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Guan D, Sun W, Gao M, Chen Z, Ma X. Immunologic insights in recurrent spontaneous abortion: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117082. [PMID: 38972152 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion refers to the occurrence of two or more spontaneous abortions before or during the early stages of pregnancy. The immune system plays a crucial role in the maintenance of pregnancy and embryo implantation. Various immune cells, cytokines, and immune regulatory pathways are involved in the complex immune balance required for a stable pregnancy. Studies suggest that immune abnormalities may be associated with some recurrent spontaneous abortion cases, particularly those involving the dysregulation of immune cell function, autoimmune responses, and placental immunity. In terms of treatment, interventions targeting immune mechanisms are crucial. Various therapeutic approaches, including immunomodulatory drugs, immunoadsorption therapies, and immunocellular therapies, are continually being researched and developed. These approaches aim to restore the immune balance, enhance the success rate of pregnancies, and provide more effective treatment options for patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defeng Guan
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhou Chen
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China.
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Javidan M, Amiri AM, Koohi N, Joudaki N, Bashirrohelleh MA, Pirsadeghi A, Biregani AF, Rashno M, Dehcheshmeh MG, Sharifat M, Khodadadi A, Mafakher L. Restoring immune balance with Tregitopes: A new approach to treating immunological disorders. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116983. [PMID: 38908205 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The induction of immunological tolerance is a promising strategy for managing autoimmune diseases, allergies, and transplant rejection. Tregitopes, a class of peptides, have emerged as potential agents for this purpose. They activate regulatory T cells, which are pivotal in reducing inflammation and promoting tolerance, by binding to MHC II molecules and facilitating their processing and presentation to Treg cells, thereby encouraging their proliferation. Moreover, Tregitopes influence the phenotype of antigen-presenting cells by attenuating the expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II while enhancing ILT3, resulting in the inhibition of NF-kappa B signaling pathways. Various techniques, including in vitro and in silico methods, are applied to identify Tregitope candidates. Currently, Tregitopes play a vital role in balancing immune activation and tolerance in clinical applications such as Pompe disease, diabetes-related antigens, and the prevention of spontaneous abortions in autoimmune diseases. Similarly, Tregitopes can induce antigen-specific regulatory T cells. Their anti-inflammatory effects are significant in conditions such as autoimmune encephalomyelitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Additionally, Tregitopes have been leveraged to enhance vaccine design and efficacy. Recent advancements in understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of IVIG and the discovery of the function and mechanism of Tregitopes have introduced Tregitopes as a popular option for immune system modulation. It is expected that they will bring about a significant revolution in the management and treatment of autoimmune and immunological diseases. This article is a comprehensive review of Tregitopes, concluding with the potential of these epitopes as a therapeutic avenue for immunological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moslem Javidan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Mohamad Amiri
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Narges Koohi
- Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nazanin Joudaki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Bashirrohelleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Pirsadeghi
- Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Farhadi Biregani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Moosa Sharifat
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Khodadadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Cancer, Petroleum, and Environmental Pollutants Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Ladan Mafakher
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research center, Health research institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Li QH, Zhao QY, Yang WJ, Jiang AF, Ren CE, Meng YH. Beyond Immune Balance: The Pivotal Role of Decidual Regulatory T Cells in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2697-2710. [PMID: 38707955 PMCID: PMC11070170 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s459263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy failures, which brings tremendous stress to women of childbearing age and seriously affects family well-being. However, the reason in about 50% of cases remains unknown and is defined as unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). The immunological perspective in URSA has attracted widespread attention in recent years. The embryo is regarded as a semi-allogeneic graft to the mother. A successful pregnancy requires transition to an immune environment conducive to embryo survival at the maternal-fetal interface. As an important member of regulatory immunity, regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in regulating immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. This review will focus on the phenotypic plasticity and lineage stability of Treg cells to illustrate its relationship with URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hui Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yan Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jing Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ai-Fang Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-E Ren
