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Fan M, Wu H, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Wang YL, Shao X. Endocytosis at the maternal-fetal interface: balancing nutrient transport and pathogen defense. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1415794. [PMID: 38957469 PMCID: PMC11217186 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1415794] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Endocytosis represents a category of regulated active transport mechanisms. These encompass clathrin-dependent and -independent mechanisms, as well as fluid phase micropinocytosis and macropinocytosis, each demonstrating varying degrees of specificity and capacity. Collectively, these mechanisms facilitate the internalization of cargo into cellular vesicles. Pregnancy is one such physiological state during which endocytosis may play critical roles. A successful pregnancy necessitates ongoing communication between maternal and fetal cells at the maternal-fetal interface to ensure immunologic tolerance for the semi-allogenic fetus whilst providing adequate protection against infection from pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. It also requires transport of nutrients across the maternal-fetal interface, but restriction of potentially harmful chemicals and drugs to allow fetal development. In this context, trogocytosis, a specific form of endocytosis, plays a crucial role in immunological tolerance and infection prevention. Endocytosis is also thought to play a significant role in nutrient and toxin handling at the maternal-fetal interface, though its mechanisms remain less understood. A comprehensive understanding of endocytosis and its mechanisms not only enhances our knowledge of maternal-fetal interactions but is also essential for identifying the pathogenesis of pregnancy pathologies and providing new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Hermans L, O’Sullivan TE. No time to die: Epigenetic regulation of natural killer cell survival. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:61-79. [PMID: 38426615 PMCID: PMC11102341 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
NK cells are short-lived innate lymphocytes that can mediate antigen-independent responses to infection and cancer. However, studies from the past two decades have shown that NK cells can acquire transcriptional and epigenetic modifications during inflammation that result in increased survival and lifespan. These findings blur the lines between the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, and suggest that the homeostatic mechanisms that govern the persistence of innate immune cells are malleable. Indeed, recent studies have shown that NK cells undergo continuous and strictly regulated adaptations controlling their survival during development, tissue residency, and following inflammation. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the critical factors regulating NK cell survival throughout their lifespan, with a specific emphasis on the epigenetic modifications that regulate the survival of NK cells in various contexts. A precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern NK cell survival will be important to enhance therapies for cancer and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Hermans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Timothy E. O’Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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3
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Terzieva A, Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, Slavov S, Djerov L, Dimova T. HLA-G Expression/Secretion and T-Cell Cytotoxicity in Missed Abortion in Comparison to Normal Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2643. [PMID: 38473890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The main role of HLA-G is to protect the semi-allogeneic embryo from immune rejection by proper interaction with its cognate receptors on the maternal immune cells. Spontaneous abortion is the most common adverse pregnancy outcome, with an incidence rate between 10% and 15%, with immunologic dysregulation being thought to play a role in some of the cases. In this study, we aimed to detect the membrane and soluble HLA-G molecule at the maternal-fetal interface (MFI) and in the serum of women experiencing missed abortion (asymptomatic early pregnancy loss) in comparison to the women experiencing normal early pregnancy. In addition, the proportion of T cells and their cytotoxic profile was evaluated. We observed no difference in the spatial expression of HLA-G at the MFI and in its serum levels between the women with missed abortions and those with normal early pregnancy. In addition, comparable numbers of peripheral blood and decidual total T and γδT cells were found. In addition, as novel data we showed that missed abortion is not associated with altered extravilous invasion into uterine blood vessels and increased cytotoxicity of γδT cells. A strong signal for HLA-G on non-migrating extravilous trophoblast in the full-term normal placental bed was detected. In conclusion, HLA-G production at the MFI or in the blood of the women could not be used as a marker for normal pregnancy or missed abortions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Terzieva
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Sergei Slavov
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lyubomir Djerov
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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4
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Eallonardo SJ, Freitag NE. Crossing the Barrier: A Comparative Study of Listeria monocytogenes and Treponema pallidum in Placental Invasion. Cells 2023; 13:88. [PMID: 38201292 PMCID: PMC10778170 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Vertically transmitted infections are a significant cause of fetal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and pose substantial risks to fetal development. These infections are primarily transmitted to the fetus through two routes: (1) direct invasion and crossing the placenta which separates maternal and fetal circulation, or (2) ascending the maternal genitourinary tact and entering the uterus. Only two bacterial species are commonly found to cross the placenta and infect the fetus: Listeria monocytogenes and Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum. L. monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, foodborne pathogen found in soil that acutely infects a wide variety of mammalian species. T. pallidum is a sexually transmitted spirochete that causes a chronic infection exclusively in humans. We briefly review the pathogenesis of these two very distinct bacteria that have managed to overcome the placental barrier and the role placental immunity plays in resisting infection. Both organisms share characteristics which contribute to their transplacental transmission. These include the ability to disseminate broadly within the host, evade immune phagocytosis, and the need for a strong T cell response for their elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J. Eallonardo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Nancy E. Freitag
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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5
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Dai M, Xu Y, Gong G, Zhang Y. Roles of immune microenvironment in the female reproductive maintenance and regulation: novel insights into the crosstalk of immune cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1109122. [PMID: 38223507 PMCID: PMC10786641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1109122] [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: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Female fertility decline is an accumulative consequence caused by complex factors, among them, the disruption of the immune profile in female reproduction stands out as a crucial contributor. Presently, the effects of immune microenvironment (IME) on the female reproductive process have attracted increasing attentions for their dynamic but precisive roles. Immunocytes including macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, B cells and neutrophils, with diverse subpopulations as well as high plasticity functioned dynamically in the process of female reproduction through indirect intercellular communication via specific cytokine release transduced by molecular signal networks or direct cell-cell contact to maintain the stability of the reproductive process have been unveiled. The immune profile of female reproduction in each stage has also been meticulously unveiled. Especially, the application of single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in this process reveals the distribution map of immune cells, which gives a novel insight for the homeostasis of IME and provides a research direction for better exploring the role of immune cells in female reproduction. Here, we provide an all-encompassing overview of the latest advancements in immune modulation within the context of the female reproductive process. Our approach involves structuring our summary in accordance with the physiological sequence encompassing gonadogenesis, folliculogenesis within the ovaries, ovulation through the fallopian tubes, and the subsequent stages of embryo implantation and development within the uterus. Our overarching objective is to construct a comprehensive portrayal of the immune microenvironment (IME), thereby accentuating the pivotal role played by immune cells in governing the intricate female reproductive journey. Additionally, we emphasize the pressing need for heightened attention directed towards strategies that focus on immune interventions within the female reproductive process, with the ultimate aim of enhancing female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guidong Gong
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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6
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Zhuang BM, Cao DD, Li TX, Liu XF, Lyu MM, Wang SD, Cui XY, Wang L, Chen XL, Lin XL, Lee CL, Chiu PCN, Yeung WSB, Yao YQ. Single-cell characterization of self-renewing primary trophoblast organoids as modeling of EVT differentiation and interactions with decidual natural killer cells. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:618. [PMID: 37853336 PMCID: PMC10583354 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extravillous trophoblast cell (EVT) differentiation and its communication with maternal decidua especially the leading immune cell type natural killer (NK) cell are critical events for placentation. However, appropriate in vitro modelling system and regulatory programs of these two events are still lacking. Recent trophoblast organoid (TO) has advanced the molecular and mechanistic research in placentation. Here, we firstly generated the self-renewing TO from human placental villous and differentiated it into EVTs (EVT-TO) for investigating the differentiation events. We then co-cultured EVT-TO with freshly isolated decidual NKs for further study of cell communication. TO modelling of EVT differentiation as well as EVT interaction with dNK might cast new aspect for placentation research. RESULTS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was applied for comprehensive characterization and molecular exploration of TOs modelling of EVT differentiation and interaction with dNKs. Multiple distinct trophoblast states and dNK subpopulations were identified, representing CTB, STB, EVT, dNK1/2/3 and dNKp. Lineage trajectory and Seurat mapping analysis identified the close resemblance of TO and EVT-TO with the human placenta characteristic. Transcription factors regulatory network analysis revealed the cell-type specific essential TFs for controlling EVT differentiation. CellphoneDB analysis predicted the ligand-receptor complexes in dNK-EVT-TO co-cultures, which relate to cytokines, immunomodulation and angiogenesis. EVT was known to affect the immune properties of dNK. Our study found out that on the other way around, dNKs could exert effects on EVT causing expression changes which are functionally important. CONCLUSION Our study documented a single-cell atlas for TO and its applications on EVT differentiation and communications with dNKs, and thus provide methodology and novel research cues for future study of human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Mei Zhuang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Medical school of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan-Dan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Tian-Xi Li
- Geneplus-Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Min-Min Lyu
- Department of Clinical-Translational and Basic Research Laboratory, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Shenzhen, Futian District, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Si-Dong Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Medical school of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Cui
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Li Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - William S B Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Yuan-Qing Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China.
