1
|
Cuadrado-Torroglosa I, García-Velasco JA, Alecsandru D. Maternal-Fetal Compatibility in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2379. [PMID: 38673652 PMCID: PMC11051463 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is an undesirable condition suffered by many patients of reproductive age. In this scenario, certain immune cell populations and molecules, involved in maternal-fetal compatibility, have emerged as factors related with the pathogenesis of RPL. Among them, uterine Natural Killer cells (uNKs) appear to be of great relevance. These cells are involved in numerous processes during pregnancy, such as the remodeling of uterine spiral arteries or the control of trophoblast invasion. These functions are regulated by the interactions that these cells establish with the extravillous trophoblast, mainly through their Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIRs) and the Human Leukocyte Antigen-C (HLA-C) molecules expressed by the embryo. A high level of polymorphism has been reported for both molecules involved in this interaction, with some of the possible KIR-HLA-C combinations being associated with an increased risk of RPL. However, the complexity of the maternal-fetal interface goes beyond this, as other HLA molecules also appear to be related to this reproductive pathology. In this review, we will discuss the role of uNKs in pregnancy, as well as the polymorphisms and clinical implications of KIR-HLA-C binding. We will also address the involvement of other, different HLA molecules in RPL, and the current advice on the appropriate management of patients with 'immunological mismatch', thus covering the main aspects regarding the involvement of maternal-fetal compatibility in RPL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Cuadrado-Torroglosa
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
| | - Juan A. García-Velasco
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Av. del Talgo, 68, 28023 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Av. del Talgo, 68, 28023 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wasilewska A, Grabowska M, Moskalik-Kierat D, Brzoza M, Laudański P, Garley M. Immunological Aspects of Infertility-The Role of KIR Receptors and HLA-C Antigen. Cells 2023; 13:59. [PMID: 38201263 PMCID: PMC10778566 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of immune tolerance of a mother against an antigenically foreign fetus without a concomitant loss of defense capabilities against pathogens are the factors underlying the success of a pregnancy. A significant role in human defense is played by killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) receptors, which regulate the function of the natural killer (NK) cells capable of destroying antigenically foreign cells, virus-infected cells, or tumor-lesioned cells. A special subpopulation of NK cells called uterine NK cells (uNK) is found in the uterus. Disruption of the tolerance process or overactivity of immune-competent cells can lead to immune infertility, a situation in which a woman's immune system attacks her own reproductive cells, making it impossible to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Since the prominent role of the inflammatory response in infertility, including KIR receptors and NK cells, has been postulated, the process of antigen presentation involving major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (HLA) appears to be crucial for a successful pregnancy. Proper interactions between KIR receptors on female uNK cells and HLA class I molecules, with a predominant role for HLA-C, found on the surface of germ cells, are strategically important during embryo implantation. In addition, maintaining a functional balance between activating and inhibitory KIR receptors is essential for proper placenta formation and embryo implantation in the uterus. A disruption of this balance can lead to complications during pregnancy. The discovery of links between KIR and HLA-C has provided valuable information about the complexity of maternal-fetal immune interactions that determine the success of a pregnancy. The great diversity of maternal KIR and fetal HLA-C ligands is associated with the occurrence of KIR/HLA-C combinations that are more or less favorable for reproductive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wasilewska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Marcelina Grabowska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Dominika Moskalik-Kierat
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Martyna Brzoza
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Piotr Laudański
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Calisia University, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
- OVIklinika Infertility Center, 01-377 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Garley
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Białystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Olfatory HLA-associated mechanism of formation of married couples in the development of congenital heart diseases in children. ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2022. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2022-7.6.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Taking into account the significance of the HLA complex in the inflammatory and immune responses, we can assume that the potential for limiting or developing pathology in the next generation will be determined at the stage of selection of certain alleles in the spousal genotype.The aim. To study the role of HLA assortativity in couples with healthy children and couples with children with congenital heart diseases (CHD) through the prism of immunogenetic mechanisms of mutual olfactory choice.Materials and methods. We studied the distribution of HLA-DRB1 alleles in married couples with healthy children and with children having CHD. To identify the associations of HLA-DRB1 alleles with odor preferences, we also studied the group included young males and females. HLA-DRB1 gene typing was carried out in all participants.Results. The combination of HLA-DRB1 alleles in couples with healthy children was similar to the combination of these alleles in the mutual olfactory sympathy between unfamiliar young males and females. Allele combinations in the spouses from the experimental group differ from the group of random selection. The frequency of matches for HLA-DRB1 alleles in married couples with children having CHD without was significantly higher than in the control group.Conclusion. The first stage of selection, associated with olfactory selection, is aimed to the whole population, and it is significantly manifested in the control group (married couples with healthy children). At the same time, in the experimental group (couples with children having CHD), some deviations from the main selection were discovered. Generally, specific HLA-DRB1 allele combinations obtained on the basis of olfactory assessments, indicate the involvement of HLA molecules in pheromone reception.
