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Tamil Barathi P, Mohanapriya A. Pre-eclampsia: Re-visiting pathophysiology, role of immune cells, biomarker identification and recent advances in its management. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104236. [PMID: 38555746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104236] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a hypertension condition that occurs exclusively during pregnancy and has the potential to impact nearly all organ systems. It is estimated to complicate approximately 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide. PE is a prominent medical disorder that poses a significant risk to pregnant mothers and their infants. This review commences by giving the most up-to- date concepts about the pathophysiology of PE. The condition involves atypical infiltration of trophoblast cells into the spiral arteries of the decidua and myometrium, resulting in an insufficient establishment of proper blood flow between the uterus and placenta. The aberrant activation of natural killer (NK) cells in both the peripheral blood and the decidua has been identified as one of the contributing factors to the development of PE. The strong evidence for the genetic etiology of PE is provided by the association between maternal killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA-C) in trophoblast cells. Recent observations provide evidence that changes in the expression of anti-angiogenic factors in the placenta are the underlying cause of the clinical symptoms associated with the condition. This review also provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in understanding the underlying causes of PE. It specifically highlights the emergence of new diagnostic biomarkers and their potential implications for therapeutic interventions in managing this medical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palanisamy Tamil Barathi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India.
| | - Arumugam Mohanapriya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India.
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2
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Li JW, Xv H, Wan RT. Bibliometric analysis of the global trends in immune-related recurrent pregnancy loss research over the last two decades. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024; 50:828-841. [PMID: 38467350 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15907] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
PROBLEM A comprehensive analysis was conducted to explore the scientific output on immune-related recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and its key aspects. Despite the lack of clear explanations for most RPL cases, immune factors were found to play a significant role. METHOD OF STUDY The study utilized a bibliometric approach, searching the Web of Science Core Collection database for relevant literature published between 2004 and 2023. RESULTS The collected dataset consisted of 2228 articles and reviews, revealing a consistent increase in publications and citations over the past two decades. The analysis identified the United States and China as the most productive countries in terms of RPL research. Among the institutions, Fudan University in China emerged as the top contributor, followed by Shanghai Jiaotong University. Kwak-kim J was the most prolific author, while Christiansen Ob had the highest number of co-citations. The top 25 co-cited references on diagnosis, treatment, and mechanisms formed the foundation of knowledge in this field. By examining keyword co-occurrence and co-citations, the study found that antiphospholipid syndrome and natural killer cells were the primary areas of focus in immune-related RPL research. Additionally, three emerging hotspots were identified: chronic endometritis, inflammation, and decidual macrophages. These aspects demonstrated increasing interest and research activity within the field of immune-related RPL. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this comprehensive bibliometric analysis provided valuable insights into the patterns, frontiers, and focal points of global scientific output related to immune-related RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wei Li
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Honglin Xv
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ren-Tao Wan
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
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3
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Cuadrado-Torroglosa I, García-Velasco JA, Alecsandru D. Maternal-Fetal Compatibility in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2379. [PMID: 38673652 PMCID: PMC11051463 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is an undesirable condition suffered by many patients of reproductive age. In this scenario, certain immune cell populations and molecules, involved in maternal-fetal compatibility, have emerged as factors related with the pathogenesis of RPL. Among them, uterine Natural Killer cells (uNKs) appear to be of great relevance. These cells are involved in numerous processes during pregnancy, such as the remodeling of uterine spiral arteries or the control of trophoblast invasion. These functions are regulated by the interactions that these cells establish with the extravillous trophoblast, mainly through their Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIRs) and the Human Leukocyte Antigen-C (HLA-C) molecules expressed by the embryo. A high level of polymorphism has been reported for both molecules involved in this interaction, with some of the possible KIR-HLA-C combinations being associated with an increased risk of RPL. However, the complexity of the maternal-fetal interface goes beyond this, as other HLA molecules also appear to be related to this reproductive pathology. In this review, we will discuss the role of uNKs in pregnancy, as well as the polymorphisms and clinical implications of KIR-HLA-C binding. We will also address the involvement of other, different HLA molecules in RPL, and the current advice on the appropriate management of patients with 'immunological mismatch', thus covering the main aspects regarding the involvement of maternal-fetal compatibility in RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Cuadrado-Torroglosa
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
| | - Juan A. García-Velasco
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Av. del Talgo, 68, 28023 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Av. del Talgo, 68, 28023 Madrid, Spain
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Feyaerts D, Benner M, Comitini G, Shadmanfar W, van der Heijden OW, Joosten I, van der Molen RG. NK cell receptor profiling of endometrial and decidual NK cells reveals pregnancy-induced adaptations. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1353556. [PMID: 38571943 PMCID: PMC10987737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1353556] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, with a unique NK cell receptor phenotype, are abundantly present in the non-pregnant (endometrium) and pregnant (decidua) humanuterine mucosa. It is hypothesized that NK cells in the endometrium are precursors for decidual NK cells present during pregnancy. Microenvironmental changes can alter the phenotype of NK cells, but it is unclear whether decidual NK cell precursors in the endometrium alter their NK cell receptor repertoire under the influence of pregnancy. To examine whether decidual NK cell precursors reveal phenotypic modifications upon pregnancy, we immunophenotyped the NK cell receptor repertoire of both endometrial and early-pregnancy decidual NK cells using flow cytometry. We showed that NK cells in pre-pregnancy endometrium have a different phenotypic composition compared to NK cells in early-pregnancy decidua. The frequency of killer-immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR expressing NK cells, especially KIR2DS1, KIR2DL2L3S2, and KIR2DL2S2 was significantly lower in decidua, while the frequency of NK cells expressing activating receptors NKG2D, NKp30, NKp46, and CD244 was significantly higher compared to endometrium. Furthermore, co-expression patterns showed a lower frequency of NK cells co-expressing KIR3DL1S1 and KIR2DL2L3S2 in decidua. Our results provide new insights into the adaptations in NK cell receptor repertoire composition that NK cells in the uterine mucosa undergo upon pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Feyaerts
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory for Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marilen Benner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory for Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Gaia Comitini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory for Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Irma Joosten
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory for Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Renate G. van der Molen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory for Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Eliwa J, Papas RS, Kutteh WH. Expanding the role of chromosomal microarray analysis in the evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 161:104188. [PMID: 38171035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104188] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Multiple factors contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This review highlights the latest international guidelines for RPL workup, including immunological testing, by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). These three societies recommend testing for antiphospholipid syndrome. ESHRE and RCOG also recommend thyroid peroxidase antibody testing, whereas ASRM does not. All guidelines advise against testing of natural killer cells, cytokines, antinuclear antibodies, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility, anti-HLA antibodies, and anti-sperm antibodies. However, when following ASRM, ESHRE or RCOG diagnostic guidelines, over 50% of cases have no identifiable cause. Genetic testing of products of conception (POC) can improve our understanding of unexplained RPL as aneuploidy is a common cause of RPL. Based on studies reporting results from chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of POC, we propose a novel algorithm for RPL evaluation. The algorithm involves following evidence-based societal guidelines (published by ASRM, ESHRE, or RCOG), excluding parental karyotyping, in combination with CMA testing of miscarriage tissue. When utilizing this new evaluation algorithm, the number of unexplained cases of RPL decreases from over 50% to less than 10%. As a result, most patients are provided an explanation for their loss and healthcare costs are potentially reduced. Patients with an otherwise negative workup with euploid POC, are classified as "truly unexplained RPL". These patients are excellent candidates for enrollment in randomized, controlled trials examining novel immunological testing and treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Eliwa
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center-Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ralph S Papas
- Infertility Division, Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, St George Hospital - University Medical Center - University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - William H Kutteh
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center-Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA; Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Center, Fertility Associates of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Choi EJ, Baek IC, Park S, Kim HJ, Kim TG. Development of cost-effective and fast KIR genotyping by multiplex PCR-SSP. HLA 2024; 103:e15191. [PMID: 37688498 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) control natural killer (NK) cell functions by recognizing HLA molecules and modulating the activity of NK cells. The KIR gene cluster contains polymorphic and highly homologous genes. Diversity of the KIR region is achieved through differences in gene content, allelic polymorphism, and gene copy number, which result in unrelated individuals having different KIR genotypes and individualized immune responses that are relevant to multiple aspects of human health and disease. Therefore, KIR genotyping is increasingly used in epidemiological studies. Here, we developed multiplex polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) to compensate for the shortcomings of the conventional PCR-SSP method, which is most commonly used for KIR analysis. Multiplex PCR-SSP method involves six multiplex reactions that detect 16 KIR genes and distinguish variant types of some KIR genes by adding two reactions. The assay was evaluated in a blind survey using a panel of 40 reference DNA standards from the UCLA KIR Exchange Program. The results are 100% concordant with the genotype determined using Luminex-based reverse sequence-specific oligonucleotide typing systems. Additionally, we investigated the currently known 16 KIR genes and their common variants in 120 unrelated Korean individuals. The results were consistent with the KIR genotype previously reported by Hwang et al. This multiplex PCR-SSP is an efficient method for analyzing KIR genotypes in both small- and large-scale studies with minimal labor, reagents, and DNA. Furthermore, by providing a better definition of KIR polymorphisms it can contribute to developments in immunogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jeong Choi
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Cheol Baek