- Medical school of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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De Stefano N, Calleri A, Faini AC, Navarro-Tableros V, Martini S, Deaglio S, Patrono D, Romagnoli R. Extracellular Vesicles in Liver Transplantation: Current Evidence and Future Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13547. [PMID: 37686354 PMCID: PMC10488298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713547] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as a promising field of research in liver disease. EVs are small, membrane-bound vesicles that contain various bioactive molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids and are involved in intercellular communication. They have been implicated in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including immune modulation and tissue repair, which make their use appealing in liver transplantation (LT). This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the role of EVs in LT, including their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic agents and their role in graft rejection. By providing a comprehensive insight into this emerging topic, this research lays the groundwork for the potential application of EVs in LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola De Stefano
- General Surgery 2U-Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Di Torino, University of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy; (N.D.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Alberto Calleri
- Gastrohepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Di Torino, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Angelo Corso Faini
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Di Torino, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.C.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Victor Navarro-Tableros
- 2i3T, Società Per La Gestione Dell’incubatore Di Imprese e Per Il Trasferimento Tecnologico, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Silvia Martini
- Gastrohepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Di Torino, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Di Torino, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.C.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Damiano Patrono
- General Surgery 2U-Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Di Torino, University of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy; (N.D.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Renato Romagnoli
- General Surgery 2U-Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Di Torino, University of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy; (N.D.S.); (R.R.)
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8
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Mao J, Feng Y, Zhu X, Ma F. The Molecular Mechanisms of HLA-G Regulatory Function on Immune Cells during Early Pregnancy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1213. [PMID: 37627278 PMCID: PMC10452754 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical human major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) molecule with the membrane-bound and soluble types. HLA-G is primarily expressed by extravillous cytotrophoblast cells located at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy and is essential in establishing immune tolerance. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the multiple molecular mechanisms by which HLA-G regulates the immune function of NK cells. It highlights that HLA-G binds to microRNA to suppress NK cell cytotoxicity and stimulate the secretion of growth factors to support fetal growth. The interactions between HLA-G and NK cells also activate senescence signaling, promoting spiral artery remodeling and maintaining the balance of maternal-fetal immune responses. In addition, HLA-G can inhibit the function of decidual T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. Overall, the interaction between trophoblast cells and immune cells mediated by HLA-G plays a crucial role in understanding immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface and offers insights into potential treatments for pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Mao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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9
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Peng L, Zhao W, Yin T, Xu C, Wang G, Du M. The unique expression pattern of human leukocyte antigen in trophoblasts potentially explains the key mechanism of maternal-fetal tolerance and successful pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103980. [PMID: 37390630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103980] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The success of pregnancy mainly depends on immune tolerance of the mother for the semi-allogeneic fetus. The placenta carrying paternal antigens develops in the maternal uterus without suffering immune attack, making the underlying mechanism of maternal tolerance an enduring mystery. As we all know, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) plays an important role in antigen processing and presentation, thus inducing specific immune responses. Therefore, it is reasonable to speculate that the absence of classical HLA class-I(HLA-I) and HLA class-II (HLA-II) molecules in trophoblasts may account for the maternal-fetal tolerance. Here, we review the HLA-involved interactions between trophoblast cells and decidual immune cells, which contribute to the immunotolerance in the development of normal pregnancy. We also compare the similarity between the maternal-fetal interface and tumor-immune microenvironment because the important role of HLA molecules in tumor immune invasion can provide some references to studies of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Besides, the abnormal HLA expression is likely to be associated with unexplained miscarriage, making HLA molecules potential therapeutic targets. The advances reported by these studies may exert profound influences on other research areas, including tumor immunity, organ transplantation and autoimmune disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijin Peng
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Zhao
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingxuan Yin
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfang Xu
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangchuan Wang
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meirong Du
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Greenbaum S, Averbukh I, Soon E, Rizzuto G, Baranski A, Greenwald NF, Kagel A, Bosse M, Jaswa EG, Khair Z, Kwok S, Warshawsky S, Piyadasa H, Goldston M, Spence A, Miller G, Schwartz M, Graf W, Van Valen D, Winn VD, Hollmann T, Keren L, van de Rijn M, Angelo M. A spatially resolved timeline of the human maternal-fetal interface. Nature 2023; 619:595-605. [PMID: 37468587 PMCID: PMC10356615 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06298-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Beginning in the first trimester, fetally derived extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invade the uterus and remodel its spiral arteries, transforming them into large, dilated blood vessels. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how EVTs coordinate with the maternal decidua to promote a tissue microenvironment conducive to spiral artery remodelling (SAR)1-3. However, it remains a matter of debate regarding which immune and stromal cells participate in these interactions and how this evolves with respect to gestational age. Here we used a multiomics approach, combining the strengths of spatial proteomics and transcriptomics, to construct a spatiotemporal atlas of the human maternal-fetal interface in the first half of pregnancy. We used multiplexed ion beam imaging by time-of-flight and a 37-plex antibody panel to analyse around 500,000 cells and 588 arteries within intact decidua from 66 individuals between 6 and 20 weeks of gestation, integrating this dataset with co-registered transcriptomics profiles. Gestational age substantially influenced the frequency of maternal immune and stromal cells, with tolerogenic subsets expressing CD206, CD163, TIM-3, galectin-9 and IDO-1 becoming increasingly enriched and colocalized at later time points. By contrast, SAR progression preferentially correlated with EVT invasion and was transcriptionally defined by 78 gene ontology pathways exhibiting distinct monotonic and biphasic trends. Last, we developed an integrated model of SAR whereby invasion is accompanied by the upregulation of pro-angiogenic, immunoregulatory EVT programmes that promote interactions with the vascular endothelium while avoiding the activation of maternal immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Greenbaum
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Inna Averbukh
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erin Soon
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Immunology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Rizzuto
- Department of Pathology, University of Californica San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alex Baranski
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Noah F Greenwald
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Adam Kagel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marc Bosse
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eleni G Jaswa
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zumana Khair
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shirley Kwok
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Mako Goldston
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Angie Spence
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Geneva Miller
- Division of Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Morgan Schwartz
- Division of Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Will Graf
- Division of Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - David Van Valen
- Division of Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Virginia D Winn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Travis Hollmann
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leeat Keren
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Michael Angelo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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11
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Kanter J, Gordon SM, Mani S, Sokalska A, Park JY, Senapati S, Huh DD, Mainigi M. Hormonal stimulation reduces numbers and impairs function of human uterine natural killer cells during implantation. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1047-1059. [PMID: 37075311 PMCID: PMC10501469 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does an altered maternal hormonal environment, such as that seen during superovulation with gonadotropins in ART, impact human uterine immune cell distribution and function during the window of implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER Hormonal stimulation with gonadotropins alters abundance of maternal immune cells including uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and reduces uNK cell ability to promote extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY An altered maternal hormonal environment, seen following ART, can lead to increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes associated with disordered placentation. Maternal immune cells play an essential role in invasion of EVTs, a process required for proper establishment of the placenta, and adverse perinatal outcomes have been associated with altered immune cell populations. How ART impacts maternal immune cells and whether this can in turn affect implantation and placentation in humans remain unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective cohort study was carried out between 2018 and 2021 on 51 subjects: 20 from natural cycles 8 days after LH surge; and 31 from stimulated IVF cycles 7 days after egg retrieval. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Endometrial biopsies and peripheral blood samples were collected during the window of implantation in subjects with regular menstrual cycles or undergoing superovulation. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured by chemiluminescent competitive immunoassay. Immune cell populations in blood and endometrium were analyzed using flow cytometry. uNK cells were purified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Functional changes in uNK cells due to hormonal stimulation were evaluated using the implantation-on-a-chip (IOC) device, a novel bioengineered platform using human primary cells that mimics early processes that occur during pregnancy in a physiologically relevant manner. Unpaired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and pairwise multiple comparison tests were used to statistically evaluate differences. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Baseline characteristics were comparable for both groups. As expected, serum estradiol levels on the day of biopsy were significantly higher in stimulated (superovulated) patients (P = 0.0005). In the setting of superovulation, we found an endometrium-specific reduction in the density of bulk CD56+ uNK cells (P < 0.05), as well as in the uNK3 subpopulation (P = 0.025) specifically (CD103+ NK cells). In stimulated samples, we also found that the proportion of endometrial B cells was increased (P < 0.0001). Our findings were specific to the endometrium and not seen in peripheral blood. On the IOC device, uNK cells from naturally cycling secretory endometrium promote EVT invasion (P = 0.03). However, uNK cells from hormonally stimulated endometrium were unable to significantly promote EVT invasion, as measured by area of invasion, depth of invasion, and number of invaded EVTs by area. Bulk RNA-seq of sorted uNK cells from stimulated and unstimulated endometrium revealed changes in signaling pathways associated with immune cell trafficking/movement and inflammation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Patient numbers utilized for the study were low but were enough to identify significant overall population differences in select immune cell types. With additional power and deeper immune phenotyping, we may detect additional differences in immune cell composition of blood and endometrium in the setting of hormonal stimulation. Flow cytometry was performed on targeted immune cell populations that have shown involvement in early pregnancy. A more unbiased approach might identify changes in novel maternal immune cells not investigated in this study. We performed RNA-seq only on uNK cells, which demonstrated differences in gene expression. Ovarian stimulation may also impact gene expression and function of other subsets of immune cells, as well as other cell types within the endometrium. Finally, the IOC device, while a major improvement over existing in vitro methods to study early pregnancy, does not include all possible maternal cells present during early pregnancy, which could impact functional effects seen. Immune cells other than uNK cells may impact invasion of EVTs in vitro and in vivo, though these remain to be tested. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings demonstrate that hormonal stimulation affects the distribution of uNK cells during the implantation window and reduces the proinvasive effects of uNK cells during early pregnancy. Our results provide a potential mechanism by which fresh IVF cycles may increase risk of disorders of placentation, previously linked to adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Research reported in this publication was supported by the University of Pennsylvania University Research Funding (to M.M.), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (P50HD068157 to M.M., S.S., and S.M.), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (TL1TR001880 to J.K.), the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute (to S.M.G.), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (K08AI151265 to S.M.G.). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. All authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kanter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S M Gordon
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Mani
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Sokalska
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - J Y Park
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Senapati
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D D Huh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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12
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Hamilton I, Ikumi NM, Kshirsagar S, Goodman WA, Tilburgs T. Utilizing primary HLA-G+ extravillous trophoblasts and HLA-G+ EVT-like cell lines to study maternal-fetal interactions. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102276. [PMID: 37178111 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) are the most invasive cells of the placenta and play a key role in modulating maternal immune responses. Here, we present a protocol to purify and culture human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G)+ EVTs. We describe steps for tissue dissection, tissue digestion, density gradient centrifugation, and cell sorting, and we provide detailed methods to determine EVT function. HLA-G+ EVTs are isolated from two maternal-fetal interfaces: the chorionic membrane and the basalis/villous tissue. This protocol allows in-depth functional investigation of maternal immune interactions with HLA-G+ EVTs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Papuchova et al. (2020),1 Salvany-Celades et al. (2019),2 Tilburgs et al. (2015),3 Tilburgs et al. (2015),4 van der Zwan et al. (2018).5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira Hamilton
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 42229, USA
| | - Nadia M Ikumi
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarika Kshirsagar
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Wendy A Goodman
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Tamara Tilburgs
- Division of Immunobiology, Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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13
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Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems in Physiological and Pathological Pregnancy. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030402. [PMID: 36979094 PMCID: PMC10045867 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic immunological changes occurring throughout pregnancy are well-orchestrated and important for the success of the pregnancy. One of the key immune adaptations is the maternal immune tolerance towards the semi-allogeneic fetus. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of what is known about the innate and adaptive immunological changes in pregnancy and the role(s) of specific immune cells during physiological and pathological pregnancy. Alongside this, we provided details of remaining questions and challenges, as well as future perspectives for this growing field of research. Understanding the immunological changes that occur can inform potential strategies on treatments for the optimal health of the neonate and pregnant individual both during and after pregnancy.