Collapse
|
4
|
Shakerian B, Irvani S, Mostafavi S, Moghtaderi M. Quantitative serum determination of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD56 in women with primary infertility: The role of cell-mediated immunity. Turk J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 19:242-245. [PMID: 36149308 PMCID: PMC9511930 DOI: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2022.47527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
|
5
|
Díaz-Hernández I, Alecsandru D, García-Velasco JA, Domínguez F. Uterine natural killer cells: from foe to friend in reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:720-746. [PMID: 33528013 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent miscarriage and pre-eclampsia are common reproductive disorders, but their causes are often unknown. Recent evidence has provided new insight into immune system influences in reproductive disorders. A subset of lymphocytes of the innate immune system known as uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are now recognized as fundamental to achieving embryo implantation and successful pregnancy, but were initially attributed a bad reputation. Indeed, immune therapies have been developed to treat the 'exaggerated' immune response from uNK cells. These treatments have been based on studies of peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cells. However, uNK cells and pbNK cells have different phenotypic and functional characteristics. The functions of uNK cells are closely related to their interactions with the extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) and spiral arteries, which underlie an essential role in regulating vascular function, controlling trophoblast invasion and promoting placental development. EVTs express MHC molecules of class I HLA-C/E/G/F, while uNK cells express, among other receptors, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) that bind to HLA-C or CD94/NKG2A inhibitory receptors, and then bind HLA-E. Associations of certain KIR/HLA-C combinations with recurrent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and foetal growth restriction and the interactions between uNK cells, trophoblasts and vascular cells have led to the hypothesis that uNK cells may play a role in embryo implantation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our objective was to review the evolution of our understanding of uNK cells, their functions, and their increasingly relevant role in reproduction. SEARCH METHODS Relevant literature through June 2020 was retrieved using Google Scholar and PubMed. Search terms comprised uNK cells, human pregnancy, reproductive failure, maternal KIR and HLA-C, HLA-E/G/F in EVT cells, angiogenic cytokines, CD56+ NK cells, spiral artery, oestrogen and progesterone receptors, KIR haplotype and paternal HLA-C2. OUTCOMES This review provides key insights into the evolving conceptualization of uNK cells, from their not-so-promising beginnings to now, when they are considered allies in reproduction. We synthesized current knowledge about uNK cells, their involvement in reproduction and their main functions in placental vascular remodeling and trophoblast invasion. One of the issues that this review presents is the enormous complexity involved in studying the immune system in reproduction. The complexity in the immunology of the maternal-foetal interface lies in the great variety of participating molecules, the processes and interactions that occur at different levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, etc.) and the great diversity of genetic combinations that are translated into different types of responses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Insights into uNK cells could offer an important breakthrough for ART outcomes, since each patient could be assessed based on the combination of HLA and its receptors in their uNK cells, evaluating the critical interactions at the materno-foetal interface. However, owing to the technical challenges in studying uNK cells in vivo, there is still much knowledge to gain, particularly regarding their exact origin and functions. New studies using novel molecular and genetic approaches can facilitate the identification of mechanisms by which uNK cells interact with other cells at the materno-foetal interface, perhaps translating this knowledge into clinical applicability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Boynukalin FK, Abalı R, Gultomruk M, Yarkiner Z, Mutlu A, Bahceci M. Which factors affect the likelihood of miscarriage after single euploid blastocyst transfer? Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:1187-1195. [PMID: 33832867 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Which parameters affect the likelihood of miscarriage after single euploid frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT)? DESIGN In this retrospective study, clinical and laboratory data from 1051 single euploid FBTs were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were endocrine or systemic pathologies, uterine anomalies or pathologies, unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinx, karyotypic abnormalities (either maternal or paternal) or thrombophilia. Patients were divided into two groups according to pregnancy outcome: live birth and miscarriage. RESULTS Body mass index (BMI) (25.98 ± 0.5 versus 24.36 ± 0.21, P = 0.019), duration of infertility (6.62 ± 0.54 versus 4.92 ± 0.18, P = 0.006) and number of previous miscarriages (1.36 ± 0.13 versus 0.79 ± 0.05, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the miscarriage group (n = 100) than in the live birth group (n = 589). Although the trophectoderm and inner cell mass (ICM) percentage scores were not statistically different among the miscarriage and live birth groups, the percentage of day-6 biopsied embryos was significantly higher in the miscarriage group. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI (OR 1.083, 95% CI 1.013 to 1.158, P = 0.02) and number of previous miscarriages (OR 1.279, 95% CI 1.013 to 1.158, P = 0.038) were independent factors for miscarriage. Patients with elevated BMI and a higher number of miscarriages were at increased risk of miscarriage. CONCLUSION After a single euploid FBT, BMI and number of previous miscarriages are predictors of miscarriage. Lifestyle interventions before FBT may decrease miscarriage rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Remzi Abalı
- Bahceci Health Group, Hakki Yeten cad. No: 11 Terrace Fulya, Fulya Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Gultomruk
- Bahceci Health Group, Hakki Yeten cad. No: 11 Terrace Fulya, Fulya Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zalihe Yarkiner
- Cyprus Science University, Department of Statistics 99320 Dr Fazil Kucuk Cad. Ozankoy, Cyprus
| | - Aylin Mutlu
- Igenomix Turkey, 19 Mayıs Caddesi Golden Plaza, Şişli Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Bahceci
- Bahceci Health Group, Hakki Yeten cad. No: 11 Terrace Fulya, Fulya Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Alecsandru D, Klimczak AM, Garcia Velasco JA, Pirtea P, Franasiak JM. Immunologic causes and thrombophilia in recurrent pregnancy loss. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:561-566. [PMID: 33610320 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Certain miscarriages result from immunologic factors, but there is no clear identification of the precise causes of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Miscarriages and RPL can arise from a disruption of maternal-fetal immune homeostasis. Remodeling of the maternal uterine spiral arteries is one of the key steps for normal growth and development of the fetus. An adequate oxygen supply is necessary for correct placentation, and it is accomplished by proper vascular changes. The development of fetal tissues creates a potential immunologic problem since the fetus can express paternal antigens and, in some cases, antigens of a gamete donor. The maternal immune system actively responds to fetal antigens, and dysregulation of this crosstalk could partly explain pregnancy complications such as miscarriages and RPL. RPL resulting from thrombophilia is primarily due to acquired thrombophilia, and therefore screening and treatment should be focused on antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Alecsandru
- Department of Immunology, IVI RMA Madrid, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan A Garcia Velasco
- Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVI RMA Madrid; IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paul Pirtea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Foch, Paris, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Maharjan S, Cecen B, Zhang YS. 3D Immunocompetent Organ-on-a-Chip Models. SMALL METHODS 2020; 4:2000235. [PMID: 33072861 PMCID: PMC7567338 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202000235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, engineering of various human tissues in microphysiologically relevant platforms, known as organs-on-chips (OOCs), has been explored to establish in vitro tissue models that recapitulate the microenvironments found in native organs and tissues. However, most of these models have overlooked the important roles of immune cells in maintaining tissue homeostasis under physiological conditions and in modulating the tissue microenvironments during pathophysiology. Significantly, gradual progress is being made in the development of more sophisticated microphysiologically relevant human-based OOC models that allow the studies of the key biophysiological aspects of specific tissues or organs, interactions between cells (parenchymal, vascular, and immune cells) and their extracellular matrix molecules, effects of native tissue architectures (geometry, dynamic flow or mechanical forces) on tissue functions, as well as unravelling the mechanism underlying tissue-specific diseases and drug testing. In this Progress Report, we discuss the different components of the immune system, as well as immune OOC platforms and immunocompetent OOC approaches that have simulated one or more components of the immune system. We also outline the challenges to recreate a fully functional tissue system in vitro with a focus on the incorporation of the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sushila Maharjan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Berivan Cecen