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Silvia Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, Leukemia Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Je Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, Leukemia Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tai-Gyu Kim
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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7
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Gan X, Ning F, Lash GE. Methods for Co-culture of Primary Human Extravillous Trophoblast Cells and Uterine Natural Killer Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2728:183-194. [PMID: 38019402 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3495-0_16] [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: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
During early pregnancy, fetal-derived extravillous trophoblast cells (EVT) from the placenta invade the maternal decidua and inner third of the uterus where they establish fetal tolerance and remodel the uterine spiral arteries, which ensures establishment of a successful pregnancy. Aberrant EVT invasion and spiral artery remodeling is associated with a number of pregnancy complications including miscarriage, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and placenta accrete. During invasion of the maternal tissues, the EVT interact with a number of different cell types including the decidual leukocytes. EVT express HLA-C, HLA-G, HLA-E, and HLA-F and interact with uterine natural killer (uNK) cells through a series of different receptors. Epidemiological evidence suggests that different combinations of HLA-C and killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) haplotypes impact pregnancy success. Therefore, there is much interest in the functional consequence of interactions between EVT and uNK cells, and several different methodologies have been used to isolate these different cell types and their co-culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Gan
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fen Ning
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gendie E Lash
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Wasilewska A, Grabowska M, Moskalik-Kierat D, Brzoza M, Laudański P, Garley M. Immunological Aspects of Infertility-The Role of KIR Receptors and HLA-C Antigen. Cells 2023; 13:59. [PMID: 38201263 PMCID: PMC10778566 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010059] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of immune tolerance of a mother against an antigenically foreign fetus without a concomitant loss of defense capabilities against pathogens are the factors underlying the success of a pregnancy. A significant role in human defense is played by killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) receptors, which regulate the function of the natural killer (NK) cells capable of destroying antigenically foreign cells, virus-infected cells, or tumor-lesioned cells. A special subpopulation of NK cells called uterine NK cells (uNK) is found in the uterus. Disruption of the tolerance process or overactivity of immune-competent cells can lead to immune infertility, a situation in which a woman's immune system attacks her own reproductive cells, making it impossible to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Since the prominent role of the inflammatory response in infertility, including KIR receptors and NK cells, has been postulated, the process of antigen presentation involving major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (HLA) appears to be crucial for a successful pregnancy. Proper interactions between KIR receptors on female uNK cells and HLA class I molecules, with a predominant role for HLA-C, found on the surface of germ cells, are strategically important during embryo implantation. In addition, maintaining a functional balance between activating and inhibitory KIR receptors is essential for proper placenta formation and embryo implantation in the uterus. A disruption of this balance can lead to complications during pregnancy. The discovery of links between KIR and HLA-C has provided valuable information about the complexity of maternal-fetal immune interactions that determine the success of a pregnancy. The great diversity of maternal KIR and fetal HLA-C ligands is associated with the occurrence of KIR/HLA-C combinations that are more or less favorable for reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wasilewska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Marcelina Grabowska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Dominika Moskalik-Kierat
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Martyna Brzoza
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Piotr Laudański
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Calisia University, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
- OVIklinika Infertility Center, 01-377 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Garley
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Białystok, Poland
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Atasoy Karakas L, Esin S, Sahin Uysal N, Tohma YA, Onalan G, Zeyneloglu HB. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in assisted reproductive technology treatment does not increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2023; 43:2186776. [PMID: 36899463 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2023.2186776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to compare the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies resulting from assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment in which granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was used with those in which it was not. In this retrospective study, the clinical data of 122 dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies were reviewed. Pregnancies were divided into two groups, G-CSF-treated and non-G-CSF treated. Maternal age, gestational week at birth, oligohydramnios, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, first-trimester bleeding, gestational diabetes, rupture of membrane, foetal congenital anomalies, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, birth weight (BW), small for gestational age, BW discordance, Apgar score and placental weight were compared between the groups.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administrations increase pregnancy outcomes and do not have a negative effect on perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies.What the results of this study add? This study showed that the perinatal outcome of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies conceived after assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment was similar in the GSF administrated and non-GSF administrated groups.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Using G-CSF to increase the success of ART does not seem to have an adverse outcome in the dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latife Atasoy Karakas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sertac Esin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nihal Sahin Uysal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Aytac Tohma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gogsen Onalan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hulusi Bulent Zeyneloglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
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Marin NSI, Fuente-Muñoz EDL, Gil-Laborda R, Villegas Á, Alonso-Arenilla B, Cristóbal I, Pilar-Suárez L, Jiménez-Huete A, Calvo M, Sarria B, Mansilla-Ruiz M, Ochoa J, Fernández-Arquero M, Sánchez-Ramón S. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a potential biomarker for recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure: Increased levels of MDSCs in recurrent reproductive failure. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13783. [PMID: 37881123 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13783] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) represent distinct clinical conditions with established definitions, both of which have been linked to an underlying pro-inflammatory state. This study aimed to explore the levels of monocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (TReg ) in a cohort of RPL and RIF women and their potential contribution to RPL and RIF. METHOD OF STUDY One hundred and eight non-pregnant women were evaluated: 40 RPL, 41 RIF, and 27 fertile healthy controls (HC). A multiparametric flow cytometry approach was utilized to measure and quantify the frequency of M-MDSCs and TReg cells. Cytokine levels in plasma samples were evaluated through a multiplex assay. M-MDSCs levels were significantly higher in RPL and RIF patients compared to HC. RESULTS M-MDSCs levels were significantly higher in RPL (9.4% [7-11.6]) and RIF (8.1% [5.9-11.6]) patients compared to HC (6% [4.2-7.6]). An optimal cut-off of 6.1% for M-MDSCs disclosed a sensitivity of 75.6% and 89.7% and a specificity of 57.7% and 57.7% in RIF and RPL groups, respectively. A significant negative correlation was observed between M-MDSCs and TReg (p = .002, r = -.51). CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary data allowed us to build a predictive model that may aid as a potential diagnostic tool in the clinic. These findings could provide a better understanding of these pathologies and a better definition of patients that could benefit from personalized treatments to promote pregnancy. Additional exploration and confirmation in distinct study groups are needed to fully assess the diagnostic capabilities of this biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Subhi-Issa Marin
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Gil-Laborda
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángela Villegas
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ignacio Cristóbal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lydia Pilar-Suárez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta Calvo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Sarria
- Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Institute of Food Science, Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariló Mansilla-Ruiz
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juliana Ochoa
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Fernández-Arquero
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Sánchez-Ramón
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
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Surcel M, Neamtiu IA, Muresan D, Goidescu I, Staicu A, Marta MM, Nemeti G, Harsa R, Doroftei B, Capilna ME, Caracostea G. Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Genotypes and Reproductive Outcomes in a Group of Infertile Women: A Romanian Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3048. [PMID: 37835791 PMCID: PMC10572162 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193048] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that endometrial immune disorders may be responsible for endometrial dysfunctions that can lead to gynecological and obstetrical pathology. The aim of this study was to explore the potential relationship between different killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypes and reproductive outcomes. We conducted a prospective cohort study that included 104 infertile patients undergoing an in vitro fertilization procedure. All participants underwent clinical and ultrasound examination, genetic evaluation (KIR genotyping), endometrial washing fluid sampling for cytokine determination, endometrial tissue sampling for histologic assessment and hysteroscopic evaluation. Our analysis showed statistically significant lower levels of uterine cytokines TNF-α (p = 0.001) and IL-1beta (p = 0.000) in the KIR AA genotype group as compared to KIR AB and BB among study participants with chronic endometritis. The study results suggest that the KIR AA genotype population subgroups may be more susceptible to developing endometrial disorders such as chronic endometritis. The changes in the behavior of NK cells seem to be subtle and expressed as an altered regulatory pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Surcel
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.S.); (D.M.); (I.G.); (A.S.); (G.N.); (G.C.)
| | - Iulia Adina Neamtiu
- Health Department, Environmental Health Center, Part of ALS, 58 Busuiocului Street, 400240 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, 30 Fantanele Street, 400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel Muresan
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.S.); (D.M.); (I.G.); (A.S.); (G.N.); (G.C.)
| | - Iulian Goidescu
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.S.); (D.M.); (I.G.); (A.S.); (G.N.); (G.C.)
| | - Adelina Staicu
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.S.); (D.M.); (I.G.); (A.S.); (G.N.); (G.C.)
| | - Monica Mihaela Marta
- Department of Medical Education, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Georgiana Nemeti
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.S.); (D.M.); (I.G.); (A.S.); (G.N.); (G.C.)
| | - Radu Harsa
- In Vitro fertilization Department, “Regina Maria” Hospital, 29 Dorobantilor Street, 400117 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Doroftei
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Mihai Emil Capilna
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine, Pharmacy Science and Technology “George Emil Palade”, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Gabriela Caracostea
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.S.); (D.M.); (I.G.); (A.S.); (G.N.); (G.C.)