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Han Meng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
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Victor JR, Nahm DH. Mechanism underlying polyvalent IgG-induced regulatory T cell activation and its clinical application: Anti-idiotypic regulatory T cell theory for immune tolerance. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1242860. [PMID: 38094290 PMCID: PMC10716439 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1242860] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulatory T (Treg) cells constitute a functionally defined subpopulation of T cells that modulate the immune system and maintain immune tolerance through suppression of the development of autoimmune responses to self-antigens and allergic reactions to external antigens. Reduction in the number or function of Treg cells has been suggested as a key immune abnormality underlying the development of autoimmune and allergic diseases. In vitro studies have demonstrated that purified polyvalent immunoglobulin G (IgG) from multiple healthy blood donors can exert immunomodulatory effects on Treg cells. Incubation of polyvalent human IgG with purified CD4+CD25high T cells increased the intracellular expression of interleukin (IL)-10. Intravenous administration of polyvalent human IgG induced significant expansions of CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg cells and clinical improvements in patients with autoimmune diseases. In human clinical trials, intramuscular administration of autologous total IgG significantly increased the percentage of IL-10-producing CD4+ Treg cells in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects and provided significant clinical improvements in patients with atopic dermatitis. These results suggest a clinical usefulness of polyvalent IgG-induced activation of Treg cells in human subjects. This review proposes a new hypothesis for immune tolerance mechanism by integrating the pre-existing "idiotypic network theory" and "Treg cell theory" into an "anti-idiotypic Treg cell theory." Based on this hypothesis, an "active anti-idiotypic therapy" for allergic and autoimmune diseases using autologous polyvalent IgG (as immunizing antigens) is suggested as follows: (1) Intramuscular or subcutaneous administration of autologous polyvalent IgG produces numerous immunogenic peptides derived from idiotypes of autologous IgG through processing of dendritic cells, and these peptides activate anti-idiotypic Treg cells in the same subject. (2) Activated anti-idiotypic Treg cells secrete IL-10 and suppress Th2 cell response to allergens and autoimmune T cell response to self-antigens. (3) These events can induce a long-term clinical improvements in patients with allergic and autoimmune diseases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the detailed molecular mechanism underlying polyvalent IgG-induced Treg cell activation and the clinical usefulness of this immunomodulatory therapy for autoimmune and allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson Russo Victor
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation LIM-56, Division of Dermatology, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Post Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University (UNISA), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dong-Ho Nahm
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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De Groot AS, Khan S, Mattei AE, Lelias S, Martin WD. Does human homology reduce the potential immunogenicity of non-antibody scaffolds? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1215939. [PMID: 38022550 PMCID: PMC10664710 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1215939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Biologics developers are moving beyond antibodies for delivery of a wide range of therapeutic interventions. These non-antibody modalities are often based on 'natural' protein scaffolds that are modified to deliver bioactive sequences. Both human-derived and non-human-sourced scaffold proteins have been developed. New types of "non-antibody" scaffolds are still being discovered, as they offer attractive alternatives to monoclonals due to their smaller size, improved stability, and ease of synthesis. They are believed to have low immunogenic potential. However, while several human-sourced protein scaffolds have not been immunogenic in clinical studies, this may not predict their overall performance in other therapeutic applications. A preliminary evaluation of their potential for immunogenicity is warranted. Immunogenicity risk potential has been clearly linked to the presence of T "helper" epitopes in the sequence of biologic therapeutics. In addition, tolerogenic epitopes are present in some human proteins and may decrease their immunogenic potential. While the detailed sequences of many non-antibody scaffold therapeutic candidates remain unpublished, their backbone sequences are available for review and analysis. We assessed 12 example non-antibody scaffold backbone sequences using our epitope-mapping tools (EpiMatrix) for this perspective. Based on EpiMatrix scoring, their HLA DRB1-restricted T cell epitope content appears to be lower than the average protein, and sequences that may act as tolerogenic epitopes are present in selected human-derived scaffolds. Assessing the potential immunogenicity of scaffold proteins regarding self and non-self T cell epitopes may be of use for drug developers and clinicians, as these exciting new non-antibody molecules begin to emerge from the preclinical pipeline into clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne S. De Groot