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Magnus MC, Karlstad Ø, Parr CL, Page CM, Nafstad P, Magnus P, London SJ, Wilcox AJ, Nystad W, Håberg SE. Maternal history of miscarriages and measures of fertility in relation to childhood asthma. Thorax 2019; 74:106-113. [PMID: 30514789 PMCID: PMC6467238 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-211886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains unclear what underlies the greater risk of asthma reported among children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART). OBJECTIVE Our aim was to clarify the role of parental subfertility and unmeasured confounding on the association between ART and childhood asthma, and to examine the possibility for common mechanisms underlying parental subfertility and miscarriages influencing asthma pathogenesis. METHODS We used data from national Norwegian health registries (n=474 402) and the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) (n=75 797). We used log-linear regression to estimate overall associations, and fixed-effects logistic regression to estimate associations within siblings. RESULTS ART offspring had greater asthma risk, the adjusted relative risk (aRR) was 1.20 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.32) in the registry-based cohort, and 1.42 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.76) in MoBa. The sibling analysis yielded similar associations, although the CI included the null value. The elevated asthma risk among ART offspring was attenuated when they were compared with spontaneously conceived offspring with time to conception >12 months, aRR 1.22 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.57). Asthma risk also increased with maternal history of early miscarriages (≤12 weeks), with an aRR of 1.07 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.11) for one, aRR 1.18 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.26) for two and aRR 1.24 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.37) for three or more. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that both parental subfertility and characteristics related to the ART procedure itself might increase offspring asthma risk, although this needs to be confirmed in future studies, and further suggest that common mechanisms underlying parental subfertility and recurrent miscarriages might influence offspring asthma pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Christine Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health (CeFH), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Øystein Karlstad
- Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christine Louise Parr
- Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian M Page
- Centre for Fertility and Health (CeFH), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Nafstad
- Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department for Community Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health (CeFH), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stephanie J London
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allen J Wilcox
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wenche Nystad
- Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Eldevik Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health (CeFH), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ay ME, Ay Öİ, Çayan FE, Tekin S, Karakaş Ü, Derici Yildirim D, Erdal ME. Genetic Predisposition to Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Gene Polymorphisms as Potential Biomarkers. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2019; 23:57-65. [DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2018.0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ertan Ay
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Özlem İzci Ay
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Filiz Evşen Çayan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Sevinç Tekin
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ümit Karakaş
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Didem Derici Yildirim
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Emin Erdal
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sharif K, Sharif Y, Watad A, Yavne Y, Lichtbroun B, Bragazzi NL, Amital H, Shoenfeld Y. Vitamin D, autoimmunity and recurrent pregnancy loss: More than an association. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 80:e12991. [PMID: 29923244 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects close to 1% of couples; however, the etiology is known in only about 50% of the cases. Recent studies show that autoimmune dysregulation is a probable cause of RPL, which in some cases may be overlooked. In order for a pregnancy to proceed to term, early modulation of immunologic response is required to induce tolerance to the semi-allogenic fetus. Certain subsets of both the innate and adaptive immune responses play a role in the induction of fetomaternal tolerance. A relatively predominant T-cell helper (Th) 2 and T regulatory (Treg) cell population seem to favor a better pregnancy outcome, whereas Th1 and Th17 cell populations appear to have an opposite effect. Lately, the role of vitamin D in the modulation of immune response was established. Vitamin D has been shown to promote a more favorable environment for pregnancy through various mechanisms, such as enhancement of the shift toward Th2 cells and regulation of immune cell differentiation and cytokine secretion. Therefore, it seems that vitamin D deficiency sways the balance toward a worse outcome and may play a part in recurrent pregnancy loss. This review sheds light on the immunologic changes, which occur in early pregnancy and the regulatory role vitamin D has in the maintenance of this delicate balance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kassem Sharif
