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Shen D, Xu W, Zheng J, Cao Y, Bo X, Fu F, Wen B, Zhou F, Cao J. From genes to reproductive health: Immune cell influences on abortion. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0309088. [PMID: 39388432 PMCID: PMC11466425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between dysregulation of the immune system and reproductive health, particularly in the context of abortion, is an area of critical research. Identifying the immunological factors that contribute to abortion could provide valuable insights into its prevention and management. METHODS This study used bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to evaluate the causal link between 731 immune cell features and the risk of abortion. The study analyzed GWAS data from 257,561 Europeans, including 7,069 cases and 250,492 controls, by utilizing genetic variation as instrumental variables. The immune phenotypes included several cell types, including B cells, T cells, TBNK cells, Treg cells, and monocytes. These were analyzed using the 'TwoSampleMR' package in R software. RESULTS The study identified 34 immune phenotypes that have a significant causal relationship with abortion risk. Notably, Results from the B cell group showed a positive correlation between abortion and certain phenotypes, including Unsw mem %B cell, PB/PC %B cell, IgD+ CD24+ %B cell and Naive-mature B cell %lymphocyte. In the T cell group, certain maturation stages such as Naive CD8br %T cell and CD4 on CD45RA+ CD4+ exhibited negative causal links, whereas CCR7 on naive CD8br showed a positive association. The group of Treg cells showed both positive and negative causal relationships with abortion, highlighting the complexity of immune regulation in reproductive health. CONCLUSIONS This study reflects the causal relationship between different subtypes of different immune cells and abortion. The results underscore the importance of the immune system in reproductive health and suggest potential therapeutic interventions targeting these immunological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shen
- Department of Radiology, Yiyang Central Hospital, Yiyang, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Wendi Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Zheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Fourth Hosiptal of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - YiZhou Cao
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Yiyang Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Bo
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Yiyang Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - FeiXian Fu
- Department of Radiology, Yiyang Central Hospital, Yiyang, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Bing Wen
- Department of Radiology, Yiyang Central Hospital, Yiyang, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Fuqiang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Yiyang Central Hospital, Yiyang, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Radiology, Yiyang Central Hospital, Yiyang, Hunan, P. R. China
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Krupa P, Wein H, Zemmrich LS, Zygmunt M, Muzzio DO. Pregnancy-related factors induce immune tolerance through regulation of sCD83 release. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1452879. [PMID: 39328416 PMCID: PMC11424458 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1452879] [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: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A well-balanced maternal immune system is crucial to maintain fetal tolerance in case of infections during pregnancy. Immune adaptations include an increased secretion of soluble mediators to protect the semi-allogeneic fetus from excessive pro-inflammatory response. B lymphocytes acquire a higher capacity to express CD83 and secrete soluble CD83 (sCD83) upon exposure to bacteria-derived components such as LPS. CD83 possesses immune modulatory functions and shows a promising therapeutic potential against inflammatory conditions. The administration of sCD83 to pregnant mice reduces LPS-induced abortion rates. The increased CD83 expression by endometrial B cells as compared to peripheral blood B cells suggests its modulatory role in the fetal tolerance, especially in the context of infection. We postulate that in pregnancy, CD83 expression and release is controlled by pregnancy-related hormones. The intra- and extracellular expression of CD83 in leukocytes from peripheral blood or decidua basalis and parietalis at term were analyzed by flow cytometry. After treatment with pregnancy-related hormones and LPS, ELISA and qPCR were performed to study sCD83 release and CD83 gene expression, respectively. Cleavage prediction analysis was used to find potential proteases targeting CD83. Expression of selected proteases was analyzed by ELISA. Higher levels of CD83 were found in CD11c+ dendritic cells, CD3+ T cells and CD19+ B cells from decidua basalis and decidua parietalis after LPS-stimulation in vitro. An increase of intracellular expression of CD83 was also detected in CD19+ B cells from both compartments. Stimulated B cells displayed significantly higher percentages of CD83+ cells than dendritic cells and T cells from decidua basalis and peripheral blood. Treatment of B lymphocytes with pregnancy-related molecules (E2, P4, TGF-β1 and hCG) enhanced the LPS-mediated increase of CD83 expression, while dexamethasone led to a reduction. Similarly, the release of sCD83 was increased under TGF-β1 treatment but decreased upon dexamethasone stimulation. Finally, we found that the hormonal regulation of CD83 expression is likely a result from a balance between gene transcription from CD83 and the modulation of the metalloproteinase MMP-7. Thus, data supports and complements our previous murine studies on hormonal regulation of CD83 expression, reinforcing its immunomodulatory relevance in anti-bacterial responses during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Damián Oscar Muzzio
- Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medicine
Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Huang X, Lin H, Zhao Y, Wang P, Ying H, Zhang S, Liu L. MUC16 can Predict the Pregnancy Outcomes in Human and Intraperitoneal Administration of MUC16 can Rescue Pregnancy Losses in Mouse Models. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2354-2370. [PMID: 38622477 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01550-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Mucin 16 (MUC16) participates in the process of embryo implantation, but few studies have examined the association between MUC16 and pregnancy loss. To investigate this association, the expression of MUC16 in serum and decidua was compared between women with pregnancy loss and ongoing pregnancies. In vitro experiments and animal models were used to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of MUC16 in pregnancy loss. In human study, the expression of MUC16 in serum and decidua was both consistently lower in the women with pregnancy loss compared with those in women with ongoing pregnancies. In vitro experiments revealed the interaction of MUC16 with peripheral blood natural killer (pNK) cells. MUC16 changed the phenotype and reduced the pro-inflammation ability of pNK cells. MUC16 also inhibited the cytotoxicity of pNK cells through the Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (SHP-ERK) pathway. Furthermore, MUC16 promoted the migration, invasion and tube formation of trophoblast cells by co-culturing together with pNK cells. In vivo experiments, the mouse model of abortion was used to further confirm that intraperitoneal administration of MUC16 could rescue the pregnancy loss. This study reveals the still-unknown connection between MUC16 and pNK cells and indicates that MUC16 provides a novel method for future prediction and treatment of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Huang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huizhen Lin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peixin Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanqi Ying
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China.