- EpiVax, Providence, RI, United States
- University of Georgia, Center for Vaccines and Immunology, Athens, GA, United States
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Ma F, Feng X, Wang E, Ma C, Wu J, He S, Tian Y, Qiu P, Tan L, Liu J, Li J, Hu S, Yang P, Ning Y. The regulation of tolerogenic dendritic cells by a Chinese herb formula improves abortion prone in mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13714. [PMID: 37881127 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abortion prone (AP) is a common clinical event. The underlying mechanism remains unclear. Traditional Chinese formulas are known to be efficient in the management of abortion. The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Anzitiaochongtang (AZT), a traditional formulation of Chinese medicine, on improving AP in mice by regulating immune tolerance. METHODS An established abortion model (CBA/J×DBA/2) was employed. AZT was prepared and administered to mice in a manner consistent with clinical practice. Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDC) and type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1 cell) in mice were analyzed by immunological approaches to be used as representative immune tolerant parameters. RESULTS An AP model was established with CBA/J × DBA/2 mice. The expression of IL-10 in tDC and Tr1 cell frequency in the mouse decidua tissues were lower in the AP group than that in the normal pregnancy (NP) group. Administration of AZT up regulated the expression of IL-10 in tDCs and Tr1 cell generation in the decidua tissues, and improved the pregnancy and tissue structure in AP mice. The main mechanism by which AZT improves pregnancy in AP mice is that AZT enhanced the expression of galectin-9 in the epithelial cells of decidua tissues. Galectin 9 activates TIM3 on DCs to promote the IL-10 expression. The DCs induced more Tr1 cells in the decidua tissues. CONCLUSIONS Dysfunctional tDCs were detected in the AP decidua tissues. Administration of AZT improved pregnancy in AP mice by regulating tDC function and generation of Tr1 cells in the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyang Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Erfeng Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang Ma
- Department of Respirology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaman Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shan He
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pingping Qiu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liya Tan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Li
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suqin Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Regional Disease Key Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Allergy & Immunology of Shenzhen University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease Allergy Division at Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pingchang Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Regional Disease Key Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Allergy & Immunology of Shenzhen University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease Allergy Division at Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Ning
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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Banjar S, Kadour E, Khoudja R, Ton-Leclerc S, Beauchamp C, Beltempo M, Dahan MH, Gold P, Jacques Kadoch I, Jamal W, Laskin C, Mahutte N, Reinblatt SL, Sylvestre C, Buckett W, Genest G. Intravenous immunoglobulin use in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13737. [PMID: 37491929 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects up to 4% of couples attempting to conceive. RPL is unexplained in over 50% of cases and no effective treatments exist. Due to the immune system's pivotal role during implantation and pregnancy, immune-mediated RPL may be suspected and immunomodulatory treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) have been administered but remain controversial. The goal of our study was to evaluate our center's 6 year-outcomes and to develop a framework for IVIg use in RPL. METHOD OF THE STUDY Retrospective, single-center cohort study. All patients having received IVIg for unexplained RPL at the McGill Reproductive Immunology Clinic (MRIC) from January 2014 to December 2020 were included if maternal age was <42 years, body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2 , non-smoker and having had ≥3 consecutive RPL despite previous treatment with aspirin and progesterone. IVIg 0.6-0.8 g/kg was given prior to conception and monthly during pregnancy until 16-20 weeks' gestation. We compared IVIg treated patient's outcomes to a separate "natural history cohort". This cohort was composed of patients consulting at the McGill recurrent pregnancy loss clinic and the MRIC over a 2-year period (January 2020 to December 2021) with similar inclusion criteria as the treatment cohort but did not receive IVIg or other immunomodulatory treatments. The association of IVIg with outcomes (compared to no IVIg) was evaluated among the groups of patients with primary RPL and secondary RPL. The primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR), secondary