female reproductive tract and in the context of these pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Horne
- The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Centre for Reproductive Biology, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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31
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Croy BA, Wessels J, Linton N, Tayade C. Comparison of immune cell recruitment and function in endometrium during development of epitheliochorial (pig) and hemochorial (mouse and human) placentas. Placenta 2008; 30 Suppl A:S26-31. [PMID: 19010536 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2008] [Revised: 09/30/2008] [Accepted: 09/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The role of maternal immune cells in early implantation sites has received special attention from reproductive biologists because immune cells participate in tissue transplant rejection. During normal pregnancy, endometrial immune cells differ from those in blood by subset distribution and appear to be activated but non-destructive of conceptuses. The immune system evolved well before placental mammals. By comparing the regulation and functions of endometrial immune cells between species in two phylogenetic clades that model differently evolved placental types (pig (Sus scrofa) versus mouse (Mus musculus) and human (Homo sapiens)), we seek to understand how "non-self" trophoblast cells thrive in most pregnancies. Our studies suggest recruitment of specific immune cells to conceptus-associated endometrium and immune cell-promoted endometrial angiogenesis are of key importance for mammalian conceptus well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Croy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
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32
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Abstract
Intrauterine infections represent a significant threat to fetal well-being and pregnancy outcome. Recent studies suggest that non-immune cells of the maternal-fetal interface can actively recognize and respond to microbes through pattern recognition receptors, in order to control pathogens that may compromise the pregnancy. However, these same innate immune responses may inadvertently lead to excessive inflammation or apoptosis at the maternal-fetal interface. Thus, pattern recognition receptors may play a key role in infection-related pregnancy complications. This review discusses what is currently known about the role of Toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptors in controlling infections at the maternal-fetal interface, and what impact their function may have on pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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33
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Developmental and epigenetic regulation of the human TLR3 gene. Mol Immunol 2008; 46:27-36. [PMID: 18715647 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2008] [Revised: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/19/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The receptor encoded by the human TLR3 gene recognizes double-strand RNAs (dsRNAs) associated with viral infection. TLR3 expression is strongly activated upon differentiation of monocytes to dendritic cells, and can be further stimulated by the dsRNA analog polyinosine:polycytosine (PI:C). We report evidence for developmental regulation of the TLR3 gene. In dendritic cells derived from cord blood, both differentiation- and PI:C-associated TLR3 transcriptional activation are impaired as compared to cells from adults. Consistent with relative expression patterns, chromatin states and remodeling differ between newborn and adult samples. TLR3 expression in newborn dendritic cells exhibits heterocellularity and allelic imbalance (skewing), features characteristic of cis-acting epigenetic control. These findings reveal a new source for variability in innate immune system function and provide a model for further study of perinatal epigenetic transitions during development.
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Koga K, Mor G. Expression and function of toll-like receptors at the maternal-fetal interface. Reprod Sci 2008; 15:231-42. [PMID: 18421019 DOI: 10.1177/1933719108316391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) form the major family of pattern recognition receptors that are involved in innate immunity. Innate immune responses against microorganisms at the maternal-fetal interface may have a significant impact on the success of pregnancy because intrauterine infections have been shown to be strongly associated with certain complications of pregnancy. At the maternal-fetal interface, TLRs are expressed not only in the immune cells but also in nonimmune cells such as trophoblasts and decidual cells. Moreover, their expression patterns vary according to the stage of pregnancy. Here we will describe potential functions of TLRs in these cells, their recognition and response to microorganisms, and their involvement in the innate immunity. The impact of TLR-mediated innate immune response will be discussed via animal model studies, as well as clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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35
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Immunological control of congenital toxoplasmosis in the murine model. Immunol Lett 2008; 115:83-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2007.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2007] [Revised: 10/09/2007] [Accepted: 10/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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36
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Immediate and broad-spectrum protection against heterologous and heterotypic lethal challenge in mice by live influenza vaccine. Vaccine 2007; 25:8067-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2007] [Revised: 09/03/2007] [Accepted: 09/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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37