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12
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Casey H, Dennehy N, Fraser A, Lees C, McEniery C, Scott K, Wilkinson I, Delles C. Placental syndromes and maternal cardiovascular health. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:1211-1224. [PMID: 37606085 PMCID: PMC10447226 DOI: 10.1042/cs20211130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The placental syndromes gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk to the mother later in life. In this review, we argue that a woman's pre-conception cardiovascular health drives both the development of placental syndromes and long-term cardiovascular risk but acknowledge that placental syndromes can also contribute to future cardiovascular risk independent of pre-conception health. We describe how preclinical studies in models of preeclampsia inform our understanding of the links with later cardiovascular disease, and how current pre-pregnancy studies may explain relative contributions of both pre-conception factors and the occurrence of placental syndromes to long-term cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Casey
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K
| | - Natalie Dennehy
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, U.K
| | - Abigail Fraser
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, and the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - Christoph Lees
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, U.K
| | - Carmel M. McEniery
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, U.K
| | - Kayley Scott
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K
| | - Ian B. Wilkinson
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, U.K
| | - Christian Delles
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K
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13
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Cuadrado-Torroglosa I, Pacheco A, Barrio A, Garrido N, Aparicio P, Pellicer N, García-Velasco JA, Alecsandru D. Increased cytotoxic natural killer cells in the endometrium alone cannot be considered the immunological cause of recurrent miscarriage. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:101-110. [PMID: 36828055 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.02.024] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the distribution and gene expression of endometrial immune cell populations, especially natural killer (NK) subsets, between assisted reproductive technology patients and healthy donors and explore a possible relationship of these results with patients' killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypes and KIR-human antigen leukocyte-C (HLA-C) binding. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING Clinic and university laboratories. PATIENT(S) Participants included 39 women with recurrent miscarriages who had undergone in vitro fertilization cycles with donated oocytes and 21 healthy oocyte donors with proven fertility. INTERVENTION(S) Endometrial biopsy samples were collected from both patients and donors, and the KIR genotypes of the assisted reproductive technology patients were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Endometrial gene expression (cluster of differentiation [CD] antigens and anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory interleukins) and the number and percentage of regulatory T and NK cell populations in patients and donors were determined. Subsequently, the results obtained were categorized in the group of patients by KIR genotype. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor-HLA-C binding was also examined in patients, considering their KIRs. RESULT(S) A higher percentage of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells were observed in patients than those in healthy donors. Nevertheless, when categorizing patients by KIR genotype and comparing the KIR AA (35.9%), AB (43.6%), and BB (20.5%) groups, no statistically significant difference was observed in either endometrial gene expression or any of the immune cell populations analyzed. Finally, no differences in binding between KIR and HLA-C molecules were registered among these 3 sets of patients. CONCLUSION(S) The reported increase in the number of NK cells with a cytotoxic profile in the endometrium of women with a history of recurrent miscarriages cannot alone explain these events because no relationship is observed between such cellular increase and the KIR genotypes, which individually, and in combination with the different HLA-C alleles, have also been associated, by previous studies, with negative reproductive outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 1405-MAD-025-JG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Pacheco
- Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain; Department of Health Sciences, Alfonso X "El Sabio" University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Barrio
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Aparicio
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain; Department of Immunology, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Pellicer
- Women's Health Area, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Department of Immunology, IVIRMA, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Jinno M, Tamaoka Y, Teruya K, Watanabe A, Hatakeyama N, Goda T, Kimata H, Jinno Y. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor priming improves embryos and pregnancy rate in patients with poor ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:29. [PMID: 36944952 PMCID: PMC10029156 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01082-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration increased ovarian preantral follicles and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in animal models with diminished ovarian reserve. We investigated whether G-CSF priming before treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART) improved embryo development and pregnancy rate while increasing serum AMH in patients with poor ovarian reserve. METHODS In this prospective randomized open-label controlled trial, 100 patients 20 to 42 years old with AMH below 2 ng/mL were randomized to priming or control groups (50 patients each). None had over 1 ART failure, day-3 follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) above 30 IU/L, uterine anomalies, or a partner with azoospermia. All patients initially underwent conventional infertility treatment for 2 consecutive cycles in which the priming group but not controls received a subcutaneous G-CSF priming injection during the early luteal phase. Each group then underwent 1 cycle of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and fresh embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-fresh ET), followed by cryopreserved ET if needed until live birth or embryo depletion. AMH was measured before and after priming. RESULTS Fertilization rate, embryonic development, and implantation rate by fresh ET were significantly improved by priming. Clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates by IVF/ICSI-fresh ET were significantly higher with priming (30% and 26% in 47 ART patients; 3 delivered with conventional treatment) than in controls (12% and 10% in 49 ART patients; 1 dropped out). With priming, significantly more patients achieved cryopreservation of redundant blastocysts. The cumulative live birth rate was 32% in 50 patients with priming, significantly higher than 14% in 49 controls (relative risk, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-7.7). Infants derived from priming had no congenital anomalies, while infant weights, birth weeks, and Apgar scores were similar between groups. Among 4 variables (age, day-3 FSH, AMH, and priming), logistic regression significantly associated age and priming with cumulative live birth. Priming significantly increased serum AMH. No adverse effects of priming were observed. CONCLUSION G-CSF priming improved embryonic development and pregnancy rate during ART treatment and increased AMH in patients with poor ovarian reserve. Enhanced preantral follicle growth likely was responsible. TRIAL REGISTRATION UMIN registration in Japan (UMIN000013956) on May 14, 2014. https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm .
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Affiliation(s)
- Masao Jinno
- Women's Clinic Jinno, 3-11-7 Kokuryou-Chou, Choufu City, Tokyo, 182-0022, Japan.
| | - Yukoku Tamaoka
- Ikebukuro Metropolitan Clinic, Toshima-Ku, Tokyo, 171-0021, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inagi Municipal Hospital, Inagi City, Tokyo, 206-0801, Japan
| | - Koji Teruya
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, Mitaka City, Tokyo, 181-8612, Japan
| | - Aiko Watanabe
- Women's Clinic Jinno, 3-11-7 Kokuryou-Chou, Choufu City, Tokyo, 182-0022, Japan
| | - Naohisa Hatakeyama
- Women's Clinic Jinno, 3-11-7 Kokuryou-Chou, Choufu City, Tokyo, 182-0022, Japan
| | - Tomoya Goda
- Women's Clinic Jinno, 3-11-7 Kokuryou-Chou, Choufu City, Tokyo, 182-0022, Japan
| | - Hayato Kimata
- Women's Clinic Jinno, 3-11-7 Kokuryou-Chou, Choufu City, Tokyo, 182-0022, Japan
| | - Yuichi Jinno
- Women's Clinic Jinno, 3-11-7 Kokuryou-Chou, Choufu City, Tokyo, 182-0022, Japan
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15
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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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16
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The Influence of Maternal KIR Haplotype on the Reproductive Outcomes after Single Embryo Transfer in IVF Cycles in Patients with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Implantation Failure-A Single Center Experience. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051905. [PMID: 36902692 PMCID: PMC10004330 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) have in common a deficient maternal adaptation to the semi-allogeneic fetus, in which killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family expressed by natural killer (NK) cells play an important role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of maternal KIR haplotype on the reproductive outcomes after single embryo transfer in IVF cycles in patients with RPL and RIF. (2) Methods: Patients with RIF and RPL who presented at Origyn Fertility Center from Iasi, Romania, were prospectively enrolled between January 2020 and December 2022. Clinical and paraclinical data was examined. Descriptive statistics and a conditional logistic regression model were used to analyze our data. (3) Results: Patients with a KIR AA haplotype had significantly more chances of miscarriage if they underwent an IVF procedure (aOR: 4.15, 95% CI: 1.39-6.50, p = 0.032) compared with those who spontaneously achieved a pregnancy. Moreover, it appeared that the same haplotype increased the chances of obtaining a pregnancy for patients who underwent an IVF procedure (aOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 0.85-6.75, p = 0.023). (4) Conclusions: Determination of KIR haplotype could be beneficial for patients with RPL or RIF in order to offer an individualized management.
