1
|
Regulatory T Cells Overexpressing Peli1 Show Better Efficacy in Repairing Ovarian Endocrine Function in Autoimmune Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100005. [PMID: 37039145 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2022.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cell dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Adoptive transfer of Treg cells has been shown to be effective in the treatment of autoimmune POI in mice. However, the therapeutic effect of Treg cell therapy is limited because the phenotype and function of Treg cells is not properly maintained when they are reinfused in an inflammatory environment. Therefore, enhancing the function of Treg cells using genetic engineering is of great significance for improving the efficacy of Treg cells in the treatment of immune diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of the E3 ubiquitinated ligase Pellino 1 (Peli1) in the proliferation and immunosuppressive function of Treg cells and the therapeutic effect of Treg cells overexpressing Peli1 on autoimmune POI. The results showed that the overexpression of Peli1 promoted cell proliferation and enhanced the immunosuppressive function of Treg cells in vitro. After the adoptive transfer of Treg cells overexpressing Peli1 in autoimmune POI mice, the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells declined. The levels of the inflammatory inhibitors interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor-β as well as the ovarian hormone estradiol were elevated. The number of primordial, primary, secondary, and mature follicles was restored to a certain extent compared with those in control subjects. These results revealed that the adoptive transfer of Treg cells overexpressing Peli1 promoted its efficacy against zona pellucida protein 3 peptide-induced POI, which provides new insights into the treatment of autoimmune POI.
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang X, Zhang L, Li Y, Yin Z, Feng Y, Ji Y. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) promotes the recovery of ovarian function in a rat model of premature ovarian failure (POF). Gynecol Endocrinol 2021; 37:353-357. [PMID: 33491494 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1878133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Our study was to evaluate the benefits of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) for the prevention of premature ovarian failure (POF) in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS 80 female SD rats aged between 6 and 8 weeks were randomly divided into 4 groups A, B, C and D. Rats in group A is normal control group; group B, C and D received zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (pZP3) administration to induce POF model. Among these, group B is model control group; group C received PBS injection in ovaries and group D received hUCMSCs injection in ovaries, all injections were performed after modeling on the same day. Estrus cycle; serum hormone level of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and amount of ovarian follicles were detected 20 days after treatment. RESULTS We successfully injected hUCMSCs in the ovary tissue of a POF rat. The estrus cycle and hormone expression of the rats in group D tends to be normal. Histological studies indicated that hUCMSCs transplantation increased the amount of ovarian follicles. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that hUCMSCs may have a preventive effect on POF rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xunyi Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yazhong Ji
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu D, Tu X, Huang C, Yuan Y, Wang Y, Liu X, He W. Adoptive transfers of CD4 + CD25 + Tregs partially alleviate mouse premature ovarian insufficiency. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:887-898. [PMID: 32741069 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) against zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 peptide (pZP3) immunization-induced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in mice. A mouse POI model was induced by two subcutaneous injections of pZP3 (50 nmol/L). Mice in the pZP3-Treg group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 × 105 CD4+ CD25+ Tregs after the POI model was established. Sex hormone levels, follicle numbers, apoptotic events, and the Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway molecules in the ovaries were assessed. Compared with control group, the weight of ovaries in both pZP3 group and pZP3-Treg group was decreased and no difference was found between them. The number of follicles in the Treg transferred mice, like in pZP3 group, was significantly reduced compared to the control group, but showed a modest improvement when compared the pZP3 group alone. Significantly lower serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and anti-zona pellucida antibodies (AZPAbs) were found, while the concentrations of estradiol and anti-Mullerian hormone increased. In mechanism, Treg cell transfer to ZP3 treated mice restored the levels of Caspase3 to control levels, and partially restored Bax, however, had no effect on Bcl-2. Moreover, Treg cell transfer to ZP3 treated mice partially restored the levels of Akt and FOXO3a, and partially restored the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-FOXO3a/FOXO3a. In conclusion, Treg cells improved some aspects of ZP3-induced POI which may be mediate by suppressing ovarian cells apoptosis and involving the Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway. Therefore, Treg cells may be protective against autoimmune POI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuanmengyuan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuncang Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaona Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pargianas M, Salta S, Apostolopoulou K, Lazaros L, Kyrgiou M, Tinelli A, Malvasi A, Kalogiannidis I, Georgiou I, Kosmas IP. Pathways Involved in Premature Ovarian Failure: A Systematic Review of Experimental Studies. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2087-2095. [PMID: 32175834 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200316160145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF), which may be undetectable for a long time, is associated with impaired fertility. The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of POF as well as the concomitant treatments are still unclear. Although many data exist, mainly produced by the study of transgenic animals under various experimental conditions, they remain fragmented. A systematic review of the pathways involved in premature ovarian failure was conducted. Data extraction was performed from experimental studies until 2019. The molecular processes and their correlation with the follicular developmental stage have been described. Furthermore, the effects in other cells, such as oocytes, granulosa and theca cells have been reported. An overall estimation was conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michail Pargianas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ioannina State General Hospital G. Chatzikosta, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Styliani Salta