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Takeda M, Yamada H, Iwabuchi K, Shimada S, Naito M, Sakuragi N, Minakami H, Onoé K. Administration of high-dose intact immunoglobulin has an anti-resorption effect in a mouse model of reproductive failure. Mol Hum Reprod 2007; 13:807-14. [PMID: 17766682 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gam061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Administration of high-dose intact human immunoglobulin (IH-Ig) has been applied to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and is expected to have beneficial effects on human fecundity. In the present study, we investigated whether Ig had anti-resorption effects using polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid sodium salt [poly (I:C)]-induced enhancement of fetal resorption in the mating of CBA/J x DBA/2J resorption-prone mouse model. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanism of the effect by examining the mRNA expression of interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-10, IL-4 and TGF-beta(1) in spleens and placentas from the resorption-prone model treated with IH-Ig, by reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Administration of high-dose IH-Ig significantly reduced the fetal resorption rate from 55% to 10%. This anti-resorption effect, however, was not detected in mice administered with Fab fragments of human Ig. We then performed adoptive transfer experiments to examine whether cellular components could transfer the effect. A remarkable anti-resorption effect was seen in poly (I:C)-injected pregnant recipients transferred with spleen cells from IH-Ig-treated donor mice. The RT-PCR study showed that IH-Ig reduced the expression of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha mRNA in placentas of poly (I:C)-injected pregnant mice. The present findings demonstrate that intact Ig, particularly its Fc portion, possesses anti-resorption activity. The effect might be attributed to the suppressed production of pro-inflammatory cytokines at the maternofetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamitsu Takeda
- Division of Immunobiology, Research Section of Pathophysiology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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38
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Abstract
In different species of mammal, uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are massively recruited and presented at the fetal maternal interface with a spatio-temporal pattern, and regarded as a constructive element to support reproductive development. Recent insights highlight the uNK cells activation, function and interaction with local compartments, which all contribute to the initiation of vascular structural changes. New trends of uNK cells research will benefit the diagnosis, management and test treatment strategy of preeclampsia. Furthermore, we suggest that more efforts and specific studies are needed to further explore the role of uNK cells at the unique micro-environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Zhang
- Institute of Immunology, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027 Hefei, China
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39
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Girling JE, Hedger MP. Toll‐like receptors in the gonads and reproductive tract: emerging roles in reproductive physiology and pathology. Immunol Cell Biol 2007; 85:481-9. [PMID: 17592495 DOI: 10.1038/sj.icb.7100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between the immune system and reproductive system have important consequences for fertility and reproductive health in general. There is increasing evidence that many of the interactions between the immune and reproductive systems involve the Toll-like receptors (TLRs). While there is no doubt that TLRs are important in providing protection against infection in the reproductive tract, there is increasing evidence for the involvement of TLRs in more basic pathology and physiology of reproduction. In the female, TLRs have been implicated in critical aspects of ovarian, endometrial and placental function, as well as in ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, intrauterine growth restriction, pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. In the male, TLRs appear to play a role in the control of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in disease and, potentially, during normal function, as well. Recent studies also have begun to highlight the role of various TLRs in the aetiology of prostatitis and prostatic cancer. Given the nascent state of knowledge concerning this important area, it is clear that more studies are needed, which should provide valuable new insights into the biology of the TLRs and reproductive function in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Girling
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Zhang J, Sun R, Wei H, Wu D, Tian Z. Toll-like receptor 3 agonist enhances IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production by murine uterine NK cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2007; 7:588-96. [PMID: 17386406 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2006.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2006] [Revised: 12/02/2006] [Accepted: 12/20/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
To understand the response of murine uterine natural killer (uNK) cells to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 agonist at the early gestation stage, CBA x DBA/2 mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), the specific TLR3 agonist, at a dose of 10 microg/g BW or PBS at gestation day (gd) 6.5. The CD69 expression of uNK (DX5(+)CD3(-)) cells was highly up-regulated and reached 92.3+/-0.9%, the percentage of intracellular TNF-alpha(+) or IFN-gamma(+) uNK (DX5(+)CD3(-)) cells in the implantation sites of CBAxDBA/2 matings was also significantly increased 24 h after poly I:C injection. Surprisingly, poly I:C treatment significantly decreased the total number of uNK cells (either DX5(+)CD3(-) or DBA(+)) at fetal-maternal surface, but had no influence on local NKT cells, T cells and DCs. This investigation will help to explain the central role for hyperactivated uNK cells in the progress of mice pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Zhang
- Institute of Immunology, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, China; School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 443 Huangshan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
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