- Department of Medicine 'B', Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Zabludowicz center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Yousra Sharif
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Abdulla Watad
- Department of Medicine 'B', Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Zabludowicz center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Yarden Yavne
- Department of Medicine 'B', Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Zabludowicz center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Benjamin Lichtbroun
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Howard Amital
- Department of Medicine 'B', Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Zabludowicz center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Franasiak JM, Scott RT. Contribution of immunology to implantation failure of euploid embryos. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:1279-1283. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
13
|
Alecsandru D, García-Velasco JA. Why natural killer cells are not enough: a further understanding of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor and human leukocyte antigen. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:1273-1278. [PMID: 28501365 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The immune system's role in recurrent reproductive failure is a controversial issue in assisted reproduction. Most studies into immune system implication in reproduction have focused on finding markers of peripheral blood and less on the uterine environment. Peripheral blood natural killer cells have become an "immune study core" for women with recurrent miscarriage or recurrent implantation failure, based on the mistaken notion that they cause reproductive failure by killing or "rejecting" the embryo. Maternal-fetal tolerance begins at the uterine level, so successful adaptation to the fetus occurs after a complicated process. Insufficient uterine lining invasion by an invading extravillous trophoblast is the primary defect in pregnancy disorders such as recurrent miscarriage. This process is regulated by the interaction between maternal killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), expressed by uterine natural killer cells (uNK), and their ligand human leukocyte antigen (HLA) C, expressed by the extravillous trophoblast. Pregnancies are an increased risk of disorders in mothers with KIR AA when the fetus has paternal HLA-C2. A recent report has indicated that the expression of more than one paternal HLA-C by the extravillous trophoblast in assisted reproduction may affect placentation in mothers with KIR AA. This review provides insight into the immune system's role in assisted reproductive treatments. These insights can have an impact on the selection of single-embryo transfer and/or oocyte/sperm donor according to HLA-C in patients with recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage depending on their KIR haplotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Alecsandru
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University, and Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan A García-Velasco
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University, and Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bianchi PKFDC, Leandro RM, Poscai AN, Yoshinaga T, Gonçalez PO, Kfoury Junior JR. Progesterone Decreases in vitro Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase Expression in Dendritic and CD4+ Cells from Maternal-Fetal Interface of Rats. Immunol Invest 2017; 46:447-459. [DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2017.1296856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Magdanelo Leandro
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Department of Surgery, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Nayara Poscai
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Department of Surgery, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tulio Yoshinaga
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Department of Surgery, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Orlandini Gonçalez
- School of Veterinary Medicine of the University Moura Lacerda, Department of Anatomy of Domestic Animals, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Kfoury Junior
