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Iordache MD, Meca DC, Cirstoiu MM. Fetal Clinical and Paraclinical Outcomes in HIV-Positive Pregnant Women. Cureus 2024; 16:e59568. [PMID: 38826912 PMCID: PMC11144293 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remain significantly increased. Untreated maternal infection primarily leads to fetal complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth, or preterm birth. Concerning both maternal and fetal complications that can appear in pregnancy associated with HIV infection, the purpose of the study was to determine fetal and maternal demographic characteristics and the correlation between blood count parameters and poor fetal prognosis. Methods We conducted a quantitative study utilizing document review as the data collection method. This study encompassed a cohort of nine HIV-positive pregnant women who delivered at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. A comparative cohort of nine healthy pregnant women who delivered during the same period in the same facility was selected using stratified random sampling. We examined maternal and fetal demographic parameters and neonatal outcomes, reporting them to paraclinical laboratory data. Results The incidence of pregnancy-related HIV infections was 0.16%. The mean age of patients in the selected group was 29.88 ± 5.53. There was no statistically significant correlation between maternal clinical and paraclinical parameters in the HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups. Although there was a slightly negative difference in the fetal weight at birth, the 1-min APGAR (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) score, and the intrauterine growth restriction between the two groups, there was a statistically significant association between admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the neonates from HIV-positive pregnancies. In our study, we observed preterm deliveries in 22.22% of cases, and we did not record any stillbirths. The 1-min APGAR score was correlated with the value of leukocytes in peripheral blood. Vertical transmission was established to be 11.11% independent of maternal blood count parameters. Conclusion HIV infection during pregnancy leads to a higher risk of admission to the NICU. Fetal leukocytosis is indicative of a lower 1-min APGAR score. The primary emphasis of therapeutic intervention during pregnancy should center on vigilant monitoring of maternal viral load and the timely administration of antiretroviral therapy to enhance fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina Daniela Iordache
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Doctoral School of Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, ROU
| | - Daniela Catalina Meca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Doctoral School of Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, ROU
| | - Monica Mihaela Cirstoiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, ROU
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2
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Gorbunova O, Shirshev S. The effect of kisspeptin on the functional activity of peripheral blood monocytes and neutrophils in the context of physiological pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103621. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sarr D, Oliveira LJ, Russ BN, Owino SO, Middii JD, Mwalimu S, Ambasa L, Almutairi F, Vulule J, Rada B, Moore JM. Myeloperoxidase and Other Markers of Neutrophil Activation Associate With Malaria and Malaria/HIV Coinfection in the Human Placenta. Front Immunol 2021; 12:682668. [PMID: 34737733 PMCID: PMC8562302 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Placental malaria (PM) is characterized by accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes in the placenta, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains incomplete. Neutrophils respond to malaria parasites by phagocytosis, generation of oxidants, and externalization of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). NETs drive inflammation in malaria but evidence of NETosis in PM has not been reported. Neutrophil activity in the placenta has not been directly investigated in the context of PM and PM/HIV-co-infection. Methods Using peripheral and placental plasma samples and placental tissue collected from Kenyan women at risk for malaria and HIV infections, we assessed granulocyte levels across all gravidities and markers of neutrophil activation, including NET formation, in primi- and secundigravid women, by ELISA, western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results Reduced peripheral blood granulocyte numbers are observed with PM and PM/HIV co-infection in association with increasing parasite density and placental leukocyte hemozoin accumulation. In contrast, placental granulocyte levels are unchanged across infection groups, resulting in enhanced placental: peripheral count ratios with PM. Within individuals, PM- women have reduced granulocyte counts in placental relative to peripheral blood; in contrast, PM stabilizes these relative counts, with HIV coinfection tending to elevate placental counts relative to the periphery. In placental blood, indicators of neutrophil activation, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PRTN3), are significantly elevated with PM and, more profoundly, with PM/HIV co-infection, in association with placental parasite density and hemozoin-bearing leukocyte accumulation. Another neutrophil marker, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9), together with MPO and PRTN3, is elevated with self-reported fever. None of these factors, including the neutrophil chemoattractant, CXCL8, differs in relation to infant birth weight or gestational age. CXCL8 and MPO levels in the peripheral blood do not differ with infection status nor associate with birth outcomes. Indicators of NETosis in the placental plasma do not vary with infection, and while structures consistent with NETs are observed in placental tissue, the results do not support an association with PM. Conclusions Granulocyte levels are differentially regulated in the peripheral and placental blood in the presence and absence of PM. PM, both with and without pre-existing HIV infection, enhances neutrophil activation in the placenta. The impact of local neutrophil activation on placental function and maternal and fetal health remains unclear. Additional investigations exploring how neutrophil activation and NETosis participate in the pathogenesis of malaria in pregnant women are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demba Sarr