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Wang J, Han T, Zhu X. Role of maternal-fetal immune tolerance in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1399-1406. [PMID: 38724467 PMCID: PMC11188918 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Normal pregnancy is a contradictory and complicated physiological process. Although the fetus carries the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) inherited from the paternal line, it does not cause maternal immune rejection. As the only exception to immunological principles, maternal-fetal immune tolerance has been a reproductive immunology focus. In early pregnancy, fetal extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) invade decidual tissues and come into direct contact with maternal decidual immune cells (DICs) and decidual stromal cells (DSCs) to establish a sophisticated maternal-fetal crosstalk. This study reviews previous research results and focuses on the establishment and maintenance mechanism of maternal-fetal tolerance based on maternal-fetal crosstalk. Insights into maternal-fetal tolerance will not only improve understanding of normal pregnancy but will also contribute to novel therapeutic strategies for recurrent spontaneous abortion, pre-eclampsia, and premature birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710038, China
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Hainan Branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan 572013, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710038, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hainan Branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan 572013, China
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Ou M, Luo L, Yang Y, Yan N, Yan X, Zhong X, Cheong Y, Li T, Ouyang J, Wang Q. Decrease in peripheral natural killer cell level during early pregnancy predicts live birth among women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: a prospective cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:675.e1-675.e13. [PMID: 37914060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.042] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that trophoblast cells inhibit the proliferation of peripheral natural killer cells and that the level of peripheral natural killer cells decrease in the middle and late pregnancy stage among healthy women. The change in peripheral natural killer cell level during early pregnancy and the relationship between the change in peripheral natural killer cell level and pregnancy outcomes among women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss have not been sufficiently explored. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize the level of prepregnancy peripheral natural killer cells in comparison with those in early pregnancy among women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and to determine if the change in the level of peripheral natural killer cells from prepregnancy to early pregnancy can predict pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN In this prospective cohort study, 1758 women with recurrent pregnancy loss were recruited between January 2017 and December 2021 among whom 252 women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss had prepregnancy and early pregnancy (4-6 weeks gestation) peripheral natural killer cell measurements. These 252 women were divided into 2 groups, namely those with a lower gestational peripheral natural killer cell level (group 1) when compared with prepregnancy levels and those who did not (group 2). The respective outcomes of these groups in terms of live birth and pregnancy loss were comparatively analyzed using chi-square and Student's t tests. Candidate factors that could influence live birth were selected using the Akaike information criterion. The participates were then randomly divided into training and testing groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed and a nomogram was created to assess the possibility of live birth. The predictive accuracy was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and validated by plotting the predicted probabilities and the observed probabilities. A Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the goodness of fit. RESULTS When early gestational peripheral natural killer cell levels were compared with prepregnancy peripheral natural killer cell levels, 61.5% (154) of women had a comparatively lower early-gestational peripheral natural killer cell level and 38.9% (98) of women had an increase or no change in the peripheral natural killer cell level. The live birth rate in group 1 was 89.0% (137/154), which was significantly higher than the rate of 49.0% (48/98) in group 2 (P<.001). A decrease in the peripheral natural killer cell level (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-1.55; P<.001) and the anti-Muellerian hormone level (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.81; P=.003) were important predicting factors for a higher live birth rate. Female body mass index (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.15; P=.763) and parity (odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-4.12; P=.287) also were predicting factors. Furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model to diagnose of live birth was 0.853 with a sensitivity of 81.6% and a specificity of 78.0% using the training data set. And the Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the model was a good fit (p=6.068). CONCLUSION We report a comparative decrease in the peripheral natural killer cell levels in early gestation when compared with prepregnancy cell levels in more than 60% of women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss at 4 to 6 weeks of gestation. When compared with prepregnancy peripheral natural killer cell levels, a decrease in the peripheral natural killer cell level during early pregnancy might be a useful predictor of the live birth rate among women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoxian Ou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Luo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Niwei Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Yan
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Xue Zhong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Cheong
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, United Kingdom; Complete Fertility, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Tinchiu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Juan Ouyang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Nishi K, Modi D. Placental exosomes in pregnancy and preeclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13857. [PMID: 38716824 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal well-being. Exosomes released by the placenta play a crucial role in intercellular communication and are recognized as potential carriers of essential information for placental development. These exosomes transport a payload of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that mirror the placental microenvironment. This review delves into the functional roles of placental exosomes and its contents shedding light on their involvement in vascular regulation and immune modulation in normal pregnancy. Discernible changes are reported in the composition and quantity of placental exosome contents in pregnancies affected by preeclampsia. The exosomes from preeclamptic mothers affect vascularization and fetal kidney development. The discussion also explores the implications of utilizing placental exosomes as biomarkers and the prospects of translating these findings into clinical applications. In conclusion, placental exosomes hold promise as a valuable avenue for deciphering the complexities of preeclampsia, providing crucial diagnostic and prognostic insights. As the field progresses, a more profound comprehension of the distinct molecular signatures carried by placental exosomes may open doors to innovative strategies for managing and offering personalized care to pregnancies affected by preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Nishi