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Department of Surgery, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Alvarado-Hernández DL, Benítez-Sánchez A, Rodríguez-Cuevas JS, Rosales-Saavedra T, Guerra-Palomares SE, Comas-García A, Noyola DE, García-Sepúlveda CA. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and cytomegalovirus reactivation during late pregnancy. Int J Immunogenet 2016; 43:189-99. [PMID: 27277336 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) represents an important public health concern as it is associated with severe morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients, HIV-infected individuals and pregnant women given the risk of congenital infection. Congenital CMV is a leading cause of neurological sequelae, developmental delay and birth defects worldwide. Cytomegalovirus can be transmitted to the foetus following maternal infection or reactivation. NK cells expressing killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are part of the innate immune system and the first line of defence against viral incursions. Previous reports have shown that KIR genes are associated with CMV infections in the post-transplant setting. In this study, we set out to determine whether a protective effect of KIR genes over CMV infection is seen in Mexican pregnant women. Cytomegalovirus infection was assessed through nucleic acid testing in 200 pregnant women and 600 healthy blood donors comprising the Mexican mestizo reference population. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and HLA-C genotypes were obtained from 200 pregnant women and 300 reference samples using a comprehensive PCR-SSP approach. We observed statistically lower carrier frequencies of cB03|tA01 gene-content haplotype, of cB03 haplotype motif, of the KIR2DL5 + 2DS3/2DS5 gene pair and of KIR2DL5 amongst CMV-positive pregnant women in comparison with those CMV negative. None of these were associated with CMV status in the reference population. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the most important factor determining CMV status during third-trimester pregnancies was the KIR2DL5 + 2DS3/2DS5 gene pair (OR 0.376 (95%CI 0.174, 0.811, P = 0.013). Our results indicate that CMV-protective KIR gene associations described in Caucasoid populations are also present in the genetically distinct Mexican mestizo population. Our results suggest that certain KIR gene combinations provide protection against CMV infections occurring during late-term pregnancies, a finding of utmost epidemiological importance given its implication with congenital CMV infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D L Alvarado-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Genómica Viral y Humana, Facultad de Medicina UASLP, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - A Benítez-Sánchez
- División de Gineco-Obstetricia, Hospital Central 'Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto', San Luis Potosí, México
| | - J S Rodríguez-Cuevas
- División de Gineco-Obstetricia, Hospital Central 'Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto', San Luis Potosí, México
| | - T Rosales-Saavedra
- Laboratorio de Genómica Viral y Humana, Facultad de Medicina UASLP, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - S E Guerra-Palomares
- Laboratorio de Genómica Viral y Humana, Facultad de Medicina UASLP, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - A Comas-García
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina UASLP, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - D E Noyola
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina UASLP, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - C A García-Sepúlveda
- Laboratorio de Genómica Viral y Humana, Facultad de Medicina UASLP, San Luis Potosí, México
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Marques RE, Marques PE, Guabiraba R, Teixeira MM. Exploring the Homeostatic and Sensory Roles of the Immune System. Front Immunol 2016; 7:125. [PMID: 27065209 PMCID: PMC4814584 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunology developed under the notion of the immune system exists to fight pathogens. Recently, the discovery of interactions with commensal microbiota that are essential to human health initiated a change in this old paradigm. Here, we argue that the immune system has major physiological roles extending far beyond defending the host. Immune and inflammatory responses share the core property of sensing, defining the immune system also as a sensory system. The inference with the immune system collects, interprets, and stores information, while creating an identity of self, places it in close relationship to the nervous system, which suggests that these systems may have a profound evolutionary connection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Elias Marques
- Immunopharmacology, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Pedro Elias Marques
- Immunopharmacology, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Guabiraba
- ISP, INRA, Université François Rabelais de Tours , Nouzilly , France
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Immunopharmacology, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Garcia Velasco JA, Seli E. IVF: a short but exciting story. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2015; 27:165-6. [PMID: 25919232 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Garcia Velasco
- aIVI-Madrid, and Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain bDepartment of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|