- University Hospitals of Leicester, Haemophilia Centre, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Katerina Apostolopoulou
- Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, Ioannina University, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Leandros Lazaros
- Genetics and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Ioannina University, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Kyrgiou
- West London Gynecological Cancer Center, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea-Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Tinelli
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow Region, Russian Federation.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Experimental Endoscopic Surgery, Imaging, Technology and Minimally Invasive Therapy, Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonio Malvasi
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow Region, Russian Federation.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Santa Maria Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Ioannis Kalogiannidis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Genetics and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Ioannina University, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis P Kosmas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ioannina State General Hospital G. Chatzikosta, Ioannina, Greece.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow Region, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Q, Huang Y, Sun J, Gu T, Shao X, Lai D. Immunomodulatory effect of human amniotic epithelial cells on restoration of ovarian function in mice with autoimmune ovarian disease. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2019; 51:845-855. [PMID: 31287492 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmz065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune ovarian disease (AOD) is considered to be a major cause of premature ovarian failure (POF). The immunomodulatory properties of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) have been studied in many disease models. We previously reported that hAECs restored ovarian function in chemotherapy-induced POF mice, but the immunomodulatory mechanism of hAECs is still unclear. To investigate the effect of hAECs on recipient mice, especially on regulatory Treg cells, hAECs and hAEC-conditioned medium (hAEC-CM) were intravenously injected into AOD mice immunized with zona pellucida protein 3 peptides (pZP3). Ovarian function was evaluated through estrous cycle, hormone secretion, follicle development, and cell apoptosis analysis. Immune cells including CD3, CD4, CD8 and Treg cells in the spleens were tested by flow cytometry. To elucidate the effect of hAEC-CM on macrophage function, inflammation model in vitro was established in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). hAECs and hAEC-CM regulated estrous cycles, promoted follicle development, ameliorated cell apoptosis and fibrosis in ovaries of AOD mice. In addition, hAECs significantly reversed the decrease of pZP3-induced Treg cells in the spleens. In vitro, hAEC-CM significantly inhibited the inflammatory reaction induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells via up-regulating the expression of M2 macrophage genes. Further study demonstrated that hAEC-secreted transforming growth factor-beta and macrophage inhibitory factor played important roles in the macrophage polarization and migration under inflammatory stimulation. Taken together, hAECs restored ovarian function by up-regulating Treg cells in the spleens and reduced the inflammatory reaction via modulating the activated macrophage function in a paracrine manner in the ovaries of AOD mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuwan Zhang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, China
| | - Yating Huang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyan Sun
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Gu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Shao
- Shanghai iCELL Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongmei Lai
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang H, Luo Q, Lu X, Yin N, Zhou D, Zhang L, Zhao W, Wang D, Du P, Hou Y, Zhang Y, Yuan W. Effects of hPMSCs on granulosa cell apoptosis and AMH expression and their role in the restoration of ovary function in premature ovarian failure mice. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:20. [PMID: 29386068 PMCID: PMC5793353 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0745-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study was performed to determine the effects of human placenta mesenchymal stem cell (hPMSC) transplantation on granulosa cell apoptosis and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) expression in autoimmune drug-induced premature ovarian failure (POF) mice. The aim of this research is to investigate the mechanisms of hPMSCs on ovarian reserve capacity. Methods The POF mice model was established by injection of zona pellucida 3 peptide (pZP3). hPMSC transplantation was conducted by intravenous injection into mice following pZP3 treatment. The follicle number was examined by histopathology. The serum levels of FSH, LH, E2, AMH and anti-zona pellucida antibody (AzpAb) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. AMH and FSHR expression in the ovary was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Granulosa cell apoptosis of the ovaries was examined by In Situ Cell Death Detection Kit. Granulosa cells were isolated and treated with SiAmh interference and hPMSC supernatant to observe the effects of AMH expression on granulosa cell apoptosis in vitro. Results The results showed that hPMSC transplantation can significantly recover the estrus cycle in the POF group. Morphological staining showed that the basal follicles and sinus follicles after hPMSC transplantation were higher in POF mice than in those without treatment, and the follicle number was significantly decreased with atresia. The serum levels of FSH, LH and AzpAb in the hPMSC transplantation group were reduced considerably, but the E2 and AMH levels were significantly increased. After hPMSC transplantation, the AMH and FSHR expression in ovarian tissue was significantly higher than in the POF group as determined by immunochemistry and western blot analysis. The FSHR expression was shown in granulosa cells only, and FSHR expression increases with AMH expressed in the ovary; granulosa cell apoptosis was decreased following hPMSC transplantation. The same results were observed from the in-vitro study. Conclusions hPMSC transplantation can significantly improve the serum levels of high gonadotropin and low estrogen of POF mice, promote follicular development, inhibit excessive follicular atresia and granulosa cell apoptosis, and improve the ovarian reserve capacity. The mechanism may be achieved by increasing the expression of AMH and FSHR in ovaries. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0745-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongqin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Reproductive Diseases, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Qianqian Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Reproductive Diseases, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Xueyan Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Na Yin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Dongli Zhou