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Zhong J, Li J, Burton GJ, Koistinen H, Cheung KW, Ng EHY, Yao Y, Yeung WSB, Lee CL, Chiu PCN. The functional roles of protein glycosylation in human maternal-fetal crosstalk. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:81-108. [PMID: 37699855 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The establishment of maternal-fetal crosstalk is vital to a successful pregnancy. Glycosylation is a post-translational modification in which glycans (monosaccharide chains) are attached to an organic molecule. Glycans are involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Human endometrial epithelium, endometrial gland secretions, decidual immune cells, and trophoblasts are highly enriched with glycoconjugates and glycan-binding molecules important for a healthy pregnancy. Aberrant glycosylation in the placenta and uterus has been linked to repeated implantation failure and various pregnancy complications, but there is no recent review summarizing the functional roles of glycosylation at the maternal-fetal interface and their associations with pathological processes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize recent findings on glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, and glycan-binding receptors at the maternal-fetal interface, and their involvement in regulating the biology and pathological conditions associated with endometrial receptivity, placentation and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Current knowledge limitations and future insights into the study of glycobiology in reproduction are discussed. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using the following keywords: glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, glycan-binding proteins, endometrium, trophoblasts, maternal-fetal immunotolerance, siglec, selectin, galectin, repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss, recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Relevant reports published between 1980 and 2023 and studies related to these reports were retrieved and reviewed. Only publications written in English were included. OUTCOMES The application of ultrasensitive mass spectrometry tools and lectin-based glycan profiling has enabled characterization of glycans present at the maternal-fetal interface and in maternal serum. The endometrial luminal epithelium is covered with highly glycosylated mucin that regulates blastocyst adhesion during implantation. In the placenta, fucose and sialic acid residues are abundantly presented on the villous membrane and are essential for proper placentation and establishment of maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Glycan-binding receptors, including selectins, sialic-acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (siglecs) and galectins, also modulate implantation, trophoblast functions and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Aberrant glycosylation is associated with repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss and various pregnancy complications. The current limitation in the field is that most glycobiological research relies on association studies, with few studies revealing the specific functions of glycans. Technological advancements in analytic, synthetic and functional glycobiology have laid the groundwork for further exploration of glycans in reproductive biology under both physiological and pathological conditions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A deep understanding of the functions of glycan structures would provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying their involvement in the physiological and pathological regulation of early pregnancy. Glycans may also potentially serve as novel early predictive markers and therapeutic targets for repeated implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and other pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangming Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianlin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Graham J Burton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Sun X, Feng Y, Ma Q, Wang Y, Ma F. Protein glycosylation: bridging maternal-fetal crosstalk during embryo implantation†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:785-798. [PMID: 37658761 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a challenging health problem that affects 8-15% of couples worldwide. Establishing pregnancy requires successful embryo implantation, but about 85% of unsuccessful pregnancies are due to embryo implantation failure or loss soon after. Factors crucial for successful implantation include invasive blastocysts, receptive endometrium, invasion of trophoblast cells, and regulation of immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. Maternal-fetal crosstalk, which relies heavily on protein-protein interactions, is a critical factor in implantation that involves multiple cellular communication and molecular pathways. Glycosylation, a protein modification process, is closely related to cell growth, adhesion, transport, signal transduction, and recognition. Protein glycosylation plays a crucial role in maternal-fetal crosstalk and can be divided into N-glycosylation and O-glycosylation, which are often terminated by sialylation or fucosylation. This review article examines the role of protein glycosylation in maternal-fetal crosstalk based on two transcriptome datasets from the GEO database (GSE139087 and GSE113790) and existing research, particularly in the context of the mechanism of protein glycosylation and embryo implantation. Dysregulation of protein glycosylation can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as missed abortion and recurrent spontaneous abortion, underscoring the importance of a thorough understanding of protein glycosylation in the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive disorders. This knowledge could have significant clinical implications, leading to the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Sun
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianhong Ma
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Rezayat F, Esmaeil N, Rezaei A, Sherkat R. Contradictory Effect of Lymphocyte Therapy and Prednisolone Therapy on CD3 +CD8 +CD56 + Natural Killer T Population in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. J Hum Reprod Sci 2023; 16:246-256. [PMID: 38045499 PMCID: PMC10688285 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_8_23] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer T (NKT) cells are influential immune cells in pregnancy failures, including recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Different approaches are used for these disorders due to their effects on maternal immunomodulation. Aims In the present study, we compared the effects of two typical immunotherapies (lymphocyte immunotherapy [LIT] and low-dose prednisolone) on CD3+CD56+CD16+ and CD3+CD56+CD8+ cells as two distinct subsets of NKT cells in Women with RSA. Settings and Design This study was a comparative cohort study conducted from 2021 to 2022. One hundred and five women with RSA were distributed into three treatment groups randomly. Materials and Methods Fifty women in the group of low-dose prednisolone therapy, fifty women in the LIT group and five women without any treatment as the control group were included in the study. NK and NKT cell subsets were assessed using flow cytometry. Furthermore, the concentration of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was measured quantitatively using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Statistical Analysis Used Normality and comparisons between study groups were performed by non-parametric unpaired Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, and one-way ANOVA. Results The percentage of CD56dim NK cells was increased after prednisolone therapy, while this population significantly decreased in the LIT group. In contrast to the LIT group, the administration of prednisolone increased CD3+CD8+CD56+ NKT cells (P < 0.0001), which is helpful for pregnancy. The effect of the investigated treatment approaches on the population of peripheral CD3+CD56+CD16+ NKT cells of women with RSA was not adequately significant. The same situation was also observed regarding the serum level of IFN-γ. However, a significant decrease in serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-β was observed after prednisolone therapy. Conclusion The lower capability of LIT in changing the population of NKT cells compared to prednisolone therapy may be due to its mechanism of action, which is related to the production of blocking antibodies. These treatment approaches had different effects on NKT cells, indicating that NKT cell population and function can be affected using LIT and prednisolone therapy distinctly. In addition, prednisolone therapy and LIT in women with normal serum levels of IFN-γ have no harmful effects in changing the production of this critical cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rezayat
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaeil
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Sherkat
- Immunodeficiency Diseases Research Center, Isfahan, Iran
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10
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Bi-potential hPSC-derived Müllerian duct-like cells for full-thickness and functional endometrium regeneration. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:68. [DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00263-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractStem cell-based tissue regeneration strategies are promising treatments for severe endometrial injuries. However, there are few appropriate seed cells for regenerating a full-thickness endometrium, which mainly consists of epithelia and stroma. Müllerian ducts in female embryonic development develop into endometrial epithelia and stroma. Hence, we first generated human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC)-derived Müllerian duct-like cells (MDLCs) using a defined and effective protocol. The MDLCs are bi-potent, can gradually differentiate into endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, and reconstitute full-thickness endometrium in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, MDLCs showed the in situ repair capabilities of reconstructing endometrial structure and recovering pregnancy function in full-thickness endometrial injury rats, and their differentiation fate was revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Our study provides a strategy for hPSC differentiation into endometrial lineages and an alternative seed cell for injured endometrial regeneration.