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lilian J. Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Brittany N. Russ
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Simon O. Owino
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Joab D. Middii
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- Kisumu Specialists Hospital Laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Stephen Mwalimu
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linda Ambasa
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- #1 Heartsaved Adult Family Care, Marysville, WA, United States
| | - Faris Almutairi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - John Vulule
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
| | - Balázs Rada
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Julie M. Moore
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
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4
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Shi J, Mu RQ, Wang P, Geng WQ, Jiang YJ, Zhao M, Shang H, Zhang ZN. The development of autoverification system of lymphocyte subset assays on the flow cytometry platform. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 60:92-100. [PMID: 34533003 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2021-0736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets are important parameters for monitoring immune status; however, lymphocyte subset detection is time-consuming and error-prone. This study aimed to explore a highly efficient and clinically useful autoverification system for lymphocyte subset assays performed on the flow cytometry platform. METHODS A total of 94,402 lymphocyte subset test results were collected. To establish the limited-range rules, 80,427 results were first used (69,135 T lymphocyte subset tests and 11,292 NK, B, T lymphocyte tests), of which 15,000 T lymphocyte subset tests from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients were used to set customized limited-range rules for HIV infected patients. Subsequently, 13,975 results were used for historical data validation and online test validation. RESULTS Three key autoverification rules were established, including limited-range, delta-check, and logical rules. Guidelines for addressing the issues that trigger these rules were summarized. The historical data during the validation phase showed that the total autoverification passing rate of lymphocyte subset assays was 69.65% (6,941/9,966), with a 67.93% (5,268/7,755) passing rate for T lymphocyte subset tests and 75.67% (1,673/2,211) for NK, B, T lymphocyte tests. For online test validation, the total autoverification passing rate was 75.26% (3,017/4,009), with 73.23% (2,191/2,992) for the T lymphocyte subset test and 81.22% (826/1,017) for the NK, B, T lymphocyte test. The turnaround time (TAT) was reduced from 228 to 167 min using the autoverification system. CONCLUSIONS The autoverification system based on the laboratory information system for lymphocyte subset assays reduced TAT and the number of error reports and helped in the identification of abnormal cell populations that may offer clues for clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Run-Qing Mu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Pan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Qing Geng
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Jun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Hong Shang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, P. R. China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Ning Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, P. R. China
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5
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Bukowska-Ośko I, Popiel M, Kowalczyk P. The Immunological Role of the Placenta in SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Viral Transmission, Immune Regulation, and Lactoferrin Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5799. [PMID: 34071527 PMCID: PMC8198160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A pandemic of acute respiratory infections, due to a new type of coronavirus, can cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has created the need for a better understanding of the clinical, epidemiological, and pathological features of COVID-19, especially in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women. Viral infections in pregnant women may have a much more severe course, and result in an increase in the rate of complications, including spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and premature birth-which may cause long-term consequences in the offspring. In this review, we focus on the mother-fetal-placenta interface and its role in the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including expression of viral receptors and proteases, placental pathology, and the presence of the virus in neonatal tissues and fluids. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the anti-viral activity of lactoferrin during viral infection in pregnant women, analyzes its role in the pathogenicity of pandemic virus particles, and describes the potential evidence for placental blocking/limiting of the transmission of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Bukowska-Ośko