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17
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Andreescu M, Frîncu F, Plotogea M, Mehedințu C. Recurrent Abortion and the Involvement of Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) Genes, Activated T Cells, NK Abnormalities, and Cytokine Profiles. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041355. [PMID: 36835892 PMCID: PMC9968158 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune tolerance at the feto-maternal interface is crucial for the growth of the semi-allograft fetus in the womb. The outcome of pregnancy is dependent on a fine balance between various immunological forces. For a long time, the potential role of the immune system in pregnancy disorders has remained enigmatic. Current evidence has revealed that natural killer (NK) cells are the predominant immune cell population in the uterine decidua. NK cells cooperate with T-cells to provide an optimal microenvironment for the growth of the developing fetus by producing cytokines, chemokines, and angiogenic factors. These factors support trophoblast migration and angiogenesis which regulates the process of placentation. NK cells differentiate between "self" and "non-self" through their surface receptors known as killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). They induce immune tolerance through communication via their KIR and fetal human leucocyte antigens (HLA). KIRs are surface receptors of NKs that comprise both activating and inhibiting receptors. Due to the wide diversity manifested by its genes, the KIR repertoire is different in each individual. Significant evidence has implicated KIRs in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA); however, maternal KIR gene diversity in RSA is still unclear. Research has shown that immunological aberrancies including activating KIRs, NK abnormalities, and T cell downregulation are risk factors for RSA. In this review, we discuss relevant data from experimental studies on NK cell abnormalities, KIR, and T-cells in the incidence of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Andreescu
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University of Bucharest, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesca Frîncu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 01171 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Mihaela Plotogea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nicolae Malaxa Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudia Mehedințu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 01171 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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18
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Rao VA, Kurian NK, Rao KA. Cytokines, NK cells and regulatory T cell functions in normal pregnancy and reproductive failures. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13667. [PMID: 36480305 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Pregnancy brings about an intricate assortment of dynamic changes, which causes proper connection of genetically discordant maternal and foetal tissues. Uterine NK cells are immune cells populating the endometrium and play a major role in implantation and also regulate placentation. This review mainly aims explore the role of uterine NK cells in implantation and how it is affecting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Though the functions of uterine NK (uNK) cells are not clearly understood, NK cell activity plays a vital role during immunomodulation which is the main step in implantation and sustaining the early pregnancy. Cytokines, cell surface receptors of NK cells and hormones such as progesterone modulate the NK cell activity in turn affect the implantation of the embryo. Altered NK cell activity (number and functionality) would be an important attributing factor in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, T regulatory cells and cytokines also modulate the immune responses in the decidua which in turn contributes to successful implantation of embryos. SUMMARY Immunological responses and interactions in the Foetus-maternal interface is crucial in the successful implantation of allogenic foetus resulting in a healthy pregnancy. NK cells, Treg cells and cytokines play a major role in successful implantation which remains an enigma. Comprehending pregnancy-induced immunological changes at the foetus-maternal interface will allow newer therapeutic strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noble K Kurian
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Kamini A Rao
- Department, of Reproductive Medicine, Bangalore, India
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19
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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20
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Brosens JJ, Bennett PR, Abrahams VM, Ramhorst R, Coomarasamy A, Quenby S, Lucas ES, McCoy RC. Maternal selection of human embryos in early gestation: Insights from recurrent miscarriage. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:14-24. [PMID: 35094946 PMCID: PMC9325922 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Compared to most mammals, human pregnancy is unusual in that it involves chromosomally diverse embryos, cyclical breakdown and regeneration of the uterine mucosa, and intimate integration of fetal and maternal cells at the uteroplacental interface. Not surprisingly, pregnancy often falters in early gestation. Whether these losses result in clinical miscarriages depends on the origins and impacts of chromosomal errors on fetal development and the ability of the decidualizing endometrium to engage in embryo biosensing and selection. Aneuploidy originating in oocytes during meiosis drives the age-related risk of miscarriage. By contrast, the frequency of endometrial cycles with an impaired decidual response may account for the stepwise increase in miscarriage rates with each pregnancy loss independently of maternal age. Additional physiological mechanisms operate in early gestation to ensure that most failing pregnancies are lost before vascular maternal-fetal connections are established by the end of the first trimester. Here, we summarise how investigations into the mechanisms that cause miscarriage led to new insights into the processes that govern maternal selection of human embryos in early gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales IQUIBICEN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rajiv C McCoy
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
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21
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Habets DHJ, Schlütter A, van Kuijk SMJ, Spaanderman MEA, Al‐Nasiry S, Wieten L. Natural killer cell profiles in recurrent pregnancy loss: Increased expression and positive associations with TACTILE and LILRB1. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13612. [PMID: 36004818 PMCID: PMC9787570 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM NK cells are important for healthy pregnancy and aberrant phenotypes or effector functions have been associated with RPL. We compared expression of a broad panel of NK cell receptors, including immune checkpoint receptors, and investigated their clinical association with RPL as this might improve patient stratification and prediction of RPL. METHOD OF STUDY Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 52 women with RPL and from 2 women with an uncomplicated pregnancy for flowcytometric analysis and plasma was used to determine anti-CMV IgG antibodies. RESULTS Between RPL and controls, we observed no difference in frequencies of T-, NKT or NK cells, in CD56dimCD16+ or CD56brightCD16- NK cell subsets or in the expression of KIRs, NKG2A, NKG2C, NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46 or DNAM1. NK cells from women with RPL had a higher expression of LILRB1 and TACTILE and this was associated with the number of losses. The immune checkpoint receptors PD1, TIM3 and LAG3 were not expressed on peripheral blood NK cells. In RPL patients, there was a large variation in NKG2C expression and higher levels could be explained by CMV seropositivity. CONCLUSION Our study identified LILRB1 and TACTILE as NK cell receptors associated with RPL. Moreover, we provide first support for the potential role of CMV in RPL via its impact on the NK cell compartment. Thereby our study could guide future studies to confirm the clinical association of LILRB1, TACTILE and NKG2C with RPL in a larger cohort and to explore their functional relevance in reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise H. J. Habets
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMaastricht University Medical CentreMaastrichtthe Netherlands,Department of Transplantation ImmunologyMaastricht University Medical CentreMaastrichtthe Netherlands,GROW school for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Anna Schlütter
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMaastricht University Medical CentreMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Sander M. J. van Kuijk
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology AssessmentMaastricht University Medical CentreMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Marc E. A. Spaanderman
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMaastricht University Medical CentreMaastrichtthe Netherlands,GROW school for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands,Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRadboud University Medical CentreNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - Salwan Al‐Nasiry
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMaastricht University Medical CentreMaastrichtthe Netherlands,GROW school for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- Department of Transplantation ImmunologyMaastricht University Medical CentreMaastrichtthe Netherlands,GROW school for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
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22
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Molecular Clues to Understanding Causes of Human-Assisted Reproduction Treatment Failures and Possible Treatment Options. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810357. [PMID: 36142268 PMCID: PMC9499616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
More than forty years after the first birth following in vitro fertilization (IVF), the success rates of IVF and of IVF-derived assisted reproduction techniques (ART) still remain relatively low. Interindividual differences between infertile couples and the nature of the problems underlying their infertility appear to be underestimated nowadays. Consequently, the molecular basis of each couple’s reproductive function and of its disturbances is needed to offer an individualized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to each couple, instead of applying a standard or minimally adapted protocols to everybody. Interindividual differences include sperm and oocyte function and health status, early (preimplantation) embryonic development, the optimal window of uterine receptivity for the implanting embryo, the function of the corpus luteum as the main source of progesterone production during the first days of pregnancy, the timing of the subsequent luteoplacental shift in progesterone production, and aberrant reactions of the uterine immune cells to the implanting and recently implanted embryos. In this article, the molecular basis that underlies each of these abnormalities is reviewed and discussed, with the aim to design specific treatment options to be used for each of them.
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Barry F, Benart L, Robert L, Gala A, Ferrières-Hoa A, Loup V, Anahory T, Brouillet S, Hamamah S. [HLA-C KIR interactions and placental defects: Implications in ART pregnancy issues]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2022; 50:600-609. [PMID: 35724923 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to update data concerning the impact of HLA-C KIR system on placental disorders and assess the involvement on ART clinical outcomes. METHOD Ensuring the maintenance of human pregnancy requires the set up of immunological tolerance to prevent foetus rejection. This phenomenon involves different actors of the immune system: among them, uterine NK cells (uNK) hold specific KIR (killer-cell immunoglobulin-like) receptors linking to HLA molecules on the surface of trophoblastic cells at implantation. Many studies provided evidence that the specific interaction between maternal KIR and foetal HLA-C could influence the process of placentation; according to the KIR haplotype and the type of HLA-C, the interaction could be detrimental for placental function. We reviewed the latest data available regarding HLA-C KIR interactions and ART outcomes. RESULTS The available results highlight a significant increase of preeclampsia risk and recurrent miscarriages when the maternal inhibitory haplotype KIR AA is present, this risk is all the more enhanced when the interaction occurs with foetal HLA-C2. Recent data suggest the consequences of this detrimental interaction in case of DET (double embryo transfer) or use of donor's oocytes in ART practice. On the other hand, maternal KIR AB or BB haplotypes haven't been related to an additional obstetrical risk, as well as the foetal HLA-C1 homozygous allotype. CONCLUSION Despite the existence of many confoundings in current literature on the subject, interaction between maternal KIR and foetal HLA-C represent a promising target lead to broaden the spectrum of placental defects etiologies, especially in the reproductive health area.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barry
- UMR Inserm DEFE 1203, développement embryonnaire, fertilité et environnement, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - L Benart
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - L Robert
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - A Gala
- UMR Inserm DEFE 1203, développement embryonnaire, fertilité et environnement, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - A Ferrières-Hoa
- UMR Inserm DEFE 1203, développement embryonnaire, fertilité et environnement, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - V Loup
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - T Anahory
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - S Brouillet
- UMR Inserm DEFE 1203, développement embryonnaire, fertilité et environnement, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - S Hamamah
- UMR Inserm DEFE 1203, développement embryonnaire, fertilité et environnement, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et CECOS, unité AMP/DPI, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France.
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24
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Pollock NR, Harrison GF, Norman PJ. Immunogenomics of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor (KIR) and HLA Class I: Coevolution and Consequences for Human Health. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:1763-1775. [PMID: 35561968 PMCID: PMC10038757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interactions of killer cell immunoglobin-like receptors (KIR) with human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I regulate effector functions of key cytotoxic cells of innate and adaptive immunity. The extreme diversity of this interaction is genetically determined, having evolved in the ever-changing environment of pathogen exposure. Diversity of KIR and HLA genes is further facilitated by their independent segregation on separate chromosomes. That fetal implantation relies on many of the same types of immune cells as infection control places certain constraints on the evolution of KIR interactions with HLA. Consequently, specific inherited combinations of receptors and ligands may predispose to specific immune-mediated diseases, including autoimmunity. Combinatorial diversity of KIR and HLA class I can also differentiate success rates of immunotherapy directed to these diseases. Progress toward both etiopathology and predicting response to therapy is being achieved through detailed characterization of the extent and consequences of the combinatorial diversity of KIR and HLA. Achieving these goals is more tractable with the development of integrated analyses of molecular evolution, function, and pathology that will establish guidelines for understanding and managing risks. Here, we present what is known about the coevolution of KIR with HLA class I and the impact of their complexity on immune function and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Pollock
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo
| | - Genelle F Harrison
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo
| | - Paul J Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo.