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11
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Xiao J, Zhang T, Gao F, Zhou Z, Shu G, Zou Y, Yin G. Natural Killer Cells: A Promising Kit in the Adoptive Cell Therapy Toolbox. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225657. [PMID: 36428748 PMCID: PMC9688567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As an important component of the innate immune system, natural killer (NK) cells have gained increasing attention in adoptive cell therapy for their safety and efficacious tumor-killing effect. Unlike T cells which rely on the interaction between TCRs and specific peptide-MHC complexes, NK cells are more prone to be served as "off-the-shelf" cell therapy products due to their rapid recognition and killing of tumor cells without MHC restriction. In recent years, constantly emerging sources of therapeutic NK cells have provided flexible options for cancer immunotherapy. Advanced genetic engineering techniques, especially chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modification, have yielded exciting effectiveness in enhancing NK cell specificity and cytotoxicity, improving in vivo persistence, and overcoming immunosuppressive factors derived from tumors. In this review, we highlight current advances in NK-based adoptive cell therapy, including alternative sources of NK cells for adoptive infusion, various CAR modifications that confer different targeting specificity to NK cells, multiple genetic engineering strategies to enhance NK cell function, as well as the latest clinical research on adoptive NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Xiao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Guang Shu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Yizhou Zou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (G.Y.)
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (G.Y.)
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12
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Corvino D, Kumar A, Bald T. Plasticity of NK cells in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:888313. [PMID: 35619715 PMCID: PMC9127295 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.888313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial to various facets of human immunity and function through direct cytotoxicity or via orchestration of the broader immune response. NK cells exist across a wide range of functional and phenotypic identities. Murine and human studies have revealed that NK cells possess substantial plasticity and can alter their function and phenotype in response to external signals. NK cells also play a critical role in tumor immunity and form the basis for many emerging immunotherapeutic approaches. NK cells can directly target and lyse malignant cells with their inherent cytotoxic capabilities. In addition to direct targeting of malignant cells, certain subsets of NK cells can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) which is integral to some forms of immune checkpoint-blockade immunotherapy. Another important feature of various NK cell subsets is to co-ordinate anti-tumor immune responses by recruiting adaptive and innate leukocytes. However, given the diverse range of NK cell identities it is unsurprising that both pro-tumoral and anti-tumoral NK cell subsets have been described. Here, NK cell subsets have been shown to promote angiogenesis, drive inflammation and immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment. To date, the signals that drive tumor-infiltrating NK cells towards the acquisition of a pro- or anti-tumoral function are poorly understood. The notion of tumor microenvironment-driven NK cell plasticity has substantial implications for the development of NK-based immunotherapeutics. This review will highlight the current knowledge of NK cell plasticity pertaining to the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, this review will pose critical and relevant questions that need to be addressed by the field in coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon Corvino
- Tumor-Immunobiology, Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ananthi Kumar
- Tumor-Immunobiology, Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Bald
- Tumor-Immunobiology, Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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13
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Zhang T, Shen HH, Qin XY, Li MQ. The metabolic characteristic of decidual immune cells and their unique properties in pregnancy loss. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:168-186. [PMID: 35582842 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Maternal tolerance to semi- or fully allograft conceptus is a prerequisite for the maintenance of pregnancy. Once this homeostasis is disrupted, it may result in pregnancy loss. As a potential approach to prevent pregnancy loss, targeting decidual immune cells (DICs) at the maternal-fetal interface has been suggested. Although the phenotypic features and functions of DIC have been extensively profiled, the regulatory pathways for this unique immunological adaption have yet to be elucidated. In recent years, a pivotal mechanism has been highlighted in the area of immunometabolism, by which the changes in intracellular metabolic pathways in DIC and interaction with the adjacent metabolites in the microenvironment can alter their phenotypes and function. More inspiringly, the manipulation of metabolic profiling in DIC provides a novel avenue for the prevention and treatment of pregnancy loss. Herein, this review highlights the major metabolic programs (specifically, glycolysis, ATP-adenosine metabolism, lysophosphatidic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism) in multiple immune cells (including decidual NK cells, macrophages, and T cells) and their integrations with the metabolic microenvironment in normal pregnancy. Importantly, this perspective may help to provide a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing pregnancy loss via targeting this interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Yun Qin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Medical School, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Zhang Q, Xiao Z, Lee CL, Duan YG, Fan X, Yeung WSB, Chiu PCN, Zhang JV. The Regulatory Roles of Chemerin-Chemokine-Like Receptor 1 Axis in Placental Development and Vascular Remodeling During Early Pregnancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:883636. [PMID: 35656551 PMCID: PMC9152263 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.883636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemerin is an adipokine that regulates metabolism in pregnancy. An elevation of serum chemerin level is associated with pregnancy complications. Consistently, we demonstrated that the chemerin expression was increased in placenta of preeclamptic patients at deliveries. The G protein-coupled receptor chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) mediates the actions of chemerin. The functions of the chemerin-CMKLR1 axis in maintaining pregnancy are still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that CMKLR1 was expressed in the decidual natural killer (dNK) cells and chorionic villi of human. Chemerin suppressed the proliferation of the dNK cells in vitro. Specific antagonist of CMKLR1, α-Neta abolished the suppressive effect of spent medium from chemerin-treated dNK cells culture on extravillous trophoblast invasion. Activation of the chemerin-CMKLR1 axis promoted fusion and differentiation of human cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast in vitro. We generated Cmklr1 knockout mice and showed that the Cmklr1 deficiency negatively affected pregnancy outcome in terms of number of implantation sites, litter size and fetal weight at birth. Histologically, the Cmklr1 deficiency impaired formation of the syncytiotrophoblast layer II, induced enlargement of the maternal lacunae in the labyrinth, increased the diameter of the spiral arteries and increased trophoblast invasion in the decidua. The Cmklr1 deficient placenta also displayed an increased number of dNK cells and serum IL-15 level. In summary, the chemerin-CMKLR1 axis regulated placental development and spiral artery remodeling in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhonglin Xiao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiujun Fan