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14
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An X, Qin J, Hu X, Zhou Y, Fu B, Wei H. Overexpression of lipocalin 2 in PBX1-deficient decidual NK cells promotes inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13676. [PMID: 36621850 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13676] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Impairment of PBX1 expression in decidual natural killer (dNK) cells is associated with the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion, which results in fetal growth restriction (FGR) by affecting the secretion of downstream growth factors. However, whether other mechanisms limit embryo growth in decidua containing PBX1-deficient natural killer (NK) cells is unknown. METHOD OF STUDY Pbx1f/f ; Ncr1Cre mice were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms by which PBX1- NK cells affect embryonic development. To simulate the clinical testing of pregnant women, Doppler ultrasound imaging was used to detect embryo implantation and development. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PBX1- NK cells that may affect normal pregnancy were screened using RNA-sequencing and real-time PCR. Immune cell changes caused by DEGs were detected by flow cytometry. Finally, the mechanism of FGR was explored by injecting the protein LCN2, corresponding to the selected DEG, into mice. RESULTS We verified the embryonic dysplasia in pregnant Pbx1f/f ; Ncr1Cre mice by Doppler ultrasound imaging and found that LCN2 was upregulated in dNK cells. We also observed higher infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages in the decidua of Pbx1f/f ; Ncr1Cre mice. Finally, we found an increase in the number and activation of neutrophils at the maternal-fetal interface after injecting LCN2 into pregnant mice and observed that these mice showed signs of FGR. CONCLUSION Excessive LCN2 secreted by PBX1- dNK cells at the maternal-fetal interface recruit neutrophils and causes an inflammatory response, which is related to FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue An
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jingkun Qin
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Binqing Fu
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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15
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Barbaro G, Inversetti A, Cristodoro M, Ticconi C, Scambia G, Di Simone N. HLA-G and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032557. [PMID: 36768880 PMCID: PMC9917226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Placentation is an immunological compromise where maternal immune system cells and trophoblastic cells interact to reach an equilibrium condition. Although the cross talk between the two systems is complex and not completely understood, Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G), expressed on trophoblastic cell surfaces, seems to be one of the main molecules involved in the modulation of both local and systemic maternal immune response. The prevalence of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), probably underestimated, is 5% of all women who achieve pregnancy, and about 40-60% percent of RPL cases are unexplained. There is an immunological analogy between allograft rejection and miscarriage, and the purpose of this review is to describe how the HLA-G pathway alterations are involved in disrupting the immunologic balance and in increasing the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Barbaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), L. go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Annalisa Inversetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Martina Cristodoro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
| | - Carlo Ticconi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Università di Torvergata, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), L. go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Roma, Italy
- U.O.C. di Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
- Correspondence:
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16
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Woon EV, Nikolaou D, MacLaran K, Norman-Taylor J, Bhagwat P, Cuff AO, Johnson MR, Male V. Uterine NK cells underexpress KIR2DL1/S1 and LILRB1 in reproductive failure. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1108163. [PMID: 36713400 PMCID: PMC9880428 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1108163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant proportion of recurrent miscarriage, recurrent implantation failure and infertility are unexplained, and these conditions have been proposed to have an etiology of immunological dysfunction at the maternal-fetal interface. Uterine Natural Killer cells (uNK) comprise three subsets and are the most numerous immune cells found in the uterine mucosa at the time of implantation. They are thought to play an important role in successful pregnancy by regulation of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion and spiral artery remodelling. Here, we examine the frequency, phenotype and function of uNK1-3 from the uterine mucosa of 16 women with unexplained reproductive failure compared to 11 controls with no reproductive problems, during the window of implantation. We report that KIR2DL1/S1 and LILRB1 expression is lower in the reproductive failure group for both uNK (total uNK, uNK 2 and 3) and pNK. We also show that degranulation activity is significantly reduced in total uNK, and that TNF-α production is lower in all uNK subsets in the reproductive failure group. Taken together, our findings suggest that reproductive failure is associated with global reduction in expression of uNK receptors important for interaction with HLA-C and HLA-G on EVT during early pregnancy, leading to reduced uNK activation. This is the first study to examine uNK subsets during the window of implantation in women with reproductive failure and will serve as a platform to focus on particular aspects of phenotype and function of uNK subsets in future studies. Further understanding of uNK dysregulation is important to establish potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets in the population of women with unexplained reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Von Woon
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Developmental Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,The Fertility Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Ee Von Woon,
| | - Dimitrios Nikolaou
- The Fertility Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate MacLaran
- The Fertility Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Priya Bhagwat
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia O. Cuff
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Developmental Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R. Johnson
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Developmental Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Male
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Developmental Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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HLA-G in asthma and its potential as an effective therapeutic agent. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2023; 51:22-29. [PMID: 36617818 DOI: 10.15586/aei.v51i1.650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma is a heterogeneous disease. Severity of asthma and sensitivity to medications vary across asthma subtypes. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G has a wide range of functions in normal and pathological physiology. Due to its powerful immune function, HLA-G participates in the pathogenesis of different asthma phenotypes by regulating the activity and function of various immune cells. The mechanism of HLA-G in asthma is not fully clear, and there is no consensus on its mechanism in asthma. Further studies are needed to explore the role of HLA-G in different phenotypes of human asthma. METHODS Observational study. RESULTS HLA-G is an important immunomodulatory factor in asthma. Studies have found different levels of HLA-G in patients with different asthma subtypes and healthy controls, but other studies have come to the opposite conclusion. CONCLUSION We speculate that further study on the mechanism of HLA-G in asthma pheno-types may explain some of the contradictions in current studies. Findings should provide information regarding the potential of HLA-G as a novel target for asthma diagnosis and treatment.
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18
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Garrity C, Arzi B, Haus B, Lee CA, Vapniarsky N. A Fresh Glimpse into Cartilage Immune Privilege. Cartilage 2022; 13:119-132. [PMID: 36250484 PMCID: PMC9924976 DOI: 10.1177/19476035221126349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of degenerative cartilage disorders in young patients is a growing public concern worldwide. Cartilage's poor innate regenerative capacity has inspired the exploration and development of cartilage replacement treatments such as tissue-engineered cartilages and osteochondral implants as potential solutions to cartilage loss. The clinical application of tissue-engineered implants is hindered by the lack of long-term follow-up demonstrating efficacy, biocompatibility, and bio-integration. The historically reported immunological privilege of cartilage tissue was based on histomorphological observations pointing out the lack of vascularity and the presence of a tight extracellular matrix. However, clinical studies in humans and animals do not unequivocally support the immune-privilege theory. More in-depth studies on cartilage immunology are needed to make clinical advances such as tissue engineering more applicable. This review analyzes the literature that supports and opposes the concept that cartilage is an immune-privileged tissue and provides insight into mechanisms conferring various degrees of immune privilege to other, more in-depth studied tissues such as testis, eyes, brain, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa Garrity
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology
and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Boaz Arzi
- Department of Surgical and Radiological
Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA,
USA
| | - Brian Haus
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Cassandra A. Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Natalia Vapniarsky
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology
and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA,Natalia Vapniarsky, Department of
Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, One
Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-5270, USA.