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25
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Von Woon E, Greer O, Shah N, Nikolaou D, Johnson M, Male V. Number and function of uterine natural killer cells in recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:548-582. [PMID: 35265977 PMCID: PMC9247428 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine natural killer cells (uNK) are the most abundant lymphocytes found in the decidua during implantation and in first trimester pregnancy. They are important for early placental development, especially trophoblast invasion and transformation of the spiral arteries. However, inappropriate uNK function has been implicated in reproductive failure, such as recurrent miscarriage (RM) or recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Previous studies have mainly focussed on peripheral NK cells (pNK), despite the well-documented differences in pNK and uNK phenotype and function. In recent years, there has been an explosion of studies conducted on uNK, providing a more suitable representation of the immune environment at the maternal-foetal interface. Here, we summarize the evidence from studies published on uNK in women with RM/RIF compared with controls. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to evaluate: differences in uNK level in women with RM/RIF compared with controls; pregnancy outcome in women with RM/RIF stratified by high and normal uNK levels; correlation between uNK and pNK in women with RM/RIF; and differences in uNK activity in women with RM/RIF compared with controls. SEARCH METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Trials Registry were searched from inception up to December 2020 and studies were selected in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses were performed for uNK level, pregnancy outcome and uNK/pNK correlation. Narrative synthesis was conducted for uNK activity. Risk of bias was assessed by ROBINS-I and publication bias by Egger's test. OUTCOMES Our initial search yielded 4636 articles, of which 60 articles were included in our systematic review. Meta-analysis of CD56+ uNK level in women with RM compared with controls showed significantly higher levels in women with RM in subgroup analysis of endometrial samples (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.49, CI 0.08, 0.90; P = 0.02; I2 88%; 1100 women). Meta-analysis of CD56+ uNK level in endometrium of women with RIF compared with controls showed significantly higher levels in women with RIF (SMD 0.49, CI 0.01, 0.98; P = 0.046; I2 84%; 604 women). There was no difference in pregnancy outcome in women with RM/RIF stratified by uNK level, and no significant correlation between pNK and uNK levels in women with RM/RIF. There was wide variation in studies conducted on uNK activity, which can be broadly divided into regulation and receptors, uNK cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and effect of uNK on angiogenesis. These studies were largely equivocal in their results on cytokine secretion, but most studies found lower expression of inhibitory receptors and increased expression of angiogenic factors in women with RM. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The observation of significantly increased uNK level in endometrium of women with RM and RIF may point to an underlying disturbance of the immune milieu culminating in implantation and/or placentation failure. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology. The evidence for measuring pNK as an indicator of uNK behaviour is sparse, and of limited clinical use. Measurement of uNK level/activity may be more useful as a diagnostic tool, however, a standardized reference range must be established before this can be of clinical use.
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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, UK
- The Fertility Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Orene Greer
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Developmental Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nishel Shah
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Developmental Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mark Johnson
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Developmental Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Male
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Developmental Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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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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27
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Whettlock EM, Woon EV, Cuff AO, Browne B, Johnson MR, Male V. Dynamic Changes in Uterine NK Cell Subset Frequency and Function Over the Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:880438. [PMID: 35784314 PMCID: PMC9245422 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.880438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine natural killer cells (uNK) play an important role in promoting successful pregnancy by regulating trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodelling in the first trimester. Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) on first-trimester decidua showed that uNK can be divided into three subsets, which may have different roles in pregnancy. Here we present an integration of previously published scRNAseq datasets, together with novel flow cytometry data to interrogate the frequency, phenotype, and function of uNK1–3 in seven stages of the reproductive cycle (menstrual, proliferative, secretory phases of the menstrual cycle; first, second, and third trimester; and postpartum). We found that uNK1 and uNK2 peak in the first trimester, but by the third trimester, the majority of uNK are uNK3. All three subsets are most able to degranulate and produce cytokines during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and express KIR2D molecules, which allow them to interact with HLA-C expressed by placental extravillous trophoblast cells, at the highest frequency during the first trimester. Taken together, our findings suggest that uNK are particularly active and able to interact with placental cells at the time of implantation and that uNK1 and uNK2 may be particularly involved in these processes. Our findings are the first to establish how uNK frequency and function change dynamically across the healthy reproductive cycle. This serves as a platform from which the relationship between uNK function and impaired implantation and placentation can be investigated. This will have important implications for the study of subfertility, recurrent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and pre-term labour.
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28
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Robertson SA, Moldenhauer LM, Green ES, Care AS, Hull ML. Immune determinants of endometrial receptivity: a biological perspective. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1107-1120. [PMID: 35618356 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation and early placental development. They exert tissue-remodeling and immune regulatory roles-acting to promote epithelial attachment competence, regulate the differentiation of decidual cells, remodel the uterine vasculature, control and resolve inflammatory activation, and suppress destructive immunity to paternally inherited alloantigens. From a biological perspective, the endometrial immune response exerts a form of "quality control"-it promotes implantation success when conditions are favorable but constrains receptivity when physiological circumstances are not ideal. Women with recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage may exhibit altered numbers or disturbed function of certain uterine immune cell populations-most notably uterine natural killer cells and regulatory T cells. Preclinical and animal studies indicate that deficiencies or aberrant activation states in these cells can be causal in the pathophysiological mechanisms of infertility. Immune cells are, therefore, targets for diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention. However, current diagnostic tests are overly simplistic and have limited clinical utility. To be more informative, they need to account for the full complexity and reflect the range of perturbations that can occur in uterine immune cell phenotypes and networks. Moreover, safe and effective interventions to modulate these cells are in their infancy, and personalized approaches matched to specific diagnostic criteria will be needed. Here we summarize current biological understanding and identify knowledge gaps to be resolved before the promise of therapies to target the uterine immune response can be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ella S Green
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alison S Care
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - M Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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29
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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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30
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Influence of Fetomaternal Microchimerism on Maternal NK Cell Reactivity against the Child’s Leukemic Blasts. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030603. [PMID: 35327405 PMCID: PMC8945103 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistence of fetal cells in the circulation of the mother (fetal microchimerism, FM) is associated with increased survival and reduced relapse of children with leukemia receiving a haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (hHSCT). NK cells play an important role in maternal tolerance towards the unborn child. In this study, 70 mother–child pairs were prospectively analyzed for the occurrence of FM, KIR genotype and HLA-C type. We found that occurrence and level of FM were influenced by three maternal genetic factors: presence of an HLA-C1 allele, absence of KIR2DL3 and presence of a cen-B/B motif. Furthermore, an HLA-C match between mother and child favored persistence of FM. NK cells from FM+ mothers showed a 40% higher specific degranulation against their filial leukemic blasts than NK cells from FM− mothers, suggesting the presence of educated maternal NK cells. Nevertheless, cytotoxicity of parental NK cells against filial leukemic blasts was independent of KIR genetics (haplotype, B content score, centromeric and telomeric KIR gene regions) and independent of FM, indicating that additional immune effector mechanisms contribute to the beneficial effect of persisting FM in hHSCT.