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Philip C. N. Chiu, ; Jian V. Zhang,
| | - Jian V. Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Philip C. N. Chiu, ; Jian V. Zhang,
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15
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Morelli AE, Sadovsky Y. Extracellular vesicles and immune response during pregnancy: A balancing act. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:105-122. [PMID: 35199366 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying maternal tolerance of the semi- or fully-allogeneic fetus are intensely investigated. Across gestation, feto-placental antigens interact with the maternal immune system locally within the trophoblast-decidual interface and distantly through shed cells and soluble molecules that interact with maternal secondary lymphoid tissues. The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as local or systemic carriers of antigens and immune-regulatory molecules has added a new dimension to our understanding of immune modulation prior to implantation, during trophoblast invasion, and throughout the course of pregnancy. New data on immune-regulatory molecules, located on EVs or within their cargo, suggest a role for EVs in negotiating immune tolerance during gestation. Lessons from the field of transplant immunology also shed light on possible interactions between feto-placentally derived EVs and maternal lymphoid tissues. These insights illuminate a potential role for EVs in major obstetrical disorders. This review provides updated information on intensely studied, pregnancy-related EVs, their cargo molecules, and patterns of fetal-placental-maternal trafficking, highlighting potential immune pathways that might underlie immune suppression or activation in gestational health and disease. Our summary also underscores the likely need to broaden the definition of the maternal-fetal interface to systemic maternal immune tissues that might interact with circulating EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian E Morelli
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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16
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Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Expression of the Glycodelin Cytokine in Endometrial Tissue and the Endometrial Polyp, Before and After Hysteroscopy, in Infertile Female Patients. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2021-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
An endometrial polyp is most commonly a benign, localized proliferation of the glands and the endometrial stroma, covered with epithelium and protruding above the level of the mucosa. These polyps are most often diagnosed during investigation into the causes of irregular menstrual bleeding or infertility. It is produced in the highest concentration during the secretory phase of the endometrial cycle. The level of glycodelin reaches its peak 12 days after ovulation. The aim of this paper was to determine the changes in the immunohistochemical expression of glycodelin at the level of the endometrium and in the tissue of the polyp, before and after hysteroscopic polypectomy, in infertile female patients with an endometrial polyp, and in the endometrial tissue of female patients without an endometrial polyp. The study included 82 infertile female patients. The infertile patients were divided into two groups. The first was the experimental group which included 56 infertile female patients who had an endometrial polyp. The second group was the control group, composed of 26 infertile female patients who did not have an endometrial polyp. The results obtained primarily indicate the existence of changes in the immunohistochemical expression of the cytokine glycodelin in the female patients from both the experimental and the control group, not only prior to but also after hysteroscopy. A larger number of patients who have an endometrial polyp show a lack of glycodelin expression, more pronouncedly so in the bioptate of the endometrium than in the endometrial polyp.
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17
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Li WX, Xu XH, Jin LP. Regulation of the innate immune cells during pregnancy: An immune checkpoint perspective. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10362-10375. [PMID: 34708495 PMCID: PMC8581333 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The foetus can be regarded as a half‐allograft implanted into the maternal body. In a successful pregnancy, the mother does not reject the foetus because of the immune tolerance mechanism at the maternal‐foetal interface. The innate immune cells are a large part of the decidual leukocytes contributing significantly to a successful pregnancy. Although the contributions have been recognized, their role in human pregnancy has not been completely elucidated. Additionally, the accumulated evidence demonstrates that the immune checkpoint molecules expressed on the immune cells are co‐inhibitory receptors regulating their activation and biological function. Therefore, it is critical to understand the immune microenvironment and explore the function of the innate immune cells during pregnancy. This review summarizes the classic immune checkpoints such as PD‐1, CTLA‐4 and some novel molecules recently identified, including TIM‐3, CD200, TIGIT and the Siglecs family on the decidual and peripheral innate immune cells during pregnancy. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of the immune checkpoint molecules in pregnancy‐associated complications and reproductive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xuan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Biobank, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ping Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Biobank, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Li Y, Zhong L, Lee CL, Chiu PCN, Chen M. Identification of Adrenomedullin-Induced S-Nitrosylated Proteins in JEG-3 Placental Cells. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1296-1304. [PMID: 34462873 PMCID: PMC8907116 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00663-7] [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: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVCT) is responsible for trophoblast invasion, which is important during placentation. Dysregulation of the process leads to pregnancy complications. S-nitrosylation of proteins is associated with cell invasion in many cell types. Adrenomedullin (ADM), a polypeptide expressed abundantly in the first-trimester placentas, induces EVCT invasion by upregulation of protein S-nitrosylation. This study aimed to identify the S-nitrosylated proteins induced by ADM in the JEG-3 placental cells. By using affinity chromatography followed by mass spectrometric analysis, tubulin, enolase, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1, actin, annexin II (ANX II), and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenaseprotein-1 were found to be S-nitrosylated by ADM. In vitro treatment with ADM or S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) significantly increased the ANX II surface expression, but not its total expression in the JEG-3 cells. Translocation of ANX II to cell surface has been reported to act as a cell surface receptor to plasmin, plasminogen, and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), thereby stimulating cell invasion and migration. However, in this study, ADM-induced surface expression of ANX II in the JEG-3 cells was not associated with changes in the secretory and membrane-bound tPA activities. Future studies are required to understand the roles of surface expression of S-nitrosylated ANX II on trophoblast functions. To conclude, this study provided evidences that ADM regulated the nitric oxide signaling pathway and modulated trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingting Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liuying Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China.