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19
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Cindrova-Davies T, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Human placental development and function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:66-77. [PMID: 35393235 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a transient fetal organ that plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of both the fetus and its mother. Functionally, the placenta sustains the growth of the fetus as it facilitates delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of waste products. Not surprisingly, defective early placental development is the primary cause of common disorders of pregnancy, including recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia and stillbirth. Adverse pregnancy conditions will also affect the life-long health of the fetus via developmental programming[1]. Despite its critical importance in reproductive success and life-long health, our understanding of placental development is not extensive, largely due to ethical limitations to studying early or chronological placental development, lack of long-term in vitro models, or comparative animal models. In this review, we examine current knowledge of early human placental development, discuss the critical role of the maternal endometrium and of the fetal-maternal dialogue in pregnancy success, and we explore the latest models of trophoblast and endometrial stem cells. In addition, we discuss the role of oxygen in placental formation and function, how nutrient delivery is mediated during the periods of histotrophic nutrition (uptake of uterine secretions) and haemotrophic nutrition (exchange between the maternal and fetal circulations), and how placental endocrine function facilitates fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Cindrova-Davies
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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20
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Duneton C, Winterberg PD, Ford ML. Activation and regulation of alloreactive T cell immunity in solid organ transplantation. Nat Rev Nephrol 2022; 18:663-676. [PMID: 35902775 PMCID: PMC9968399 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-022-00600-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation is the only curative treatment for patients with kidney failure but it poses unique immunological challenges that must be overcome to prevent allograft rejection and ensure long-term graft survival. Alloreactive T cells are important contributors to graft rejection, and a clearer understanding of the mechanisms by which these cells recognize donor antigens - through direct, indirect or semi-direct pathways - will facilitate their therapeutic targeting. Post-T cell priming rejection responses can also be modified by targeting pathways that regulate T cell trafficking, survival cytokines or innate immune activation. Moreover, the quantity and quality of donor-reactive memory T cells crucially shape alloimmune responses. Of note, many fundamental concepts in transplant immunology have been derived from models of infection. However, the programmed differentiation of allograft-specific T cell responses is probably distinct from that of pathogen-elicited responses, owing to the dearth of pathogen-derived innate immune activation in the transplantation setting. Understanding the fundamental (and potentially unique) immunological pathways that lead to allograft rejection is therefore a prerequisite for the rational development of therapeutics that promote transplantation tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Duneton
- Paediatric Nephrology, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
- Emory Transplant Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pamela D Winterberg
- Paediatric Nephrology, Emory University Department of Paediatrics and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mandy L Ford
- Emory Transplant Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Shojaei Z, Jafarpour R, Mehdizadeh S, Bayatipoor H, Pashangzadeh S, Motallebnezhad M. Functional prominence of natural killer cells and natural killer T cells in pregnancy and infertility: A comprehensive review and update. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 238:154062. [PMID: 35987030 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, complicated connections are formed between a mother and a fetus. In a successful pregnancy, the maternal-fetal interface is affected by dynamic changes, and the fetus is protected against the mother's immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the immune system cells in the female reproductive system that play an essential role in the physiology of pregnancy. NK cells not only exist in peripheral blood (PB) but also can exist in the decidua. Studies have suggested multiple roles for these cells, including decidualization, control of trophoblast growth and invasion, embryo acceptance and maintenance by the mother, and facilitation of placental development during pregnancy. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are another group of NK cells that play a crucial role in the maintenance of pregnancy and regulation of the immune system during pregnancy. Studies show that NK and NKT cells are not only effective in maintaining pregnancy but also can be involved in infertility-related diseases. This review focuses on NK and NKT cells biology and provides a detailed description of the functions of these cells in implantation, placentation, and immune tolerance during pregnancy and their role in pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Shojaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Jafarpour
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saber Mehdizadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hashem Bayatipoor
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Pashangzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Motallebnezhad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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Yang Y, Wang W, Weng J, Li H, Ma Y, Liu L, Ma W. Advances in the study of HLA class Ib in maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:976289. [PMID: 36105800 PMCID: PMC9465335 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.976289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The HLA class Ib molecule is an alloantigen that causes transplant rejection on behalf of individual human and plays an important role in maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Early studies on HLA class Ib focused on the mechanism of HLA-G-induced immune escape, but in recent years, studies on the mechanism of HLA-G have deepened and gradually explored the mechanism of HLA-E and HLA-F, which are also HLA class Ib molecules. In the maternal-fetal interface, trophoblast cells express HLA class Ib molecules to protect the fetus from maternal immune cells by binding to inhibitory receptors of decidual immune cells (DICs) and shifting Th1/Th2 balance toward Th2 bias. Further studies on the molecular mechanism of HLA class Ib molecules provide a reference for its application in the field of clinical assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Yang
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wanning Wang
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Weng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Weng, ; Lingyan Liu,
| | - Huifang Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanmin Ma
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyan Liu
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Weng, ; Lingyan Liu,
| | - Wei Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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23
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Wei XW, Zhang YC, Wu F, Tian FJ, Lin Y. The role of extravillous trophoblasts and uterine NK cells in vascular remodeling during pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:951482. [PMID: 37408837 PMCID: PMC10319396 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.951482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful embryo implantation requires both a receptive endometrium and competent blastocysts. After implantation, the maternal decidua undergoes a series of changes, including uterine spiral artery (SA) remodeling to accommodate the fetus and provide nutrients and oxygen for the fetus to survive. Uterine spiral arteries transform from small-diameter, high-resistance arteries to large-diameter and low-resistance arteries during pregnancy. This transformation includes many changes, such as increased permeability and dilation of vessels, phenotypic switching and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), transient loss of endothelial cells (ECs), endovascular invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), and presence of intramural EVT, which are regulated by uterine NK (uNK) cells and EVTs. In this review, we mainly focus on the separate and combined roles of uNK cells and EVTs in uterine SA remodeling in establishing and maintaining pregnancy. New insight into related mechanisms will help us better understand the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications such as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and preeclampsia (PE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Wei
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Chen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Wu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu-Ju Tian
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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24
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James JL, Lissaman A, Nursalim YNS, Chamley LW. Modelling human placental villous development: designing cultures that reflect anatomy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:384. [PMID: 35753002 PMCID: PMC9234034 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The use of in vitro tools to study trophoblast differentiation and function is essential to improve understanding of normal and abnormal placental development. The relative accessibility of human placentae enables the use of primary trophoblasts and placental explants in a range of in vitro systems. Recent advances in stem cell models, three-dimensional organoid cultures, and organ-on-a-chip systems have further shed light on the complex microenvironment and cell-cell crosstalk involved in placental development. However, understanding each model's strengths and limitations, and which in vivo aspects of human placentation in vitro data acquired does, or does not, accurately reflect, is key to interpret findings appropriately. To help researchers use and design anatomically accurate culture models, this review both outlines our current understanding of placental development, and critically considers the range of established and emerging culture models used to study this, with a focus on those derived from primary tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Abbey Lissaman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yohanes N S Nursalim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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25
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Le T, Reeves RK, McKinnon LR. The Functional Diversity of Tissue-Resident Natural Killer Cells Against Infection. Immunology 2022; 167:28-39. [PMID: 35751452 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, studies of natural killer (NK) cells have focused on those found in peripheral blood (PBNK cells) as the prototype for NK cell biology. Only recently have researchers begun to explore the diversity of tissue-resident NK (tr-NK) cells. While tr-NK cells were initially identified from mice parabiosis and intravascular staining experiments, they can also be identified by tissue retention markers such as CD69, CD103, and others. More importantly, tr-NK cells have distinct functions compared to PBNK cells. Within the liver, there are diverse subsets of tr-NK cells expressing different combinations of tissue-retention markers and transcription factors, the clinical relevance of which are still unclear. Functionally, liver tr-NK are primed with immediate responsiveness to infection and equipped with regulatory mechanisms to prevent liver damage. When decidual NK (dNK) cells were first discovered, they were mainly characterized by their reduced cytotoxicity and functions related to placental development. Recent studies, however, revealed different mechanisms by which dNK cells prevent uterine infections. The lungs are one of the most highly exposed sites for infection due to their role in oxygen exchange. Upon influenza infection, lung tr-NK cells can degranulate and produce more inflammatory cytokines than PBNK cells. Less understood are gut tr-NK cells which were recently characterized in infants and adults for their functional differences. In this mini-review, we aim to provide a brief overview of the most recent discoveries on how several tr-NK cells are implicated in the immune response against infection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Le
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - R Keith Reeves
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.,Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
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26