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31
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Depierreux DM, Kieckbusch J, Shreeve N, Hawkes DA, Marsh B, Blelloch R, Sharkey A, Colucci F. Beyond Maternal Tolerance: Education of Uterine Natural Killer Cells by Maternal MHC Drives Fetal Growth. Front Immunol 2022; 13:808227. [PMID: 35619712 PMCID: PMC9127083 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.808227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive immunology has moved on from the classical Medawar question of 60 years ago "why doesn't the mother reject the fetus?". Looking beyond fetal-maternal tolerance, modern reproductive immunology focuses on how the maternal immune system supports fetal growth. Maternal uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, in partnership with fetal trophoblast cells, regulate physiological vascular changes in the uterus of pregnant women and mice. These vascular changes are necessary to build the placenta and sustain fetal growth. NK cell functions in the uterus and elsewhere, including anti-viral and anti-tumour immunity mediated mostly by blood NK cells, are modulated by NK cell education, a quantifiable process that determines cellular activation thresholds. This process relies largely on interactions between self-MHC class I molecules and inhibitory NK cell receptors. By getting to know self, the maternal immune system sets up uNK cells to participate to tissue homeostasis in the womb. Placentation can be viewed as a form of natural transplantation unique in vertebrates and this raises the question of how uNK cell education or missing-self recognition affect their function and, ultimately fetal growth. Here, using combinations of MHC-sufficient and -deficient mice, we show that uNK cell education is linked to maternal and not fetal MHC, so that MHC-deficient dams produce more growth-restricted fetuses, even when the fetuses themselves express self-MHC. We also show that, while peripheral NK cells reject bone marrow cells according to the established rules of missing-self recognition, uNK cells educated by maternal MHC do not reject fetuses that miss self-MHC and these fetuses grow to their full potential. While these results are not directly applicable to clinical research, they show that NK education by maternal MHC-I is required for optimal fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine M Depierreux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jens Kieckbusch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Norman Shreeve
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Delia A Hawkes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bryan Marsh
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Robert Blelloch
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Andrew Sharkey
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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32
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Muter J, Kong CS, Brosens JJ. The Role of Decidual Subpopulations in Implantation, Menstruation and Miscarriage. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:804921. [PMID: 36303960 PMCID: PMC9580781 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.804921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In each menstrual cycle, the endometrium becomes receptive to embryo implantation while preparing for tissue breakdown and repair. Both pregnancy and menstruation are dependent on spontaneous decidualization of endometrial stromal cells, a progesterone-dependent process that follows rapid, oestrogen-dependent proliferation. During the implantation window, stromal cells mount an acute stress response, which leads to the emergence of functionally distinct decidual subsets, reflecting the level of replication stress incurred during the preceding proliferative phase. Progesterone-dependent, anti-inflammatory decidual cells (DeC) form a robust matrix that accommodates the conceptus whereas pro-inflammatory, progesterone-resistant stressed and senescent decidual cells (senDeC) control tissue remodelling and breakdown. To execute these functions, each decidual subset engages innate immune cells: DeC partner with uterine natural killer (uNK) cells to eliminate senDeC, while senDeC co-opt neutrophils and macrophages to assist with tissue breakdown and repair. Thus, successful transformation of cycling endometrium into the decidua of pregnancy not only requires continuous progesterone signalling but dominance of DeC over senDeC, aided by recruitment and differentiation of circulating NK cells and bone marrow-derived decidual progenitors. We discuss how the frequency of cycles resulting in imbalanced decidual subpopulations may determine the recurrence risk of miscarriage and highlight emerging therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Muter
- Division of Biomedicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Joanne Muter
| | - Chow-Seng Kong
- Division of Biomedicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jan J. Brosens
- Division of Biomedicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Storm L, Bruijnesteijn J, de Groot NG, Bontrop RE. The Genomic Organization of the LILR Region Remained Largely Conserved Throughout Primate Evolution: Implications for Health And Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:716289. [PMID: 34737739 PMCID: PMC8562567 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.716289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genes of the leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor (LILR) family map to the leukocyte receptor complex (LRC) on chromosome 19, and consist of both activating and inhibiting entities. These receptors are often involved in regulating immune responses, and are considered to play a role in health and disease. The human LILR region and evolutionary equivalents in some rodent and bird species have been thoroughly characterized. In non-human primates, the LILR region is annotated, but a thorough comparison between humans and non-human primates has not yet been documented. Therefore, it was decided to undertake a comprehensive comparison of the human and non-human primate LILR region at the genomic level. During primate evolution the organization of the LILR region remained largely conserved. One major exception, however, is provided by the common marmoset, a New World monkey species, which seems to feature a substantial contraction of the number of LILR genes in both the centromeric and the telomeric region. Furthermore, genomic analysis revealed that the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor gene KIR3DX1, which maps in the LILR region, features one copy in humans and great ape species. A second copy, which might have been introduced by a duplication event, was observed in the lesser apes, and in Old and New World monkey species. The highly conserved gene organization allowed us to standardize the LILR gene nomenclature for non-human primate species, and implies that most of the receptors encoded by these genes likely fulfill highly preserved functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne Storm
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Jesse Bruijnesteijn
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Natasja G de Groot
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Ronald E Bontrop
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands.,Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Orgul G, Dalva K, Dalva-Aydemir S, Alniacik RG, Donmez HG, Cakar AN, Beksac M, Beksac MS. Significance of inhibitory maternal killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and fetal KIR ligand genotype combinations in placenta related obstetric complications. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103425. [PMID: 34607283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103425] [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: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Some maternal killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and fetal KIR ligand genotypes are associated with obstetric complications, such as recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. However, how KIR/KIR ligand genotypes affect these placenta-related obstetric complications has not been fully understood. We aimed to demonstrate the association of maternal KIR-fetal KIR ligand genotype combinations with immunological/metabolic risk factor associated placenta-related obstetric complications. This study consisted of three groups of pregnant women: 1) Miscarriage group (n = 30), 2) Complicated Pregnancy (CP) group (n = 30), and 3) Control group (n = 30). The observed maternal genotype frequencies of all inhibitory and activating KIRs were similar in all groups (p > 0.05). However, inhibitory 2DL3 was quite frequent in the miscarriage group (p = 0.052). There was no difference between groups in terms of centromeric and telomeric maternal haplotypes (p > 0.05). The fetal group 1 HLA-C genotype was frequently detected in the miscarriage and CP groups with rates of 83.3 % and 93.3 % respectively, while the observed frequency was 70 % in the control group. The fetal group 2 HLA-C genotype was the same in all groups. The results demonstrated significantly less fetal group 2 HLA-C homozygosity in the CP groups when compared to the control group (p = 0.020). The fetal HLA-Bw4 genotype was detected more frequently in the miscarriage and CP groups (p = 0.028 and p = 0.001, respectively). The inhibitory KIR/KIR ligand genotype combinations of 2DL3-C1 and 3DL1-Bw4 were more frequent in the miscarriage and CP groups (p = 0.045 and p = 0.002, respectively). Enhanced NK cell inhibition may be one of the mechanisms underlying placenta-related obstetric complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokcen Orgul
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Turkey.
| | - Klara Dalva
- Division of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey.
| | | | | | - Hanife Guler Donmez
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ayse Nur Cakar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, TOBB University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Meral Beksac
- Division of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Sinan Beksac
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Turkey.
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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: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [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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36
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Yang X, Meng T. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor/human leukocyte antigen-C combination and 'great obstetrical syndromes' (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1178. [PMID: 34504623 PMCID: PMC8394021 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10612] [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: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and preterm delivery are examples of ‘great obstetrical syndromes’ (GOS). Placental dysfunction is the most common pathogenesis of GOS. In human pregnancies, the effects of uterine natural killer cells involve angiogenesis, promoting the remodeling of uterine spiral artery, and improving the invasion of trophoblast cells. The uNK cells supply killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), which come into contact with human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) ligands expressed by extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs). Numerous studies have investigated the association between GOS and KIR/HLA-C combination. However, the outcomes have not been conclusive. The present review aimed to reveal the association between GOS and KIR/HLA-C combination to screen out high-risk pregnancies, strengthen the treatment of pregnancy complications, and reduce the frequency of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. It has been reported that a female with a KIR AA genotype and a neonate with a paternal HLA-C2 molecule is more prone to develop GOS and have a small fetus since less cytokines were secreted by uNK cells. Conversely, the combination of KIR BB haplotype (including the activating KIR2DS1) and HLA-C2 can induce the production of cytokines and increase trophoblast invasion, leading to the birth of a large fetus. KIR/HLA-C combinations may be applicable in selecting third-party gametes or surrogates. Detection of maternal KIR genes and HLA-C molecules from the couple could serve as useful markers for predicting and diagnosing GOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Tao Meng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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Espino A, El Costa H, Tabiasco J, Al-Daccak R, Jabrane-Ferrat N. Innate Immune Response to Viral Infections at the Maternal-Fetal Interface in Human Pregnancy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:674645. [PMID: 34368184 PMCID: PMC8339430 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.674645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta, the first and largest organ to develop after conception, not only nurtures and promotes the development of the conceptus, but, it also functions as a barrier against invading pathogens. Early phases of pregnancy are associated with expansion of specific subsets of Natural Killer cells (dNK) and macrophages (dMφ) at the maternal uterine mucosa, the basal decidua. In concert with cells of fetal origin, dNK cells, and dMφ orchestrate all steps of placenta and fetus development, and provide the first line of defense to limit vertical transmission. However, some pathogens that infect the mother can overcome this protective barrier and jeopardize the fetus health. In this review, we will discuss how members of the classical TORCH family (Toxoplasma, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus) and some emerging viruses (Hepatitis E virus, Zika virus, and SARS-CoV2) can afford access to the placental fortress. We will also discuss how changes in the intrauterine environment as a consequence of maternal immune cell activation contribute to placental diseases and devastating pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Espino
- Infinity, Université de Toulouse - CNRS - Inserm, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Hicham El Costa
- Infinity, Université de Toulouse - CNRS - Inserm, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Julie Tabiasco
- Infinity, Université de Toulouse - CNRS - Inserm, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Reem Al-Daccak
- Inserm UMRS976 - Université de Paris - Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