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19
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Etxebeste-Mitxeltorena M, Del Rincón-Loza I, Martín-Antonio B. Tumor Secretome to Adoptive Cellular Immunotherapy: Reduce Me Before I Make You My Partner. Front Immunol 2021; 12:717850. [PMID: 34447383 PMCID: PMC8382692 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.717850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells are common immune cell sources administered to treat cancer patients. In detail, whereas CAR-T cells induce outstanding responses in a subset of hematological malignancies, responses are much more deficient in solid tumors. Moreover, NK cells have not shown remarkable results up to date. In general, immune cells present high plasticity to change their activity and phenotype depending on the stimuli they receive from molecules secreted in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Consequently, immune cells will also secrete molecules that will shape the activities of other neighboring immune and tumor cells. Specifically, NK cells can polarize to activities as diverse as angiogenic ones instead of their killer activity. In addition, tumor cell phagocytosis by macrophages, which is required to remove dying tumor cells after the attack of NK cells or CAR-T cells, can be avoided in the TME. In addition, chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments can induce senescence in tumor cells modifying their secretome to a known as “senescence-associated secretory phenotype” (SASP) that will also impact the immune response. Whereas the SASP initially attracts immune cells to eliminate senescent tumor cells, at high numbers of senescent cells, the SASP becomes detrimental, impacting negatively in the immune response. Last, CAR-T cells are an attractive option to overcome these events. Here, we review how molecules secreted in the TME by either tumor cells or even by immune cells impact the anti-tumor activity of surrounding immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel Etxebeste-Mitxeltorena
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Diaz, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Del Rincón-Loza
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Diaz, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martín-Antonio
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Diaz, UAM, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Hao F, Zhou X, Jin L. Natural killer cells: functional differences in recurrent spontaneous abortion†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:524-531. [PMID: 31742319 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is one of the major pregnancy disorders and poses a serious risk to both the mother and the fetus. Although a number of research efforts have been conducted, therapeutic advances for treating RSA have not lived up to their expectations. Hence, other treatments should be explored. The important role of natural killer (NK) cells in immunotherapy is attracting increasing attention, both as a pharmaceutical target and for cell therapies. NK cells are abundant in the endometrium and play a role in implantation and placentation in normal pregnancy. As research progresses, NK cells are increasingly regarded as playing essential roles in the emergence and development of RSA. In this article, I review recent findings on the role of uterine NK cells in the pathophysiology of RSA. These cells may become therapeutic NK cell-related targets. In conclusion, although several issues regarding NK cells in RSA remain unresolved and require further investigation, extensive evidence is available for the treatment of RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Hao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhou
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Jin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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21
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Mikhailova V, Khokhlova E, Grebenkina P, Salloum Z, Nikolaenkov I, Markova K, Davidova A, Selkov S, Sokolov D. NK-92 cells change their phenotype and function when cocultured with IL-15, IL-18 and trophoblast cells. Immunobiology 2021; 226:152125. [PMID: 34365089 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2021.152125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
NK cell development is affected by their cellular microenvironment and cytokines, including IL-15 and IL-18. NK cells can differentiate in secondary lymphoid organs, liver and within the uterus in close contact with trophoblast cells. The aim was to evaluate changes in the NK cell phenotype and function in the presence of IL-15, IL-18 and JEG-3, a trophoblast cell line. When cocultured with JEG-3 cells, IL-15 caused an increase in the number of NKG2D+ NK-92 cells and the intensity of CD127 expression. IL-18 stimulates an increase in the amount of NKp44+ NK-92 cells and in the intensity of NKp44 expression by pNK in the presence of trophoblast cells. NK-92 cell cytotoxic activity against JEG-3 cells increased only in presence of IL-18. Data on changes in the cytotoxic activity of NK-92 cells against JEG-3 cells in the presence of IL-15 and IL-18 indicate the modulation of NK cell function both by the cytokine microenvironment and directly by target cells. IL-15 and IL-18 were present in conditioned media (CM) from 1st and 3rd trimester placentas. In the presence of 1st trimester CM and JEG-3 cells, NK-92 cells showed an increase in the intensity of NKG2D expression. In the presence of 3rd trimester CM and JEG-3 cells, a decrease in the expression of NKG2D by NK-92 cells was observed. Thus, culturing of NK-92 cells with JEG-3 trophoblast cells stimulated a pronounced change in the NK cell phenotype, bringing it closer to the decidual NK cell-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Mikhailova
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Evgeniia Khokhlova
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Polina Grebenkina
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Zeina Salloum
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Igor Nikolaenkov
- Department of Obstetrics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Kseniya Markova
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Alina Davidova
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Sergey Selkov
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Sokolov
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
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22
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A Brief Analysis of Tissue-Resident NK Cells in Pregnancy and Endometrial Diseases: The Importance of Pharmacologic Modulation. IMMUNO 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno1030011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are lymphocytes involved in the innate and adaptative immune response. These cells are located in peripheral blood and tissues with ample functions, from immune vigilant to tolerogenic reactions. In the endometrium, NK cell populations vary depending on age, hormones, and inflammation. When pregnancy occurs, tissue-resident NK cells and conventional NK cells are recruited to protect the fetus, a tolerogenic response. On the contrary, in the inflamed endometrium, various inflammatory cells down-regulate NK tolerance and impair embryo implantation. Therefore, NK cells’ pharmacological modulation is difficult to achieve. Several strategies have been used, from progesterone, lipid emulsions to steroids; the success has not been as expected. However, new therapeutic approaches have been proposed to decrease the endometrial inflammatory burden and increase pregnancy success based on understanding NK cell physiology.
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23
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Angiogenic Properties of NK Cells in Cancer and Other Angiogenesis-Dependent Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071621. [PMID: 34209508 PMCID: PMC8303392 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of many serious diseases, including cancer, is closely related to disturbances in the angiogenesis process. Angiogenesis is essential for the progression of tumor growth and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has immunosuppressive properties, which contribute to tumor expansion and angiogenesis. Similarly, the uterine microenvironment (UME) exerts a tolerogenic (immunosuppressive) and proangiogenic effect on its cells, promoting implantation and development of the embryo and placenta. In the TME and UME natural killer (NK) cells, which otherwise are capable of killing target cells autonomously, enter a state of reduced cytotoxicity or anergy. Both TME and UME are rich with factors (e.g., TGF-β, glycodelin, hypoxia), which support a conversion of NK cells to the low/non-cytotoxic, proangiogenic CD56brightCD16low phenotype. It is plausible that the phenomenon of acquiring proangiogenic and low cytotoxic features by NK cells is not only limited to cancer but is a common feature of different angiogenesis-dependent diseases (ADDs). In this review, we will discuss the role of NK cells in angiogenesis disturbances associated with cancer and other selected ADDs. Expanding the knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for angiogenesis and its disorders contributes to a better understanding of ADDs and may have therapeutic implications.
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24
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Li D, Zheng L, Zhao D, Xu Y, Wang Y. The Role of Immune Cells in Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3303-3315. [PMID: 34101149 PMCID: PMC8186021 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00599-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion affects approximately 1–2% of women of childbearing, and describes a condition in which women suffer from three or more continuous spontaneous miscarriages. However, the origin of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains unknown, preventing effective treatment and placing stress upon patients. It has been acknowledged that successful pregnancy necessitates balanced immune responses. Therefore, immunological aberrancy may be considered a root cause of poor pregnancy outcomes. Considerable published studies have investigated the relationship between various immune cells and RSA. Here, we review current knowledge on this area, and discuss the five main categories of immune cells involved in RSA; these include innate lymphocytes (ILC), macrophages, decidual dendritic cells (DCs), and T cells. Furthermore, we sought to summarize the impact of the multiple interactions of various immune cells on the emergence of RSA. A good understanding of pregnancy-induced immunological alterations could reveal new therapeutic strategies for favorable pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Ying Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yeling Wang
- Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.