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Xie M, Li Y, Meng YZ, Xu P, Yang YG, Dong S, He J, Hu Z. Uterine Natural Killer Cells: A Rising Star in Human Pregnancy Regulation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918550. [PMID: 35720413 PMCID: PMC9198966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are an immune subset located in the uterus. uNK cells have distinct tissue-specific characteristics compared to their counterparts in peripheral blood and lymphoid organs. Based on their location and the pregnancy status of the host, uNK cells are classified as endometrial NK (eNK) cells or decidua NK (dNK) cells. uNK cells are important in protecting the host from pathogen invasion and contribute to a series of physiological processes that affect successful pregnancy, including uterine spiral artery remodeling, fetal development, and immunity tolerance. Abnormal alterations in uNK cell numbers and/or impaired function may cause pregnancy complications, such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, or even infertility. In this review, we introduce recent advances in human uNK cell research under normal physiological or pathological conditions, and summarize their unique influences on the process of pregnancy complications or uterine diseases. Finally, we propose the potential clinical use of uNK cells as a novel cellular immunotherapeutic approach for reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xie
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi-Zi Meng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jin He
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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27
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Delgado-Gonzalez A, Huang YW, Porpiglia E, Donoso K, Gonzalez VD, Fantl WJ. Measuring trogocytosis between ovarian tumor and natural killer cells. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101425. [PMID: 35693208 PMCID: PMC9185020 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Trogocytosis is an active transport mechanism by which one cell extracts a plasma membrane fragment with embedded molecules from an adjacent cell in a contact-dependent process leading to the acquisition of a new function. Our protocol, which has general applicability, consolidates and optimizes existing protocols while highlighting key experimental variables to demonstrate that natural killer (NK) cells acquire the tetraspanin CD9 by trogocytosis from ovarian tumor cells. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Gonzalez et al. (2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Delgado-Gonzalez
- Deparment of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ying-Wen Huang
- Deparment of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ermelinda Porpiglia
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kenyi Donoso
- Deparment of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Veronica D. Gonzalez
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wendy J. Fantl
- Deparment of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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28
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Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, You Y, Mor G, Dimitrova V, Dimova T. Functional HLA-C expressing trophoblast spheroids as a model to study placental-maternal immune interactions during human implantation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10224. [PMID: 35715452 PMCID: PMC9205925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12870-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In healthy couples over half of the conceptions result in failed pregnancy and around 30% of them occur during implantation defining it as a rate-limiting step for the success of native and in vitro fertilization. The understanding of the factors regulating each step of implantation and immune recognition is critical for the pregnancy outcome. Creation of 3D-cell culture models, such as spheroids and organoids, is in the focus of placental tissue engineering in attempt to resemble the in vivo complexity of the maternal-fetal interface and to overcome the need of laboratory animals and human embryos. We constructed stable, reliable, and reproducible trophoblast Sw71 spheroids which are functional independently of the serum level in the culture media. These models resemble the hatched human blastocyst in size, shape and function and are useful for in vitro studies of the in vivo concealed human implantation. Since Sw71 spheroids produce HLA-C, the only classical MHC molecule indispensable for establishment of the immune tolerance and proper human implantation, they are applicable for the evaluation not only of implantation itself but also of maternal-trophoblasts immune interactions. In addition, Sw71-blastocyst-like spheroids are manipulable in low-volume platform, easy to monitor and analyze automatically under treatment with favorable/detrimental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. K. Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. K. Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Yuan You
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - Violeta Dimitrova
- Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. K. Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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29
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Papúchová H, Saxtorph MH, Hallager T, Jepsen IE, Eriksen JO, Persson G, Funck T, Weisdorf I, Macklon NS, Larsen LG, Hviid TVF. Endometrial HLA-F expression is influenced by genotypes and correlates differently with immune cell infiltration in IVF and recurrent implantation failure patients. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1816-1834. [PMID: 35689445 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-F protein expressed in mid-secretory endometrium, and are its expression levels influenced by HLA-F gene polymorphisms and correlated with the abundance of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages? SUMMARY ANSWER HLA-F protein is expressed in mid-secretory endometrium, and levels are correlated with immune cell infiltration, plasma progesterone concentrations and HLA-F single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), however, women experiencing recurrent implantation failure (RIF) show differences when compared to women attending their first IVF treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The immunomodulatory HLA class Ib molecules HLA-G and HLA-F are expressed on the extravillous trophoblast cells and interact with receptors on maternal immune cells. Little is known regarding HLA-F expression in endometrial stroma and HLA-F function; furthermore, HLA-F and HLA-G SNP genotypes and haplotypes have been correlated with differences in time-to-pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Primary endometrial stromal cell (ESC) cultures (n = 5) were established from endometrial biopsies from women attending IVF treatment at a fertility clinic. Basic HLA-F and HLA-G protein expression by the ESCs were investigated. A prospective controlled cohort study was performed including 85 women with a history of RIF and 36 control women beginning their first fertility treatment and with no history of RIF. In some analyses, the RIF group was divided into unknown cause, male infertility, female infertility, and both female and male infertility. Endometrial biopsies and blood samples were obtained the day equivalent to embryo transfer in a hormone-substituted cycle. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS HLA protein expression by ESCs was characterized using flow cytometry and western blot. In the cohort study, the specific immune markers HLA-F and HLA-G, CD56 and CD16 (NK cells), CD163 (M2 macrophages), FOXP3 (regulatory T cells) and CD138 (plasma cells) were analysed by immunohistochemistry and a digital image analysis system in endometrial biopsies. Endometrial receptivity was assessed by an endometrial receptivity array test (the ERA® test). Endometrial biopsies were examined according to modified Noyes' criteria. SNPs at the HLA-F gene and HLA-G haplotypes were determined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE HLA-F protein is expressed in the endometrium at the time of implantation. Furthermore, the HLA-F protein levels were different according to the womeńs HLA-F SNP genotypes and diplotypes, which have previously been correlated with differences in time-to-pregnancy. Endometrial HLA-F was positively correlated with anti-inflammatory CD163+ M2 macrophage infiltration and CD56+ uNK cell abundance for the entire cohort. However, this was not the case for CD56+ in the female infertility RIF subgroup. HLA-F levels in the endometrial stroma were negatively correlated with plasma progesterone concentrations in the RIF subgroup with known female infertility. Conversely, HLA-F and progesterone were positively correlated in the RIF subgroup with infertility of the male partner and no infertility diagnosis of the woman indicating interconnections between progesterone, HLA-F and immune cell infiltration. Glandular sHLA-G expression was also positively correlated with uNK cell abundance in the RIF subgroup with no female infertility but negatively correlated in the RIF subgroup with a female infertility diagnosis. LARGE SCALE DATA Immunohistochemistry analyses of endometrial biopsies and DNA sequencing of HLA genes. Data will be shared upon reasonable request to the corresponding author. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The control group of women attending their first IVF treatment had an anticipated good prognosis but was not proven fertile. A significant age difference between the RIF group and the IVF group reflects the longer treatment period for women with a history of RIF. The standardization of hormonal endometrial preparation, which allowed consistent timing of endometrial and blood sampling, might be a strength because a more uniform hormonal background may more clearly show an influence on the immune marker profile and HLA class Ib levels in the endometrium by other factors, for example genetic polymorphisms. However, the immune marker profile might be different during a normal cycle. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings further highlight the importance of HLA-F and HLA-G at the implantation site and in early pregnancy for pregnancy success. Diagnostic measures and modulation of the complex interactions between HLA class Ib molecules, maternal immune cells and hormonal factors may have potential to improve fertility treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Region Zealand Health Sciences Research Foundation and the Zealand University Hospital through the ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH. The authors declared there are no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrieta Papúchová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Malene Hviid Saxtorph
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Trine Hallager
- The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ida E Jepsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jens O Eriksen
- The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gry Persson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Tina Funck
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Iben Weisdorf
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Nicholas S Macklon
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,London Women's Clinic, London, UK
| | - Lise Grupe Larsen
- The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
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30
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Emirzeoglu L, Olmez O, Mustafayev F, Berber U, Yilmaz I, Celik S, Oven B, Ozgun M. Prognostic value of expression levels of miR‑148a, miR‑152 and HLA‑G in colon cancer. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:226. [PMID: 35720471 PMCID: PMC9185158 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Levent Emirzeoglu
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Khan Educational and Research Hospital, 34660 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Olmez
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Khan Educational and Research Hospital, 34660 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Mustafayev
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Khan Educational and Research Hospital, 34660 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ufuk Berber
- Department of Pathology, University of Health Sciences, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Khan Educational and Research Hospital, 34660 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ismail Yilmaz
- Department of Pathology, University of Health Sciences, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Khan Educational and Research Hospital, 34660 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serkan Celik
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital, 34718 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bala Oven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital, 34718 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ozgun
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Khan Educational and Research Hospital, 34660 Istanbul, Turkey
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31
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Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, Dimova T. Immunity at maternal-fetal interface: KIR/HLA (Allo)recognition. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:55-76. [PMID: 35610960 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Both KIR and HLA are the most variable gene families in the human genome. The recognition of the semi-allogeneic embryo-derived trophoblasts by maternal decidual NK (dNK) cells is essential for the establishment of the functional placenta. This recognition is based on the KIR-HLA interactions and trophoblast expresses a specific HLA profile that constitutes classical polymorphic HLA-C and non-classical oligomorphic HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G molecules. This review highlights some features of the KIR/HLA-C (allo)recognition by decidual NK (dNK) cells as a main immune cell population specifically enriched at maternal-fetal interface during human early pregnancy. How KIR/HLA-C axis operates in pregnancy disorders and in the context of transplacental infections is discussed as well. We summarized old and new data on dNK-cell functional plasticity, their selective expression of KIR and fetal maternal/paternal HLA-C haplotypes present. Results showed that KIR-HLA-C combinations and the corresponding axis operate differently in each pregnancy, determined by the variability of both maternal KIR haplotypes and fetus' maternal/paternal HLA-C allotype combinations. Moreover, the maturation of NK cells strongly depends on if or not HLA allotypes for certain KIR are present. We suggest that the unique KIR/HLA combinations reached in each pregnancy (normal and pathological) should be studied according to well-defined guidelines and unified methodologies to have comparable results ease to interpret and use in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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32