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Odendaal J, Quenby S. Immunological Testing in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Semin Reprod Med 2021; 39:13-23. [PMID: 34161996 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Fetal implantation requires carefully orchestrated involvement of the maternal immune system. Aberrant function within implantation has been suggested as a cause of implantation failure. The emergence of immunological theories of miscarriage has led to immunological testing as an adjuvant treatment in assisted reproductive technology; however, it remains controversial, with mixed evidence both for immunological cause and the benefits of immunological testing. Literature on common methods of immunological testing within assisted reproductive technology is reviewed including those of peripheral and uterine natural killer cells, chronic endometritis, and T-helper cells cytokine ratio. There is little consensus in the evidence on immunological testing in the context of recurrent implantation failure. The field is limited by a lack of uniformity in approach to testing and heterogeneity of the pathophysiological cause. Nevertheless, the maternal immune system is heavily involved in implantation and the new era of personalized medicine ensures that a more defined approach to immunological testing will be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Odendaal
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Díaz-Hernández I, Alecsandru D, García-Velasco JA, Domínguez F. Uterine natural killer cells: from foe to friend in reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:720-746. [PMID: 33528013 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent miscarriage and pre-eclampsia are common reproductive disorders, but their causes are often unknown. Recent evidence has provided new insight into immune system influences in reproductive disorders. A subset of lymphocytes of the innate immune system known as uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are now recognized as fundamental to achieving embryo implantation and successful pregnancy, but were initially attributed a bad reputation. Indeed, immune therapies have been developed to treat the 'exaggerated' immune response from uNK cells. These treatments have been based on studies of peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cells. However, uNK cells and pbNK cells have different phenotypic and functional characteristics. The functions of uNK cells are closely related to their interactions with the extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) and spiral arteries, which underlie an essential role in regulating vascular function, controlling trophoblast invasion and promoting placental development. EVTs express MHC molecules of class I HLA-C/E/G/F, while uNK cells express, among other receptors, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) that bind to HLA-C or CD94/NKG2A inhibitory receptors, and then bind HLA-E. Associations of certain KIR/HLA-C combinations with recurrent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and foetal growth restriction and the interactions between uNK cells, trophoblasts and vascular cells have led to the hypothesis that uNK cells may play a role in embryo implantation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our objective was to review the evolution of our understanding of uNK cells, their functions, and their increasingly relevant role in reproduction. SEARCH METHODS Relevant literature through June 2020 was retrieved using Google Scholar and PubMed. Search terms comprised uNK cells, human pregnancy, reproductive failure, maternal KIR and HLA-C, HLA-E/G/F in EVT cells, angiogenic cytokines, CD56+ NK cells, spiral artery, oestrogen and progesterone receptors, KIR haplotype and paternal HLA-C2. OUTCOMES This review provides key insights into the evolving conceptualization of uNK cells, from their not-so-promising beginnings to now, when they are considered allies in reproduction. We synthesized current knowledge about uNK cells, their involvement in reproduction and their main functions in placental vascular remodeling and trophoblast invasion. One of the issues that this review presents is the enormous complexity involved in studying the immune system in reproduction. The complexity in the immunology of the maternal-foetal interface lies in the great variety of participating molecules, the processes and interactions that occur at different levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, etc.) and the great diversity of genetic combinations that are translated into different types of responses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Insights into uNK cells could offer an important breakthrough for ART outcomes, since each patient could be assessed based on the combination of HLA and its receptors in their uNK cells, evaluating the critical interactions at the materno-foetal interface. However, owing to the technical challenges in studying uNK cells in vivo, there is still much knowledge to gain, particularly regarding their exact origin and functions. New studies using novel molecular and genetic approaches can facilitate the identification of mechanisms by which uNK cells interact with other cells at the materno-foetal interface, perhaps translating this knowledge into clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
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40
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Huhn O, Zhao X, Esposito L, Moffett A, Colucci F, Sharkey AM. How Do Uterine Natural Killer and Innate Lymphoid Cells Contribute to Successful Pregnancy? Front Immunol 2021; 12:607669. [PMID: 34234770 PMCID: PMC8256162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.607669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are the most abundant immune cells in the uterine mucosa both before and during pregnancy. Circumstantial evidence suggests they play important roles in regulating placental development but exactly how they contribute to the successful outcome of pregnancy is still unclear. Uterine ILCs (uILCs) include subsets of tissue-resident natural killer (NK) cells and ILCs, and until recently the phenotype and functions of uILCs were poorly defined. Determining the specific roles of each subset is intrinsically challenging because of the rapidly changing nature of the tissue both during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and high dimensional flow and mass cytometry approaches have recently been used to analyse uILC populations in the uterus in both humans and mice. This detailed characterisation has significantly changed our understanding of the heterogeneity within the uILC compartment. It will also enable key clinical questions to be addressed including whether specific uILC subsets are altered in infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy disorders such as foetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. Here, we summarise recent advances in our understanding of the phenotypic and functional diversity of uILCs in non-pregnant endometrium and first trimester decidua, and review how these cells may contribute to successful placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oisín Huhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Esposito
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M. Sharkey
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Abstract
In all human cells, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I glycoproteins assemble with a peptide and take it to the cell surface for surveillance by lymphocytes. These include natural killer (NK) cells and γδ T cells of innate immunity and αβ T cells of adaptive immunity. In healthy cells, the presented peptides derive from human proteins, to which lymphocytes are tolerant. In pathogen-infected cells, HLA class I expression is perturbed. Reduced HLA class I expression is detected by KIR and CD94:NKG2A receptors of NK cells. Almost any change in peptide presentation can be detected by αβ CD8+ T cells. In responding to extracellular pathogens, HLA class II glycoproteins, expressed by specialized antigen-presenting cells, present peptides to αβ CD4+ T cells. In comparison to the families of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, MHC class II and αβ T cell receptors, the antigenic specificity of the γδ T cell receptors is incompletely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakia Djaoud
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; ,
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; ,
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Thomsen CK, Steffensen R, Nielsen HS, Kolte AM, Krog MC, Egerup P, Larsen EC, Hviid TV, Christiansen OB. HLA-DRB1 polymorphism in recurrent pregnancy loss: New evidence for an association to HLA-DRB1*07. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 145:103308. [PMID: 33725525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many cases of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) defined as ≥3 consecutive pregnancy losses are suggested to be caused by an aberrant maternal immune response against the fetus or trophoblast. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 and -DQB1 polymorphisms are associated with most autoimmune disorders and studies of HLA-DBB1 polymorphism in RPL patients are thus relevant. In previous studies, the HLA-DRB1*03 allele was found with increased prevalence in RPL patients. We wanted to clarify whether HLA-DRB1 alleles indeed were associated with RPL among women of Caucasian descent. A total of 1078 women with unexplained RPL and 2066 bone marrow donors were HLA-DRB1-typed and subsets were also HLA-DQB1 typed. All patients were initially HLA-DRB1-typed by DNA-based low-resolution techniques and subsets of patients and all controls were typed by high-resolution techniques. Among patients, the HLA-DRB1*07 allele frequency was significantly increased compared with controls; OR 1.29 (95 % CI 1.09-1.52), p < 0.0025; after correction for multiple comparisons pc = 0.031. The HLA-DRB1*07/*07 genotype was highly increased in patients with RPL compared with controls: OR 2.27 (1.31-3.93), p = 0.0027. The frequency of the HLA-DRB1*07 phenotype in RPL patients had increased significantly (p = 0.002) in three studies from our group published 1994-2021. The allele frequency of HLA-DRB1*03 was not increased in RPL patients compared with controls; OR 0.96 (0.83-1.12). In conclusion, the previous association between HLA-DRB1*03 and RPL could not be confirmed in our study whereas an association to HLA-DRB1*07 was detected for the first time. Since the latter association is a new finding, it should be confirmed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Thomsen
- Centre for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss of Western Denmark, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - R Steffensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - H S Nielsen
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A M Kolte
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M C Krog
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - P Egerup
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E C Larsen
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T V Hviid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), the ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - O B Christiansen
- Centre for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss of Western Denmark, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aalborg University, Denmark.
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Vomstein K, Feil K, Strobel L, Aulitzky A, Hofer-Tollinger S, Kuon RJ, Toth B. Immunological Risk Factors in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Guidelines Versus Current State of the Art. J Clin Med 2021; 10:869. [PMID: 33672505 PMCID: PMC7923780 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 1-5% of all couples experience recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Established risk factors include anatomical, genetic, endocrine, and hemostatic alterations. With around 50% of idiopathic cases, immunological risk factors are getting into the scientific focus, however international guidelines hardly take them into account. Within this review, the current state of immunological risk factors in RPL in international guidelines of the European Society of Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), German/Austrian/Swiss Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (DGGG/OEGGG/SGGG) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) are evaluated. Special attention was drawn to recommendations in the guidelines regarding diagnostic factors such as autoantibodies, natural killer cells, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, plasma cells, and human leukocyte antigen system (HLA)-sharing as well as treatment options such as corticosteroids, intralipids, intravenous immunoglobulins, aspirin and heparin in RPL. Finally, the current state of the art focusing on both diagnostic and therapeutic options was summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Vomstein
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
| | - Katharina Feil
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
| | - Laura Strobel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
| | - Anna Aulitzky
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
| | - Susanne Hofer-Tollinger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
| | - Ruben-Jeremias Kuon
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Bettina Toth
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
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Alecsandru D, Klimczak AM, Garcia Velasco JA, Pirtea P, Franasiak JM. Immunologic causes and thrombophilia in recurrent pregnancy loss. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:561-566. [PMID: 33610320 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Certain miscarriages result from immunologic factors, but there is no clear identification of the precise causes of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Miscarriages and RPL can arise from a disruption of maternal-fetal immune homeostasis. Remodeling of the maternal uterine spiral arteries is one of the key steps for normal growth and development of the fetus. An adequate oxygen supply is necessary for correct placentation, and it is accomplished by proper vascular changes. The development of fetal tissues creates a potential immunologic problem since the fetus can express paternal antigens and, in some cases, antigens of a gamete donor. The maternal immune system actively responds to fetal antigens, and dysregulation of this crosstalk could partly explain pregnancy complications such as miscarriages and RPL. RPL resulting from thrombophilia is primarily due to acquired thrombophilia, and therefore screening and treatment should be focused on antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Alecsandru
- Department of Immunology, IVI RMA Madrid, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan A Garcia Velasco
- Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVI RMA Madrid; IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paul Pirtea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Foch, Paris, France.