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25
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Sawyer L. β-Lactoglobulin and Glycodelin: Two Sides of the Same Coin? Front Physiol 2021; 12:678080. [PMID: 34093238 PMCID: PMC8173191 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.678080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The two lipocalins, β-lactoglobulin (βLg) and glycodelin (Gd), are possibly the most closely related members of the large and widely distributed lipocalin family, yet their functions appear to be substantially different. Indeed, the function of β-lactoglobulin, a major component of ruminant milk, is still unclear although neonatal nutrition is clearly important. On the other hand, glycodelin has several specific functions in reproduction conferred through distinct, tissue specific glycosylation of the polypeptide backbone. It is also associated with some cancer outcomes. The glycodelin gene, PAEP, reflecting one of its names, progestagen-associated endometrial protein, is expressed in many though not all primates, but the name has now also been adopted for the β-lactoglobulin gene (HGNC, www.genenames.org). After a general overview of the two proteins in the context of the lipocalin family, this review considers the properties of each in the light of their physiological functional significance, supplementing earlier reviews to include studies from the past decade. While the biological function of glycodelin is reasonably well defined, that of β-lactoglobulin remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Sawyer
- School of Biological Sciences, IQB3, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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26
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Bai K, Li X, Zhong J, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Lee CL, Chiu PCN. Placenta-Derived Exosomes as a Modulator in Maternal Immune Tolerance During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:671093. [PMID: 34046039 PMCID: PMC8144714 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.671093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are a subset of extracellular vesicles with an average diameter of ~100nm. Exosomes are released by all cells through an endosome-dependent pathway and carry nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, cytokines and metabolites, mirroring the state of the originating cells. The function of exosomes has been implicated in various reproduction processes, such as embryo development, implantation, decidualization and placentation. Placenta-derived exosomes (pEXO) can be detected in the maternal blood as early as 6 weeks after conception and their levels increase with gestational age. Importantly, alternations in the molecular signatures of pEXO are observed in pregnancy-related complications. Thus, these differentially expressed molecules could be the potential biomarkers for diagnosis of the pregnancy-associated diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that pEXO play a key role in the establishment of maternal immune tolerance, which is critical for a successful pregnancy. To gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanism, we highlighted the advanced studies of pEXO on immune cells in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunfeng Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xintong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jiangming Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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27
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Review: Histotrophic nutrition and the placental-endometrial dialogue during human early pregnancy. Placenta 2020; 102:21-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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28
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Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Si W, Yang B, Lin M, Zheng J, Cui L. Increased Peripheral NKG2A-NKG2D+CD3-CD16+CD56dim NK Cell Subset Was Positively Correlated with Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Patients of Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Immunol Invest 2020; 51:425-437. [PMID: 33103514 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2020.1835949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) is an autoimmune disorder with severe life-threatening complications shown during pregnancy. It has been reported that the increase in CD16+CD56dim natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood are risk factors for recurrent miscarriages, but this expression of CD16+CD56dim NK cells in OAPS patients has not been reported, and the mechanism is not clearly illustrated. In this study, we compared the distributional profiles of different NK cell subsets and the expressions of NK cell-activating receptors in peripheral blood of patients with OAPS and healthy women. Our results showed significantly increased NKG2A-NKG2D+ subset and decreased NKG2A+NKG2D- subset in CD3- CD16+CD56dim NK cells, CD3-CD16-CD56bright NK cells and CD56+T cells in OAPS patients compared with those in healthy control women. The CD27-CD11b+ subset significantly increased in CD3-CD16+CD56dim NK cells in OAPS patients compared with those in healthy control women. In addition, the NKG2A-NKG2D+ subset in CD3-CD16+CD56dim NK subset in triple positivity was higher than single positivity OAPS patients. At the optimal diagnostic threshold established by ROC analysis, using the cut-off of NKG2A-NKG2D+ and CD27-CD11b+ subset in CD3-CD16+CD56dim NK cells is 10.10% and 92.75%, the sensitivity of NKG2A-NKG2D+ and CD27-CD11b+ to detect patients with OAPS compared with healthy control results was 94.1% and 60.8%, and specificity was 84.2% and 89.5%, respectively, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.903 and 0.829, respectively. The NKG2A-NKG2D+ subset in CD3-CD16+CD56dim NK cells was positively correlated with the antiphospholipid antibodies lg anti-aCL IgG, lg anti-aCL IgM, lg anti-aCL IgA, lg anti-β2GP1 IgM and Complement 4(C4), while the CD27+CD11b+ subset in CD3-CD16+CD56dim NK cells was correlated with lg anti-β2GP1 IgG and lg anti-β2GP1 IgA. These results suggested that the NK cytotoxic function enhanced in OAPS patients and unbalanced of NK activating receptors and inhibiting receptors may contribute to the immune pathogenesis of OAPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinmei Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P R China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P R China
| | - Wenzhe Si
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P R China
| | - Boxin Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P R China
| | - Mingmei Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P R China
| | - Jiajia Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P R China
| | - Liyan Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, P R China
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29
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Vijayan M, Lee CL, Wong VHH, Wang X, Bai K, Wu J, Koistinen H, Seppälä M, Lee KF, Yeung WSB, Ng EHY, Chiu PCN. Decidual glycodelin-A polarizes human monocytes into a decidual macrophage-like phenotype through Siglec-7. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs244400. [PMID: 32513821 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.244400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidual macrophages constitute 20-30% of the total leukocytes in the uterus of pregnant women, regulating the maternal immune tolerance and placenta development. Abnormal number or activities of decidual macrophages (dMs) are associated with fetal loss and pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia. Monocytes differentiate into dMs in a decidua-specific microenvironment. Despite their important roles in pregnancy, the exact factors that regulate the differentiation into dMs remain unclear. Glycodelin-A (PAEP, hereafter referred to as GdA) is a glycoprotein that is abundantly present in the decidua, and plays an important role in fetomaternal defense and placental development. It modulates the differentiation and activity of several immune cell types residing in the decidua. In this study, we demonstrated that GdA induces the differentiation of human monocytes into dM-like phenotypes in terms of transcriptome, cell surface marker expression, secretome, and regulation of trophoblast and endothelial cell functions. We found that Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 7 (Siglec-7) mediates the binding and biological actions of GdA in a sialic acid-dependent manner. We, therefore, suggest that GdA, induces the polarization of monocytes into dMs to regulate fetomaternal tolerance and placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhavi Vijayan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Vera H H Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Kungfeng Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Wu