outcomes included IVIg safety, obstetrical, and neonatal complications. RESULTS Among 169 patients with unexplained RPL that were included in the study, 111 had primary RPL (38 exposed to IVIg and 83 controls) and 58 had secondary RPL (nine exposed to IVIG and 49 controls). Among patients with primary RPL (n = 111), the LBR was 64.3% (18/28) among patient exposed to IVIg compared to 43.4% (36/83) in controls (p = 0.079); regression analysis adjusting for BMI and number of previous miscarriages showed benefit favoring the use of IVIg (OR = 3.27, CI 95% (1.15-10.2), p = 0.03) when evaluating for live birth. In the subgroup of patients with ≥5 previous RPL and primary RPL (n = 31), IVIg was associated with higher LBR compared to control (10/15 (66.7%) vs. 3/16 (18.8%); p = 0.0113) but not the in the sub-group of patients with <5 miscarriages and primary RPL (8/13 (61.5%) vs. 33/67 (49.3%); p = 0.548). IVIG treatment did not improve LBR in patients with secondary RPL in our study (3/9 (33.3%) vs. 23/49 (47%); p = 0.495). There were no serious adverse events in the IVIg treatment group, obstetrical/neonatal complications were similar between groups. CONCLUSION IVIg may be an effective treatment for patients with RPL if appropriately used in specific groups of patients. IVIg is a blood product and subject to shortages especially with unrestricted off-label use. We propose considering IVIg in well-selected patients with high order RPL who have failed standard medical therapy. Further mechanistic studies are needed to understand immune-mediated RPL and IVIg's mode of action. This will enable further refinement of treatment criteria and the development of standardized protocol for its use in RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shorooq Banjar
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Einav Kadour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, Rishon-Le-Zion, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rabea Khoudja
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Coralie Beauchamp
- Ovo Clinic, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Marc Beltempo
- Division of Neonatology, Montreal Children's Hospital - McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Michael H Dahan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Phil Gold
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Isaac Jacques Kadoch
- Ovo Clinic, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Wael Jamal
- Clinique OVO, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Carl Laskin
- TRIO Fertility, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Deptartments of Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Neal Mahutte
- The Montreal Fertility Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shauna Leigh Reinblatt
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Camille Sylvestre
- Ovo Clinic, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William Buckett
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- McGill University Health Care Reproductive Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Genevieve Genest
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Dirisipam K, Madduru D, Jahan P, Gujrati D. Can circulating levels of transforming growth Factor-β1 in early pregnancy serve as a predictive marker of unfavourable outcome? Placenta 2023; 137:65-69. [PMID: 37086573 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transforming Growth Factor (TGF-β1) is an anti-inflammatory pleiotropic cytokine, crucial for maternal immune tolerance towards semi-allograft. It acts as a mediator in achieving successful implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. METHODS A total of 300 samples; 150 with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) and 150 with no pregnancy loss, in their first trimester were evaluated for circulating levels of TGF-β1 using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Further, the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the potential of TGF-β1 in the risk prediction of RPL and the prognostic importance in the form of favourable and unfavourable outcome in the existing pregnancy. RESULTS The results showed significant elevated levels in women without the history of RPL compared to those with the history of RPL (4783.60 ± 522.95 vs. 4252.18 ± 672.26 pg/mL, p < 0.0001).Further evaluation of follow up data of women with the history of RPL, based on favourable (78%) and unfavourable (22%) outcome of the existent pregnancy showed significantly higher TGF-β1 in women with favourable pregnancy outcome in comparison with those who had a foetal loss (4877.12 ± 460.04 vs. 4075.91 ± 616.17 pg/mL, <0.0001). Furthermore, the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed sufficient importance for risk assessment and very good marker to predict unfavourable event (AUC-0.85, SE = 67%, SP = 88%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Certainly TGF-β1 appears to have predictive importance; however additional studies with large sample size are warranted for further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kethora Dirisipam
- Institute of Genetics and Hospital for Genetic Diseases, Osmania University, Begumpet, Hyderabad, 500 016, TS, India.
| | - Dhatri Madduru
- Department of Biochemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500 007, TS, India.
| | - Parveen Jahan
- Maulana Azad National Urdu University, School of Sciences, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500032, TS, India.
| | - Deepika Gujrati
- Institute of Genetics and Hospital for Genetic Diseases, Osmania University, Begumpet, Hyderabad, 500 016, TS, India.