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Zhang Q, Xiao Z, Lee CL, Duan YG, Fan X, Yeung WSB, Chiu PCN, Zhang JV. The Regulatory Roles of Chemerin-Chemokine-Like Receptor 1 Axis in Placental Development and Vascular Remodeling During Early Pregnancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:883636. [PMID: 35656551 PMCID: PMC9152263 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.883636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemerin is an adipokine that regulates metabolism in pregnancy. An elevation of serum chemerin level is associated with pregnancy complications. Consistently, we demonstrated that the chemerin expression was increased in placenta of preeclamptic patients at deliveries. The G protein-coupled receptor chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) mediates the actions of chemerin. The functions of the chemerin-CMKLR1 axis in maintaining pregnancy are still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that CMKLR1 was expressed in the decidual natural killer (dNK) cells and chorionic villi of human. Chemerin suppressed the proliferation of the dNK cells in vitro. Specific antagonist of CMKLR1, α-Neta abolished the suppressive effect of spent medium from chemerin-treated dNK cells culture on extravillous trophoblast invasion. Activation of the chemerin-CMKLR1 axis promoted fusion and differentiation of human cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast in vitro. We generated Cmklr1 knockout mice and showed that the Cmklr1 deficiency negatively affected pregnancy outcome in terms of number of implantation sites, litter size and fetal weight at birth. Histologically, the Cmklr1 deficiency impaired formation of the syncytiotrophoblast layer II, induced enlargement of the maternal lacunae in the labyrinth, increased the diameter of the spiral arteries and increased trophoblast invasion in the decidua. The Cmklr1 deficient placenta also displayed an increased number of dNK cells and serum IL-15 level. In summary, the chemerin-CMKLR1 axis regulated placental development and spiral artery remodeling in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhonglin Xiao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiujun Fan
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Philip C. N. Chiu, ; Jian V. Zhang,
| | - Jian V. Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Philip C. N. Chiu, ; Jian V. Zhang,
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33
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Shao X, Yu W, Yang Y, Wang F, Yu X, Wu H, Ma Y, Cao B, Wang YL. The mystery of the life tree: the placenta. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:301-316. [PMID: 35552600 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the interface between the fetal and maternal environments during mammalian gestation, critically safeguarding the health of the developing fetus and the mother. Placental trophoblasts origin from embryonic trophectoderm that differentiates into various trophoblastic subtypes through villous and extravillous pathways. The trophoblasts actively interact with multiple decidual cells and immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface and thus construct fundamental functional units, which are responsible for blood perfusion, maternal-fetal material exchange, placental endocrine, immune tolerance, and adequate defense barrier against pathogen infection. Various pregnant complications are tightly associated with the defects in placental development and function maintenance. In this review, we summarize the current views and our recent progress on the mechanisms underlying the formation of placental functional units, the interactions among trophoblasts and various uterine cells, as well as the placental barrier against pathogen infections during pregnancy. The involvement of placental dysregulation in adverse pregnancy outcomes is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhe Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feiyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yeling Ma
- Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Bin Cao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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34
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Xu X, Zhou Y, Fu B, Wei H. Uterine NK cell functions at maternal-fetal interface. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:327-338. [PMID: 35551350 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, maternal decidual tissue interacts with fetal trophoblasts. They constitute the maternal-fetal interface responsible for supplying nutrition to the fetus. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are the most abundant immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy and play critical roles throughout pregnancy. This review provides current knowledge about the functions of uNK cells. uNK cells have been shown to facilitate remodeling of the spiral artery, control the invasion of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells, contribute to the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance, protect against pathogen infection, and promote fetal development. Pregnancy-trained memory of uNK cells improves subsequent pregnancy outcomes. In addition, this review describes the distinct functions of three uNK cell subsets: CD27-CD11b-, CD27+ and CD27-CD11b+ uNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Xu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Binqing Fu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
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35
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Zoehler B, Fracaro L, Boldrini-Leite LM, da Silva JS, Travers PJ, Brofman PRS, Bicalho MDG, Senegaglia AC. HLA-G and CD152 Expression Levels Encourage the Use of Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as an Alternative for Immunosuppressive Therapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081339. [PMID: 35456019 PMCID: PMC9032010 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been used in immunosuppressive therapy due to their therapeutic effects, with the HLA-G molecule seeming to play a fundamental role. This work evaluated alternative MSC sources to bone marrow (BM), namely, umbilical cord tissue (UC), adipose tissue (AD) and dental pulp tissue (DP), and the influence of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and hypoxia on the cultivation of these cells for use in immunosuppression therapies. Expression of costimulatory markers CD40, CD80 and CD86 and immunosuppressive molecules CD152 and HLA-G was analyzed. Lymphocyte inhibition assays were also performed. Sequencing of the HLA-G gene from exons 1 to 5 was performed using next-generation sequencing to determine the presence of alleles. UC-derived MSCs (UCMSCs) expressed higher CD152 and HLA-G1 under standard cultivation. UCMSCs and DP-derived MSCs (DPSCs) secreted similar levels of HLA-G5. All MSC sources inhibited the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs); growth under regular versus hypoxic conditions resulted in similar levels of inhibition. When IFN-γ was added, PBMC growth was inhibited to a lesser extent by UCMSCs. The HLA-G*01:04:01:01 allele appears to generate a more efficient MSC response in inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation. However, the strength of this conclusion was limited by the small sample size. UCMSCs are an excellent alternative to BM in immunosuppressive therapy: they express high concentrations of inhibitory molecules and can be cultivated without stimuli, which minimizes cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Zoehler
- Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-001, PR, Brazil; (J.S.d.S.); (M.d.G.B.)
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (A.C.S.)
| | - Letícia Fracaro
- Core for Cell Technology, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba 80910-215, PR, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.M.B.-L.); (P.R.S.B.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, INCT-REGENERA, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lidiane Maria Boldrini-Leite
- Core for Cell Technology, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba 80910-215, PR, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.M.B.-L.); (P.R.S.B.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, INCT-REGENERA, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Samuel da Silva
- Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-001, PR, Brazil; (J.S.d.S.); (M.d.G.B.)
| | - Paul J. Travers
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK;
| | - Paulo Roberto Slud Brofman
- Core for Cell Technology, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba 80910-215, PR, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.M.B.-L.); (P.R.S.B.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, INCT-REGENERA, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria da Graça Bicalho
- Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-001, PR, Brazil; (J.S.d.S.); (M.d.G.B.)
| | - Alexandra Cristina Senegaglia
- Core for Cell Technology, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba 80910-215, PR, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.M.B.-L.); (P.R.S.B.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, INCT-REGENERA, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (A.C.S.)
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36
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Yan S, Dong J, Qian C, Chen S, Xu Q, Lei H, Wang X. The mTORC1 Signaling Support Cellular Metabolism to Dictate Decidual NK Cells Function in Early Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:771732. [PMID: 35359988 PMCID: PMC8960317 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.771732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism plays an important role in regulating both human and murine NK cell functions. However, it remains unclear whether cellular metabolic process impacts on the function of decidual NK cells (dNK), essential tissue-resident immune cells maintaining the homeostasis of maternal-fetal interface. Remarkably, we found that glycolysis blockage enhances dNK VEGF-A production but restrains its proliferation. Furthermore, levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α secreted by dNK get decreased when glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is inhibited. Additionally, glycolysis, OXPHOS, and fatty acid oxidation disruption has little effects on the secretion and the CD107a-dependent degranulation of dNK. Mechanistically, we discovered that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling inhibition leads to decreased glycolysis and OXPHOS in dNK. These limited metabolic processes are associated with attenuated dNK functions, which include restricted production of cytokines including IFN-γ and TNF-α, diminished CD107a-dependent degranulation, and restrained dNK proliferation. Finally, we reported that the protein levels of several glycolysis-associated enzymes are altered and the mTORC1 activity is significantly lower in the decidua of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) compared with normal pregnancy, which might give new insights about the pathogenesis of RPL. Collectively, our data demonstrate that glucose metabolism and mTORC1 signaling support dNK functions in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Yan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxi Qian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Lei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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37
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Ikumi NM, Matjila M. Preterm Birth in Women With HIV: The Role of the Placenta. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:820759. [PMID: 35392117 PMCID: PMC8982913 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.820759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). However, the mechanisms underlying this increased risk in women with HIV remain poorly understood. In this regard, it is well-established that labor is an inflammatory process and premature activation of the pro-inflammatory signals (associated with labor) can result in preterm labor which can subsequently lead to PTB. HIV infection is known to cause severe immune dysregulation within its host characterized by altered immune profiles, chronic inflammation and eventually, the progressive failure of the immune system. The human placenta comprises different immune cell subsets, some of which play an important role during pregnancy including participating in the inflammatory processes that accompany labor. It is therefore plausible that HIV/antiretroviral therapy (ART)-associated immune dysregulation within the placental microenvironment may underlie the increased risk of PTB reported in women with HIV. Here, we review evidence from studies that point toward the placental origin of spontaneous PTB and discuss possible ways maternal HIV infection and/or ART could increase this risk. We focus on key cellular players in the maternal decidua including natural killer cells, CD4+ T cells including CD4+ regulatory T cells, CD8+ T cells as well as macrophages.