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Seppälä
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kai-Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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30
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Bruno V, Corrado G, Baci D, Chiofalo B, Carosi MA, Ronchetti L, Piccione E, Albini A, Noonan DM, Piaggio G, Vizza E. Endometrial Cancer Immune Escape Mechanisms: Let Us Learn From the Fetal-Maternal Interface. Front Oncol 2020; 10:156. [PMID: 32226771 PMCID: PMC7080858 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune escape mechanisms at the base of tumor progression in endometrial cancer mimic immune tolerance mechanisms occurring at the maternal-fetal interface. The biological and immunological processes behind the maternal-fetal interface are finely tuned in time and space during embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy stages; conversely, those behind cancer progression are often aberrant. The environment composition at the maternal-fetal interface parallels the pro-tumor microenvironment identified in many cancers, pointing to the possibility for the use of the maternal-fetal interface as a model to depict immune therapeutic targets in cancer. The framework of cancer environment signatures involved in immune adaptations, precisely timed in cancer progression, could reveal a specific "immune clock" in endometrial cancer, which might guide clinicians in patient risk class assessment, diagnostic workup, management, surgical and therapeutic approach, and surveillance strategies. Here, we review studies approaching this hypothesis, focusing on what is known so far about oncofetal similarities in immunity with the idea to individualize personalized immunotherapy targets, through the downregulation of the immune escape stage or the reactivation of the pro-inflammatory processes suppressed by the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bruno
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Corrado
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Women and Children Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Denisa Baci
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Benito Chiofalo
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonia Carosi
- Anatomy Pathology Unit, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Ronchetti
- Anatomy Pathology Unit, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Piccione
- Section of Gynecology, Academic Department of Surgical Sciences, Tor Vergata University Hospital, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Adriana Albini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Vascular Biology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Science and Technology Pole (PST), IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Douglas M Noonan
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.,Vascular Biology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Science and Technology Pole (PST), IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizza
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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31
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Glycodelin is internalized by peripheral monocytes. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 138:103102. [PMID: 32120159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Glycodelin is produced by the endometrial cells during the luteal phase and first trimester of pregnancy and plays a role in the regulation of the endometrial immunology. However, the molecular connection between glycodelin and the maternal immune system is not clear. To better understand the possible physiological interaction between the endometrium and the maternal immune system, we investigated (1) whether glycodelin binds to mainly peripheral monocytes, and in case (2) whether the binding to the membrane only depends on the protein backbone or a carbohydrate structure is needed, and in case (3) whether glycodelin is internalized after binding to the membrane. We demonstrated that glycodelin - with or without the carbohydrate structure - was preferentially bound and internalized to peripheral monocytes. Surprisingly, we found signals in the nucleus of the monocytes indicating a potential regulating effect of glycodelin may be exerted through the nucleus. However, further studies should be performed to confirm this finding.
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32
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Altered glycosylation of glycodelin in endometrial carcinoma. J Transl Med 2020; 100:1014-1025. [PMID: 32205858 PMCID: PMC7312397 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-0411-x] [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: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycodelin is a major glycoprotein expressed in reproductive tissues, like secretory and decidualized endometrium. It has several reproduction related functions that are dependent on specific glycosylation, but it has also been found to drive differentiation of endometrial carcinoma cells toward a less malignant phenotype. Here we aimed to elucidate whether the glycosylation and function of glycodelin is altered in endometrial carcinoma as compared with a normal endometrium. We carried out glycan structure analysis of glycodelin expressed in HEC-1B human endometrial carcinoma cells (HEC-1B Gd) by mass spectrometry glycomics strategies. Glycans of HEC-1B Gd were found to comprise a typical mixture of high-mannose, hybrid, and complex-type N-glycans, often containing undecorated LacNAc (Galβ1-4GlcNAc) antennae. However, several differences, as compared with previously reported glycan structures of normal human decidualized endometrium-derived glycodelin isoform, glycodelin-A (GdA), were also found. These included a lower level of sialylation and more abundant poly-LacNAc antennae, some of which are fucosylated. This allowed us to select lectins that showed different binding to these classes of glycodelin. Despite the differences in glycosylation between HEC-1B Gd and GdA, both showed similar inhibitory activity on trophoblast cell invasion and peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation. For the detection of cancer associated glycodelin, we established a novel in situ proximity-ligation based histochemical staining method using a specific glycodelin antibody and UEAI lectin. We found that the UEAI reactive glycodelin was abundant in endometrial carcinoma, but virtually absent in normal endometrial tissue even when glycodelin was strongly expressed. In conclusion, we established a histochemical staining method for the detection of endometrial carcinoma-associated glycodelin and showed that this specific glycodelin is exclusively expressed in cancer, not in normal endometrium. Similar methods can be used for studies of other glycoproteins.
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33
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Dixit A, Karande AA. Glycodelin regulates the numbers and function of peripheral natural killer cells. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 137:102625. [PMID: 31730930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.102625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells comprise of ∼70% of the immune cell population in the maternal decidua and ∼15% of the mononuclear cells in the peripheral blood. The decidual NK cells capable of producing high levels of cytokines are functionally distinct from the peripheral NK cells that exhibit high cytotoxicity. The numbers of peripheral NK cells and their cytotoxicity potential have been correlated with pregnancy outcome. In the same context, glycodelin, an immunomodulatory protein, has been recognized to be essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, and its' reduced levels are associated with recurrent spontaneous abortions. We investigated the effect of glycodelin on the peripheral NK cells. Our results reveal that glycodelin suppresses the cytotoxicity of peripheral NK cells via downregulating perforin, granzyme B and IFNγ. Glycodelin also induces caspase-dependent death in only activated peripheral NK cells, the effect suggested to be mediated by glycodelin upon engaging with the CD7 cell surface receptor. Thus, during pregnancy, glycodelin modulates the function and the number of cytotoxic NK cells that pose a deleterious effect on the fetus, a semi-allograft. This study provides insights into the mechanism of the regulatory effect of glycodelin on NK cells and could possibly be exploited for the management of miscarriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Dixit
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India
| | - Anjali A Karande
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India.
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