- Department of Immunopathology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Marta Popiel
- Department of Animal Nutrition, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland;
| | - Paweł Kowalczyk
- Department of Animal Nutrition, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland;
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Cornish EF, Filipovic I, Åsenius F, Williams DJ, McDonnell T. Innate Immune Responses to Acute Viral Infection During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:572567. [PMID: 33101294 PMCID: PMC7556209 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.572567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological adaptations in pregnancy allow maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic fetus but also increase maternal susceptibility to infection. At implantation, the endometrial stroma, glands, arteries and immune cells undergo anatomical and functional transformation to create the decidua, the specialized secretory endometrium of pregnancy. The maternal decidua and the invading fetal trophoblast constitute a dynamic junction that facilitates a complex immunological dialogue between the two. The decidual and peripheral immune systems together assume a pivotal role in regulating the critical balance between tolerance and defense against infection. Throughout pregnancy, this equilibrium is repeatedly subjected to microbial challenge. Acute viral infection in pregnancy is associated with a wide spectrum of adverse consequences for both mother and fetus. Vertical transmission from mother to fetus can cause developmental anomalies, growth restriction, preterm birth and stillbirth, while the mother is predisposed to heightened morbidity and maternal death. A rapid, effective response to invasive pathogens is therefore essential in order to avoid overwhelming maternal infection and consequent fetal compromise. This sentinel response is mediated by the innate immune system: a heritable, highly evolutionarily conserved system comprising physical barriers, antimicrobial peptides (AMP) and a variety of immune cells—principally neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells—which express pattern-receptors that detect invariant molecular signatures unique to pathogenic micro-organisms. Recognition of these signatures during acute infection triggers signaling cascades that enhance antimicrobial properties such as phagocytosis, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of the complement system. As well as coordinating the initial immune response, macrophages and dendritic cells present microbial antigens to lymphocytes, initiating and influencing the development of specific, long-lasting adaptive immunity. Despite extensive progress in unraveling the immunological adaptations of pregnancy, pregnant women remain particularly susceptible to certain acute viral infections and continue to experience mortality rates equivalent to those observed in pandemics several decades ago. Here, we focus specifically on the pregnancy-induced vulnerabilities in innate immunity that contribute to the disproportionately high maternal mortality observed in the following acute viral infections: Lassa fever, Ebola virus disease (EVD), dengue fever, hepatitis E, influenza, and novel coronavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F Cornish
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iva Filipovic
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrika Åsenius
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J Williams
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas McDonnell
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Akoto C, Chan CYS, Ravi K, Zhang W, Vatish M, Norris SA, Hemelaar J. γδ T cell frequencies are altered in HIV positive pregnant South African women and are associated with preterm birth. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235162. [PMID: 32584913 PMCID: PMC7316337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal and child mortality worldwide. Maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment (ART) increase the rate of preterm birth, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, limiting progress in prediction, prevention and treatment. While overall γδ T cell levels remain constant, acute HIV infection is associated with a depletion of the Vδ2 subset and an increase in the Vδ1 subset, which do not return to baseline with ART. γδ T cells have also been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes and we therefore investigated the potential association between maternal HIV infection, peripheral γδ T cell frequencies and preterm birth. Methods Study participants were HIV positive (n = 47) and HIV negative (n = 45) women enrolled in a prospective pregnancy cohort study at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, South Africa. Women were enrolled in early pregnancy and gestational age was accurately determined by first trimester ultrasound scan. Peripheral blood samples were collected in each trimester and peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated. Frequencies of γδ T cells, Vδ1+ and Vδ2+ γδ T cell subsets, and CCR6 chemokine receptor expression were determined by flow cytometry. Results Total γδ T cell levels were similar between HIV positive and HIV negative women throughout pregnancy. However, in each trimester maternal HIV infection was associated with reduced levels of the Vδ2+ subset and increased levels of the Vδ1+ subset, leading to a reversal of the Vδ1/Vδ2 ratio. Timing of ART initiation among HIV positive women did not affect levels of γδ T cells, the Vδ1+ and Vδ2+ subsets, or the Vδ1/Vδ2 ratio. Importantly, preterm birth was associated with lower total γδ T cell levels in early pregnancy and γδ T cell frequencies were lowest in HIV positive women who delivered preterm. Moreover, in the first trimester the proportion of Vδ1+ T cells that were CCR6+ was significantly reduced in HIV+ women and women who delivered preterm, resulting in the lowest proportion of CCR6+ Vδ1 T cells in HIV positive women who delivered preterm. Conclusions Our findings suggest that altered γδ T cell frequencies may link maternal HIV infection and preterm birth. γδ T cell frequencies in early pregnancy may serve as predictive biomarkers to identify women at risk of delivering preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Akoto