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38
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Morelli AE, Sadovsky Y. Extracellular vesicles and immune response during pregnancy: A balancing act. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:105-122. [PMID: 35199366 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying maternal tolerance of the semi- or fully-allogeneic fetus are intensely investigated. Across gestation, feto-placental antigens interact with the maternal immune system locally within the trophoblast-decidual interface and distantly through shed cells and soluble molecules that interact with maternal secondary lymphoid tissues. The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as local or systemic carriers of antigens and immune-regulatory molecules has added a new dimension to our understanding of immune modulation prior to implantation, during trophoblast invasion, and throughout the course of pregnancy. New data on immune-regulatory molecules, located on EVs or within their cargo, suggest a role for EVs in negotiating immune tolerance during gestation. Lessons from the field of transplant immunology also shed light on possible interactions between feto-placentally derived EVs and maternal lymphoid tissues. These insights illuminate a potential role for EVs in major obstetrical disorders. This review provides updated information on intensely studied, pregnancy-related EVs, their cargo molecules, and patterns of fetal-placental-maternal trafficking, highlighting potential immune pathways that might underlie immune suppression or activation in gestational health and disease. Our summary also underscores the likely need to broaden the definition of the maternal-fetal interface to systemic maternal immune tissues that might interact with circulating EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian E Morelli
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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39
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Lee J, Cho K, Kook H, Kang S, Lee Y, Lee J. The Different Immune Responses by Age Are due to the Ability of the Fetal Immune System to Secrete Primal Immunoglobulins Responding to Unexperienced Antigens. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:617-636. [PMID: 35002513 PMCID: PMC8741860 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.67203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among numerous studies on coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), we noted that the infection and mortality rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) increased with age and that fetuses known to be particularly susceptible to infection were better protected despite various mutations. Hence, we established the hypothesis that a new immune system exists that forms before birth and decreases with aging. Methods: To prove this hypothesis, we established new ex-vivo culture conditions simulating the critical environmental factors of fetal stem cells (FSCs) in early pregnancy. Then, we analyzed the components from FSCs cultivated newly developed ex-vivo culture conditions and compared them from FSCs cultured in a normal condition. Results: We demonstrated that immunoglobulin M (IgM), a natural antibody (NAb) produced only in early B-1 cells, immunoglobulins (Igs) including IgG3, which has a wide range of antigen-binding capacity and affinity, complement proteins, and antiviral proteins are induced in FSCs only cultured in newly developed ex-vivo culture conditions. Particularly we confirmed that their extracellular vesicles (EVs) contained NAbs, Igs, various complement proteins, and antiviral proteins, as well as human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G), responsible for immune tolerance. Conclusion: Our results suggest that FSCs in early pregnancy can form an independent immune system responding to unlearned antigens as a self-defense mechanism before establishing mature immune systems. Moreover, we propose the possibility of new solutions to cope with various infectious diseases based on the factors in NAbs-containing EVs, especially not causing unnecessary immune reaction due to HLA-G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jangho Lee
- R&D Center of Stemmedicare Ltd, Seoul, 06095, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungshik Cho
- R&D Center of Stemmedicare Ltd, Seoul, 06095, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Kook
- R&D Center of Stemmedicare Ltd, Seoul, 06095, Republic of Korea
| | - Suman Kang
- R&D Center of Stemmedicare Ltd, Seoul, 06095, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunsung Lee
- R&D Center of Stemmedicare Ltd, Seoul, 06095, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Lee
- R&D Center of Stemmedicare Ltd, Seoul, 06095, Republic of Korea
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40
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Crespo ÂC, Alexander A, Tilburgs T. Purification of Primary Decidual Natural Killer Cells for Functional Analysis. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2463:11-29. [PMID: 35344164 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2160-8_2] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Decidual NK cells (dNK) are a unique type of NK cells found at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy. dNK play a key role in placental development, trophoblast invasion, and immunity to viral and bacterial infection of the placenta. dNK are the predominant leukocyte population in first trimester placental tissues and comprise around 70% of the total CD45+ leukocytes. dNK remain present throughout pregnancy but their proportion decreases to 20-40% of term placenta decidual tissue leukocytes. Investigation of dNK function throughout pregnancy is of high clinical relevance for understanding the development of placental inflammatory disorders as well as maternal-to-fetal transmission of pathogens. In this chapter, we describe in detail the methods we developed to purify dNK from first trimester and term pregnancy placental tissues. These methods are suitable to assess their protein and gene expression profiles as well as their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângela C Crespo
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aria Alexander
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Immunobiology, Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tamara Tilburgs
- Division of Immunobiology, Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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41
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Placental Development and Pregnancy-Associated Diseases. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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42
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Li P, Wang N, Zhang Y, Wang C, Du L. HLA-G/sHLA-G and HLA-G-Bearing Extracellular Vesicles in Cancers: Potential Role as Biomarkers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:791535. [PMID: 34868081 PMCID: PMC8636042 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a non-classic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is expressed in fetal-maternal interface and immunoprivileged site only in healthy condition, and in pathological conditions such as cancer, it can be de novo expressed. It is now widely accepted that HLA-G is a key molecule in the process of immune escape of cancer cells, which is ubiquitously expressed in the tumor environment. This raises the possibility that it may play an adverse role in tumor immunity. The expression level of HLA-G has been demonstrated to be highly correlated with clinical parameters in many tumors, and its potential significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer has been postulated. However, because HLA-G itself has up to seven different subtypes, and for some subtypes, detected antibodies are few or absent, it is hard to evaluate the actual expression of HLA-G in tumors. In the present work, we described (a) the structure and three main forms of HLA-G, (b) summarized the mechanism of HLA-G in the immune escape of tumor cells, (c) discussed the potential role of HLA-G as a tumor marker, and reviewed (d) the methods for detecting and quantifying HLA-G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
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Tantengco OAG, Richardson L, Lee A, Kammala A, Silva MDC, Shahin H, Sheller-Miller S, Menon R. Histocompatibility Antigen, Class I, G (HLA-G)'s Role during Pregnancy and Parturition: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101061. [PMID: 34685432 PMCID: PMC8537334 DOI: 10.3390/life11101061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Immune homeostasis of the intrauterine cavity is vital for pregnancy maintenance. At term or preterm, fetal and maternal tissue inflammation contributes to the onset of labor. Though multiple immune-modulating molecules are known, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is unique to gestational tissues and contributes to maternal–fetal immune tolerance. Several reports on HLA-G’s role exist; however, ambiguity exists regarding its functional contributions during pregnancy and parturition. To fill these knowledge gaps, a systematic review (SR) of the literature was conducted to better understand the expression, localization, function, and regulation of HLA-G during pregnancy and parturition. Methods: A SR of the literature on HLA-G expression and function reported in reproductive tissues during pregnancy, published between 1976–2020 in English, using three electronic databases (SCOPE, Medline, and ClinicalTrials.gov) was conducted. The selection of studies, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed in duplicate by two independent reviewers. Manuscripts were separated into three categories: (1) expression and localization of HLA-G, (2) regulators of HLA-G, and (3) the mechanistic roles of HAL-G. Data were extracted, analyzed, and summarized. Results: The literature search yielded 2554 citations, 117 of which were selected for full-text evaluation, and 115 were included for the final review based on our inclusion/exclusion criteria. HLA-G expression and function were mostly studied in placental tissue and/or cells and peripheral blood immune cells, while only 13% of the studies reported data on amniotic fluid/cord blood and fetal membranes. Measurements of soluble and membranous HLA-G were determined mostly by RNA-based methods and protein by immunostaining, Western blot, or flow cytometric analyses. HLA-G was reported to regulate inflammation and inhibit immune-cell-mediated cytotoxicity and trophoblast invasion. Clinically, downregulation of HLA-G is reported to be associated with poor placentation in preeclampsia and immune cell infiltration during ascending infection. Conclusions: This SR identified several reports supporting the hypothesized role of immune regulation in gestational tissues during pregnancy. A lack of rigor and reproducibility in the experimental approaches and models in several reports make it difficult to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action of HLA-G in immune tolerance during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77551, USA; (O.A.G.T.); (L.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.); (M.d.C.S.); (H.S.); (S.S.-M.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1101, Philippines
| | - Lauren Richardson
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77551, USA; (O.A.G.T.); (L.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.); (M.d.C.S.); (H.S.); (S.S.-M.)
| | - Alan Lee
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77551, USA; (O.A.G.T.); (L.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.); (M.d.C.S.); (H.S.); (S.S.-M.)
| | - Ananthkumar Kammala
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77551, USA; (O.A.G.T.); (L.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.); (M.d.C.S.); (H.S.); (S.S.-M.)
| | - Mariana de Castro Silva
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77551, USA; (O.A.G.T.); (L.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.); (M.d.C.S.); (H.S.); (S.S.-M.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Botucatu 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hend Shahin
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77551, USA; (O.A.G.T.); (L.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.); (M.d.C.S.); (H.S.); (S.S.-M.)
| | - Samantha Sheller-Miller
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77551, USA; (O.A.G.T.); (L.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.); (M.d.C.S.); (H.S.); (S.S.-M.)
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77551, USA; (O.A.G.T.); (L.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.); (M.d.C.S.); (H.S.); (S.S.-M.)