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9
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Yang D, Dai F, Yuan M, Zheng Y, Liu S, Deng Z, Tan W, Chen L, Zhang Q, Zhao X, Cheng Y. Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Regulating Fetal-Maternal Immune Tolerance in Normal and Pathological Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:689181. [PMID: 34531852 PMCID: PMC8438197 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.689181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is composed of three isoforms, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3. TGF-β1 is a cytokine with multiple biological functions that has been studied extensively. It plays an important role in regulating the differentiation of immune cells and maintaining immune cell functions and immune homeostasis. Pregnancy is a carefully regulated process. Controlled invasion of trophoblasts, precise coordination of immune cells and cytokines, and crosstalk between trophoblasts and immune cells play vital roles in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. In this systematic review, we summarize the role of TGF-β1 in regulating fetal-maternal immune tolerance in healthy and pathological pregnancies. During healthy pregnancy, TGF-β1 induces the production of regulatory T cells (Tregs), maintains the immunosuppressive function of Tregs, mediates the balance of M1/M2 macrophages, and regulates the function of NK cells, thus participating in maintaining fetal-maternal immune tolerance. In addition, some studies have shown that TGF-β1 is dysregulated in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion or preeclampsia. TGF-β1 may play a role in the occurrence and development of these diseases and may be a potential target for the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangfang Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengqin Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhimin Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianjie Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaomiao Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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CD91 Derived Treg Epitope Modulates Regulatory T Lymphocyte Response, Regulates Expression of Costimulatory Molecules on Antigen-Presenting Cells, and Rescues Pregnancy in Mouse Pregnancy Loss Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147296. [PMID: 34298914 PMCID: PMC8304956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of immune tolerance to fetal antigens may result in reproductive failure. The downregulated number and activity of T regulatory lymphocytes, which are critical for the establishment of immune tolerance to fetal antigens, during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage. The adoptive transfer of Tregs prevents fetal loss in abortion-prone mice. Recently, we demonstrated that the administration of tregitopes, which are short peptides found in human and mouse immunoglobulins (IgGs), decreased the incidence of abortions in female CBA/J mice mated with DBA/2J mice. Here, two non-IgG source peptides (SGS and LKD) that can potentially bind to the major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II) with high affinity and induce Treg expansion were designed in silico. The immune dysregulation-induced pregnancy failure mouse model was used to evaluate the effect of SGS and LKD on immune response and pregnancy outcome. The fetal death rate in the SGS-treated group was lower than that in the phosphate-buffered saline-treated group. SGS and LKD upregulated the splenic pool of Tregs and modulated the T-helper cell (Th1)/Th2-related cytokine response at the preimplantation stage. Additionally, SGS and LKD downregulated the expression of CD80 and MHC class II molecules in splenic CD11c+ antigen-presenting cells. Thus, SGS treatment can result in beneficial pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, SGS peptide-mediated immunomodulation can be a potential therapeutic strategy for immune dysregulation-induced pregnancy failure.
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11
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Dembele M, Tao S, Massoud AH, Miah SMS, Lelias S, De Groot AS, Mazer BD. Tregitopes Improve Asthma by Promoting Highly Suppressive and Antigen-Specific Tregs. Front Immunol 2021; 12:634509. [PMID: 33953711 PMCID: PMC8089381 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tregitopes (T regulatory epitopes) are IgG-derived peptides with high affinity to major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII), that are known to promote tolerance by activating T regulatory cell (Treg) activity. Here we characterized the effect of IgG Tregitopes in a well-established murine model of allergic asthma, demonstrating in vivo antigen-specific tolerance via adoptive transfer of Tregitope-and-allergen-activated Tregs. Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory condition affecting the airways and impacting over 300 million individuals worldwide. Treatment is suppressive, and no current therapy addresses immune regulation in severely affected asthmatics. Although high dose intra-venous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is not commonly used in the asthma clinic setting, it has been shown to improve severe asthma in children and in adults. In our laboratory, we previously demonstrated that IVIg abrogates airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a murine model of asthma and induces suppressive antigen-specific T-regulatory cells. We hypothesized that IgG-derived Tregitopes would modulate allergic airway disease by inducing highly suppressive antigen-specific Tregs capable of diminishing T effector cell responses and establishing antigen-specific tolerance. Using ovalbumin (OVA-) and ragweed-driven murine models of allergic airway disease, we characterized the immunoregulatory properties of Tregitopes and performed Treg adoptive transfer to OVA- and ragweed-allergic mice to test for allergen specificity. Treatment with Tregitopes attenuated allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and lung inflammation. We demonstrated that Tregitopes induce highly suppressive allergen-specific Tregs. The tolerogenic action of IgG Tregitopes in our model is very similar to that of IVIg, so we foresee that IgG Tregitopes could potentially replace steroid-based treatment and can offer a synthetic alternative to IVIg in a range of inflammatory and allergic conditions.
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MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents/pharmacology
- Antigens, Plant
- Asthma/drug therapy
- Asthma/immunology
- Asthma/metabolism
- Asthma/physiopathology
- Bronchoconstriction/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/drug effects
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments/pharmacology
- Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments/pharmacology
- Inflammation Mediators/metabolism
- Lung/drug effects
- Lung/immunology
- Lung/metabolism
- Lung/physiopathology
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Ovalbumin
- Plant Extracts
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/transplantation
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieme Dembele
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Division of Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Dermatology, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shao Tao
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Division of Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Dermatology, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amir H. Massoud
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Division of Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Dermatology, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Anne S. De Groot
- EpiVax, Inc., Providence, RI, United States
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Bruce D. Mazer
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Division of Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Dermatology, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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