- Health School of Laiyang, Laiyang, 265200, China
| | - Lianshuang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Reproductive Diseases, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Reproductive Diseases, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Pengchao Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Yun Hou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Wendan Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yin N, Zhao W, Luo Q, Yuan W, Luan X, Zhang H. Restoring Ovarian Function With Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Autoimmune-Induced Premature Ovarian Failure Mice Mediated by Treg Cells and Associated Cytokines. Reprod Sci 2017; 25:1073-1082. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719117732156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Na Yin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qianqian Luo
- Department of Morphology Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wendan Yuan
- Basic Medicine College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xiying Luan
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Hongqin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Research Institution of Reproductive Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dong Y, Li H, Li Y, Liu Y, Chen H, Xu P, Zhao T, He W. The role of regulatory T cells in thymectomy-induced autoimmune ovarian disease. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 78. [PMID: 28660639 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Dong
- Reproductive Medical Center; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Southwest Hospital; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Reproductive Medical Center; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Southwest Hospital; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - Yuyan Li
- Reproductive Medical Center; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Southwest Hospital; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - Yonggang Liu
- Reproductive Medical Center; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Southwest Hospital; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - Huiling Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Southwest Hospital; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - Pingping Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Southwest Hospital; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Institute of Immunology; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - Wei He
- Reproductive Medical Center; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Southwest Hospital; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bidirectional Estrogen-Like Effects of Genistein on Murine Experimental Autoimmune Ovarian Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17111855. [PMID: 27834809 PMCID: PMC5133855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was to investigate the bidirectional estrogen-like effects of genistein on murine experimental autoimmune ovarian disease (AOD). Female BALB/c mice were induced by immunization with a peptide from murine zona pellucida. The changes of estrous cycle, ovarian histomorphology were measured, and the levels of serum sex hormone were analyzed using radioimmunoassay. Proliferative responses of the ovary were also determined by immunohistochemistry. Administration of 25 or 45 mg/kg body weight genistein enhanced ovary development with changes in serum sex hormone levels and proliferative responses. Meanwhile, the proportions of growing and mature follicles increased and the incidence of autoimmune oophoritis decreased, which exhibited normal ovarian morphology in administration of 25 or 45 mg/kg body weight genistein, while a lower dose (5 mg/kg body weight genistein) produced the opposite effect. These findings suggest that genistein exerts bidirectional estrogen-like effects on murine experimental AOD, while a high dose (45 mg/kg body weight) of genistein may suppress AOD.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence suggests that immune-mediated processes affect female reproductive success at multiple levels. Crosstalk between endocrine and immune systems regulates a large number of biological processes that affect target tissues, and this crosstalk involves gene expression, cytokine and/or lymphokine release and hormone action. In addition, endocrine-immune interactions have a major role in the implantation process of the fetal (paternally derived) semi-allograft, which requires a reprogramming process of the maternal immune system from rejection to temporary tolerance for the length of gestation. Usually, the female immune system is supportive of all of these processes and, therefore, facilitates reproductive success. Abnormalities of the female immune system, including autoimmunity, potentially interfere at multiple levels. The relevance of the immune system to female infertility is increasingly recognized by investigators, but clinically is often not adequately considered and is, therefore, underestimated. This Review summarizes the effect of individual autoimmune endocrine diseases on female fertility, and points towards selected developments expected in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aritro Sen
- The Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Vitaly A Kushnir
- The Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - David H Barad
- The Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The identification of regulatory T cells (Tregs) as regulators of immunological self-tolerance has stimulated tremendous interest in the field. Over the past 12 months, new studies have added greatly to our understanding of the role of Tregs in autoimmune disease, details of which are presented here. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, the mechanism of action of Tregs, their antigen specificity and their frequency and function in different autoimmune diseases is explored. Currently available data on the role of transforming growth factor-beta, the reciprocal relationship between Tregs and Th17 cells, Treg markers, and current therapeutic approaches are evaluated. Other regulatory cells, which have been recently identified to play a significant role in autoimmunity, are described. SUMMARY Increasing insights into understanding the complex mechanisms of action of Tregs have already led to exciting therapeutic advances. This review provides an in-depth analysis of recent advances in the field of Tregs in autoimmunity. It highlights targets for future immunomodulatory therapy that may treat and potentially cure autoimmune disease, and it identifies areas for future research.
Collapse
|
12
|
Is the zona pellucida an intrinsic source of signals activating maternal recognition of the developing mammalian embryo? J Reprod Immunol 2009; 81:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2008] [Revised: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|