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Soltani S, Mostafaei S, Aslani S, Farhadi E, Mahmoudi M. Association of KIR gene polymorphisms with Type 1 Diabetes: a meta-analysis. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2021; 19:1777-1786. [PMID: 33520861 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-020-00569-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a T cell-mediated disease, in which autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in pancreatic islets occurs. In recent decades, the role of Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene polymorphisms in susceptibility to T1D has been demonstrated in an increased number of studies. Nonetheless, inconsistency has been observed in the results of performed association studies. To comprehensively clarify the association among KIR gene polymorphisms and the risk of T1D, this meta-analysis on the previously published association studies was carried out via incorporating multiple research. Methods No publication has been recorded from Nov 2017 until July 2020 about the KIR genes and T1D. The PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases were systematically searched up to November 2017 to identify investigations on the impact of the polymorphisms of KIR genes on susceptibility to T1D. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. Funnel plot and Egger test were used to assess the publication bias. Thirteen qualified published case-control articles were found for evaluation in this meta-analysis. Results Our results show statistical significance between the genetic variations in the KIR2DL1 (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.23-0.77; P = 0.005), KIR2DL2 (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.00-1.32; P = 0.048), and KIR2DL5 (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.75-0.98; P = 0.03) with susceptibility to T1D. Conclusions This meta-analysis study provides reliable evidence that KIR gene polymorphisms may contribute to T1D risk. KIR 2DL1 and 2DL5 genes might be considered as a protective factor for T1D, while 2DL2 seemed to be a susceptibility factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Soltani
- Rheumatology Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, PO-BOX: 1411713137, Kargar Ave., Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayan Mostafaei
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Sorkheh-Ligeh Blvd, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Saeed Aslani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Farhadi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, PO-BOX: 1411713137, Kargar Ave., Tehran, Iran.,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, PO-BOX: 1411713137, Kargar Ave., Tehran, Iran.,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhang Y, Huang C, Lian R, Xu J, Fu Y, Zeng Y, Tu W. The low cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood NK cells may relate to unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 85:e13388. [PMID: 33410220 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Unexplained recurrent miscarriage (uRM) is defined as two or more spontaneous abortions prior to 20 weeks of gestation with unknown etiology. Peripheral blood natural killer (pNK) cells contact with the villus and exert important role in normal pregnancy. However, it is still controversial about the association between pNK cytotoxicity and uRM, and the underlying mechanism remains unknown so far. METHOD OF STUDY In this study, we aim to compare the percentage, immunophenotype, and function of pNK cells between patients with uRM and fertile controls. The peripheral blood was collected from 49 patients with uRM and 11 fertile women in their middle luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. pNK cells were co-cultured with K562 cells at different cell ratios to measure the cytotoxicity. The percentage of CD3- CD56+ , CD3- CD56bright , and CD3- CD56dim pNK was analyzed by flow cytometry and quantified to evaluate the expression of cytotoxic granules (granzyme B, granulysin, and perforin), and the cell surface receptors related to pNK cell cytotoxicity (NKG2D, NKp30, NKp46, CD158a, and CD158b) were also detected. RESULTS The general linear model analysis showed that pNK cell cytotoxicity in patients with uRM was significantly lower than that in fertile controls. In addition, the ratios of NKG2D/CD158a, NKp30/CD158a, and NKp46/CD158a in CD3- CD56bright pNK subsets were significantly lower in uRM group than that in fertile control. The logistical regression analysis showed that the reduced NKp30/CD158a, NKp46/CD158a ratios in CD3- CD56bright pNK subsets were significantly associated with uRM. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that a low pNK cytotoxicity, which is mediated by inhibitory signals, might be associated with uRM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongnu Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunyu Huang
- Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruochun Lian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunfeng Fu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenwei Tu
- Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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D'Mello RJ, Hsu CD, Chaiworapongsa P, Chaiworapongsa T. Update on the Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Pregnancy. Neoreviews 2021; 22:e7-e24. [PMID: 33386311 DOI: 10.1542/neo.22-1-e7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was first administered to humans in the 1980s. The mechanism of action of IVIG is still a subject of debate but the pharmacokinetics have been well characterized, albeit outside of pregnancy. IVIG has been used in pregnancy to treat several nonobstetrical and obstetrical-related conditions. However, current evidence suggests that IVIG use during pregnancy can be recommended for 1) in utero diagnosis of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia; 2) gestational alloimmune liver disease; 3) hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn for early-onset severe intrauterine disease; 4) antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) when refractory to or contraindicated to standard treatment, or in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome; and 5) immune thrombocytopenia when standard treatment is ineffective or rapid increase of platelet counts is needed. All recommendations are based on case series and cohort studies without randomized trials usually because of the rare prevalence of the conditions, the high incidence of adverse outcomes if left untreated, and ethical concerns. In contrast, IVIG therapy cannot be recommended for recurrent pregnancy loss, and the use of IVIG in subgroups of those with recurrent pregnancy loss requires further investigations. For non-obstetrical-related conditions, we recommend using IVIG as indicated for nonpregnant patients. In conclusion, the use of IVIG during pregnancy is an effective treatment in some obstetrical-related conditions with rare serious maternal side effects. However, the precise mechanisms of action and the long-term immunologic effects on the fetus and neonate are poorly understood and merit further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul J D'Mello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
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Guerrero B, Hassouneh F, Delgado E, Casado JG, Tarazona R. Natural killer cells in recurrent miscarriage: An overview. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103209. [PMID: 32992208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent Miscarriage is an early pregnancy complication which affects about 1-3 % of child-bearing couples. The mechanisms involved in the occurrence of recurrent miscarriages are not clearly understood. In the last decade Natural Killer cells have been studied in peripheral blood and uterus in order to determine if there are specific characteristics of Natural Killer cells associated with miscarriage. Different authors have described an increased number of uterine and peripheral blood Natural Killer cells in women with recurrent miscarriages compared to control women. However, its relationship with miscarriage has not been confirmed. In patients with recurrent miscarriage a lack of inhibition of decidua Natural Killer cells can be observed, which leads to a more activated state characterized by higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines. In peripheral blood, it has been also reported a dysfunctional cytokine production by Natural Killer cells, with an increase of interferon-γ levels and a decrease of Interleukin-4. Significant progress has been made in the last decade in understanding the biology of Natural Killer cells, including the identification of new receptors that also contribute to the activation and regulation of Natural Killer cells. In this review, we summarize the current progress in the study of Natural Killer cells in recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena Delgado
- Clínica Norba, Ginecología y Reproducción, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Javier G Casado
- Stem Cell Therapy Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, Cáceres, Spain
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Bruijnesteijn J, de Groot NG, Bontrop RE. The Genetic Mechanisms Driving Diversification of the KIR Gene Cluster in Primates. Front Immunol 2020; 11:582804. [PMID: 33013938 PMCID: PMC7516082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.582804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity and function of natural killer (NK) cells are modulated through the interactions of multiple receptor families, of which some recognize MHC class I molecules. The high level of MHC class I polymorphism requires their ligands either to interact with conserved epitopes, as is utilized by the NKG2A receptor family, or to co-evolve with the MHC class I allelic variation, which task is taken up by the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family. Multiple molecular mechanisms are responsible for the diversification of the KIR gene system, and include abundant chromosomal recombination, high mutation rates, alternative splicing, and variegated expression. The combination of these genetic mechanisms generates a compound array of diversity as is reflected by the contraction and expansion of KIR haplotypes, frequent birth of fusion genes, allelic polymorphism, structurally distinct isoforms, and variegated expression, which is in contrast to the mainly allelic nature of MHC class I polymorphism in humans. A comparison of the thoroughly studied human and macaque KIR gene repertoires demonstrates a similar evolutionarily conserved toolbox, through which selective forces drove and maintained the diversified nature of the KIR gene cluster. This hypothesis is further supported by the comparative genetics of KIR haplotypes and genes in other primate species. The complex nature of the KIR gene system has an impact upon the education, activity, and function of NK cells in coherence with an individual’s MHC class I repertoire and pathogenic encounters. Although selection operates on an individual, the continuous diversification of the KIR gene system in primates might protect populations against evolving pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Bruijnesteijn
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Natasja G de Groot
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Ronald E Bontrop
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands.,Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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50
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Yang X, Yang E, Wang WJ, He Q, Jubiz G, Katukurundage D, Dambaeva S, Beaman K, Kwak-Kim J. Decreased HLA-C1 alleles in couples of KIR2DL2 positive women with recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103186. [PMID: 32846355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Specific killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and HLA ligands in couples invoke a susceptibility to RPL. However, the relationship between KIR2DL2 and its cognate ligand HLA-C1 has not been explored. In this prospective cohort study, 160 Caucasian women with RPL and 99 partners were included. KIR/HLA-C typing, NK assay, Th1/Th2 intracellular cytokine ratios, 25-(OH)-vitamin D level, and the presence of autoantibodies were analyzed. KIR2DL2 positive women (P = 0.023) and their partners (P = 0.017) had lower allele frequencies of HLA-C1 than those of KIR2DL2 negative women. KIR2DL2 positive women had significantly lower genotype frequency of HLA-C1C1 as compared to the North American Caucasian population controls (P < 0.05). In the partners of KIR2DL2 positive women, there was a substantially higher frequency of HLA-C2C2 than controls (P = 0.016). Besides, KIR2DL2 negative women had a higher prevalence of anti-ssDNA antibody as compared with that of KIR2DL2 positive women (P = 0.043). There were no differences in the distribution of HLA-C genotypes based on KIR2DL2, regardless of pregnancy outcome in women with RPL and their partners while on immunomodulation treatment. In conclusion, decreased ligands for inhibitory KIRs (inhKIR) could lead to insufficient inhibition of maternal uterine NK cells toward the trophoblast, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of RPL. Specific KIR and HLA-C genotyping may predict the reproductive outcome of women with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhua Yang
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, 60061, IL, USA; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, 60064, IL, USA; Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Ellen Yang
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, 60061, IL, USA; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, 60064, IL, USA
| | - Wen-Juan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, 60061, IL, USA; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, 60064, IL, USA
| | - Qiaohua He
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, 60061, IL, USA; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, 60064, IL, USA
| | - Giovanni Jubiz
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, 60061, IL, USA; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, 60064, IL, USA
| | - Dimantha Katukurundage
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, 60064, IL, USA
| | - Svetlana Dambaeva
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, 60064, IL, USA
| | - Kenneth Beaman
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, 60064, IL, USA
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, 60061, IL, USA; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, 60064, IL, USA.
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