- Correspondence:
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Kanter JR, Mani S, Gordon SM, Mainigi M. Uterine natural killer cell biology and role in early pregnancy establishment and outcomes. F&S REVIEWS 2021; 2:265-286. [PMID: 35756138 PMCID: PMC9232176 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective While immune cells were originally thought to only play a role in maternal tolerance of the semiallogenic fetus, an active role in pregnancy establishment is becoming increasingly apparent. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are of specific interest because of their cyclic increase in number during the window of implantation. As a distinct entity from their peripheral blood counterparts, understanding the biology and function of uNK cells will provide the framework for understanding their role in early pregnancy establishment and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Evidence Review This review discusses unique uNK cell characteristics and presents clinical implications resulting from their dysfunction. We also systematically present existing knowledge about uNK cell function in three processes critical for successful human embryo implantation and placentation: stromal cell decidualization, spiral artery remodeling, and extravillous trophoblast invasion. Finally, we review the features of uNK cells that could help guide future investigations. Results It is clear the uNK cells are intimately involved in multiple facets of early pregnancy. This is accomplished directly, through the secretion of factors that regulate stromal cells and trophoblast function; and indirectly, via interaction with other maternal cell types present at the maternal-fetal interface. Current work also suggests that uNK cells are a heterogenous population, with subsets that potentially accomplish different functions. Conclusion Establishment of pregnancy through successful embryo implantation and placentation requires crosstalk between multiple maternal cell types and invading fetal trophoblast cells. Defects in this process have been associated with multiple adverse perinatal outcomes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, placenta accreta, and recurrent miscarriage though the mechanism underlying development of these defects remain unclear. Abnormalities in NK cell number and function which would disrupt physiological maternal-fetal crosstalk, could play a critical role in abnormal implantation and placentation. It is therefore imperative to dissect the unique physiological role of uNK cells in pregnancy and use this knowledge to inform clinical practice by determining how uNK cell dysfunction could lead to reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Kanter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sneha Mani
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott M. Gordon
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Zhang X, Wei H. Role of Decidual Natural Killer Cells in Human Pregnancy and Related Pregnancy Complications. Front Immunol 2021; 12:728291. [PMID: 34512661 PMCID: PMC8426434 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.728291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a unique type of immunological process. Healthy pregnancy is associated with a series of inflammatory events: implantation (inflammation), gestation (anti-inflammation), and parturition (inflammation). As the most abundant leukocytes during pregnancy, natural killer (NK) cells are recruited and activated by ovarian hormones and have pivotal roles throughout pregnancy. During the first trimester, NK cells represent up to 50–70% of decidua lymphocytes. Differently from peripheral-blood NK cells, decidual natural killer (dNK) cells are poorly cytolytic, and they release cytokines/chemokines that induce trophoblast invasion, tissue remodeling, embryonic development, and placentation. NK cells can also shift to a cytotoxic identity and carry out immune defense if infected in utero by pathogens. At late gestation, premature activation of NK cells can lead to a breakdown of tolerance of the maternal–fetal interface and, subsequently, can result in preterm birth. This review is focused on the role of dNK cells in normal pregnancy and pathological pregnancy, including preeclampsia, recurrent spontaneous abortion, endometriosis, and recurrent implantation failure. dNK cells could be targets for the treatment of pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhong Zhang
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Division of Molecular Medicine, The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Bhagirath AY, Medapati MR, de Jesus VC, Yadav S, Hinton M, Dakshinamurti S, Atukorallaya D. Role of Maternal Infections and Inflammatory Responses on Craniofacial Development. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2021; 2:735634. [PMID: 35048051 PMCID: PMC8757860 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.735634] [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: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a tightly regulated immunological state. Mild environmental perturbations can affect the developing fetus significantly. Infections can elicit severe immunological cascades in the mother's body as well as the developing fetus. Maternal infections and resulting inflammatory responses can mediate epigenetic changes in the fetal genome, depending on the developmental stage. The craniofacial development begins at the early stages of embryogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the immunology of pregnancy and its responsive mechanisms on maternal infections. Further, we will also discuss the epigenetic effects of pathogens, their metabolites and resulting inflammatory responses on the fetus with a special focus on craniofacial development. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of infections and dysregulated inflammatory responses during prenatal development could provide better insights into the origins of craniofacial birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Y. Bhagirath
- Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Manoj Reddy Medapati
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Vivianne Cruz de Jesus
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sneha Yadav
- Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India
| | - Martha Hinton
- Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shyamala Dakshinamurti
- Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Devi Atukorallaya
- Biology of Breathing, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Biology and pathology of the uterine microenvironment and its natural killer cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:2101-2113. [PMID: 34426671 PMCID: PMC8429689 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00739-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissues are the new frontier of discoveries in immunology. Cells of the immune system are an integral part of tissue physiology and immunity. Determining how immune cells inhabit, housekeep, and defend gut, lung, brain, liver, uterus, and other organs helps revealing the intimate details of tissue physiology and may offer new therapeutic targets to treat pathologies. The uterine microenvironment modulates the development and function of innate lymphoid cells [ILC, largely represented by natural killer (NK) cells], macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells. These immune cells, in turn, contribute to tissue homeostasis. Regulated by ovarian hormones, the human uterine mucosa (endometrium) undergoes ~400 monthly cycles of breakdown and regeneration from menarche to menopause, with its fibroblasts, glands, blood vessels, and immune cells remodeling the tissue into the transient decidua. Even more transformative changes occur upon blastocyst implantation. Before the placenta is formed, the endometrial glands feed the embryo by histiotrophic nutrition while the uterine spiral arteries are stripped of their endothelial layer and smooth muscle actin. This arterial remodeling is carried out by invading fetal trophoblast and maternal immune cells, chiefly uterine NK (uNK) cells, which also assist fetal growth. The transformed arteries no longer respond to maternal stimuli and meet the increasing demands of the growing fetus. This review focuses on how the everchanging uterine microenvironment affects uNK cells and how uNK cells regulate homeostasis of the decidua, placenta development, and fetal growth. Determining these pathways will help understand the causes of major pregnancy complications.
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Shmeleva EV, Colucci F. Maternal natural killer cells at the intersection between reproduction and mucosal immunity. Mucosal Immunol 2021; 14:991-1005. [PMID: 33903735 PMCID: PMC8071844 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-020-00374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many maternal immune cells populate the decidua, which is the mucosal lining of the uterus transformed during pregnancy. Here, abundant natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages help the uterine vasculature adapt to fetal demands for gas and nutrients, thereby supporting fetal growth. Fetal trophoblast cells budding off the forming placenta and invading deep into maternal tissues come into contact with these and other immune cells. Besides their homeostatic functions, decidual NK cells can respond to pathogens during infection, but in doing so, they may become conflicted between destroying the invader and sustaining fetoplacental growth. We review how maternal NK cells balance their double duty both in the local microenvironment of the uterus and systemically, during toxoplasmosis, influenza, cytomegalovirus, malaria and other infections that threat pregnancy. We also discuss recent developments in the understanding of NK-cell responses to SARS-Cov-2 infection and the possible dangers of COVID-19 during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniya V Shmeleva
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Gonzalez VD, Huang YW, Delgado-Gonzalez A, Chen SY, Donoso K, Sachs K, Gentles AJ, Allard GM, Kolahi KS, Howitt BE, Porpiglia E, Fantl WJ. High-grade serous ovarian tumor cells modulate NK cell function to create an immune-tolerant microenvironment. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109632. [PMID: 34469729 PMCID: PMC8546503 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is unresponsive to immune checkpoint blockade despite significant frequencies of exhausted T cells. Here we apply mass cytometry and uncover decidual-like natural killer (dl-NK) cell subpopulations (CD56+CD9+CXCR3+KIR+CD3-CD16-) in newly diagnosed HGSC samples that correlate with both tumor and transitioning epithelial-mesenchymal cell abundance. We show different combinatorial expression patterns of ligands for activating and inhibitory NK receptors within three HGSC tumor compartments: epithelial (E), transitioning epithelial-mesenchymal (EV), and mesenchymal (vimentin expressing [V]), with a more inhibitory ligand phenotype in V cells. In cocultures, NK-92 natural killer cells acquire CD9 from HGSC tumor cells by trogocytosis, resulting in reduced anti-tumor cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity in these cocultures is restored with a CD9-blocking antibody or CD9 CRISPR knockout, thereby identifying mechanisms of immune suppression in HGSC. CD9 is widely expressed in HGSC tumors and so represents an important new therapeutic target with immediate relevance for NK immunotherapy.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Carboplatin/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Coculture Techniques
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Female
- Humans
- Immune Tolerance/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/immunology
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Ovarian Neoplasms/immunology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Phenotype
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/metabolism
- Tetraspanin 29/metabolism
- Trogocytosis
- Tumor Escape/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica D Gonzalez
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ying-Wen Huang
- Department of Urology Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Shih-Yu Chen
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kenyi Donoso
- Department of Urology Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karen Sachs
- Next Generation Analytics, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA
| | - Andrew J Gentles
- Department of Medicine (Quantitative Sciences Unit, Biomedical Informatics) Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Grace M Allard
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kevin S Kolahi
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brooke E Howitt
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ermelinda Porpiglia
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wendy J Fantl
- Department of Urology Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Sun JY, Wu R, Xu J, Xue HY, Lu XJ, Ji J. Placental Immune Tolerance and Organ Transplantation: Underlying Interconnections and Clinical Implications. Front Immunol 2021; 12:705950. [PMID: 34413856 PMCID: PMC8370472 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.705950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system recognizes and attacks non-self antigens, making up the cornerstone of immunity activity against infection. However, during organ transplantation, the immune system also attacks transplanted organs and leads to immune rejection and transplantation failure. Interestingly, although the embryo and placenta are semi-allografts, like transplanted organs, they can induce maternal tolerance and be free of a vigorous immune response. Also, embryo or placenta-related antibodies might adversely affect subsequent organ transplantation despite the immune tolerance during pregnancy. Therefore, the balance between the immune tolerance in maternal-fetal interface and normal infection defense provides a possible desensitization and tolerance strategy to improve transplantation outcomes. A few studies on mechanisms and clinical applications have been performed to explore the relationship between maternal-fetal immune tolerance and organ transplantation. However, up to now, the mechanisms underlying maternal-fetal immune tolerance remain vague. In this review, we provide an overview on the current understanding of immune tolerance mechanisms underlying the maternal-fetal interface, summarize the interconnection between immune tolerance and organ transplantation, and describe the adverse effect of pregnancy alloimmunization on organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yu Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Digestive Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Huai'an Second People's Hospital and The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Hui-Ying Xue
- The Reproductive Center, Huai'an Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Xiao-Jie Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiansong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University/Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
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