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Y. S. Chan
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Krithi Ravi
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Zhang
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shane A. Norris
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, South African Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Joris Hemelaar
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, South African Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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8
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Cocker ATH, Shah NM, Raj I, Dermont S, Khan W, Mandalia S, Imami N, Johnson MR. Pregnancy Gestation Impacts on HIV-1-Specific Granzyme B Response and Central Memory CD4 T Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:153. [PMID: 32117291 PMCID: PMC7027986 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy induces alterations in peripheral T-cell populations with both changes in subset frequencies and anti-viral responses found to alter with gestation. In HIV-1 positive women anti-HIV-1 responses are associated with transmission risk, however detailed investigation into both HIV-1-specific memory responses associated with HIV-1 control and T-cell subset changes during pregnancy have not been undertaken. In this study we aimed to define pregnancy and gestation related changes to HIV-1-specific responses and T-cell phenotype in ART treated HIV-1 positive pregnant women. Eleven non-pregnant and 24 pregnant HIV-1 positive women were recruited, peripheral blood samples taken, fresh cells isolated, and compared using ELISpot assays and flow cytometry analysis. Clinical data were collected as part of standard care, and non-parametric statistics used. Alterations in induced IFNγ, IL-2, IL-10, and granzyme B secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to HIV-1 Gag and Nef peptide pools and changes in T-cell subsets between pregnant and non-pregnant women were assessed, with data correlated with participant clinical parameters and longitudinal analysis performed. Cross-sectional comparison identified decreased IL-10 Nef response in HIV-1 positive pregnant women compared to non-pregnant, while correlations exhibited reversed Gag and Nef cytokine and protease response associations between groups. Longitudinal analysis of pregnant participants demonstrated transient increases in Gag granzyme B response and in the central memory CD4 T-cell subset frequency during their second trimester, with a decrease in CD4 effector memory T cells from their second to third trimester. Gag and Nef HIV-1-specific responses diverge with pregnancy time-point, coinciding with relevant T-cell phenotype, and gestation associated immunological adaptations. Decreased IL-10 Nef and both increased granzyme B Gag response and central memory CD4 T cells implies that amplified antigen production is occurring, which suggests a period of compromised HIV-1 control in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Inez Raj
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Dermont
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waheed Khan
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Brito C, M Silva T, M Castro M, Wyrwas W, Oliveira B, M Fonseca B, Oliveira P, W Roberts C, Teixeira N, Borges M. Toxoplasma gondii infection reduces serum progesterone levels and adverse effects at the maternal-foetal interface. Parasite Immunol 2019; 42:e12690. [PMID: 31802508 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12690] [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: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Pregnant BALB/c mice infected with a Toxoplasma gondii type II strain were used to determine how pregnancy interferes with the development of maternal immunity to T gondii and how infection disrupts pregnancy and foetal development. METHODS Maternal and foetal parasite loads were assessed by amplification of T gondii SAG1 using qPCR. Adverse effects of infection were evaluated on foetal-placental development by quantification of implantation units undergoing resorption and by histopathological analyses. Serum progesterone levels were quantified by immunoassay. The effect of T gondii infection on maternal immunity was determined by assessing the cellular composition of spleens by flow cytometry. RESULTS Infected pregnant mice exhibited clinical signs of infection, inflammation and necrosis at the maternal-foetal interface and decreased serum progesterone levels. In infected mice, there was a clear effect of pregnancy and infection on macrophage cell numbers. However, no differences in the parasite load were detected between non-pregnant and pregnant mice. CONCLUSIONS Maternal T gondii infection induced adverse effects at the maternal-foetal interface. Alterations were found in immune spleen cells, dependent on the day of pregnancy, relative to nonpregnant animals. The results obtained suggest a pregnancy-dependent mechanism during T gondii infection able to interfere with macrophage numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Brito
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia M Silva
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria M Castro
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Weronika Wyrwas
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Oliveira
- Rodent Animal Facility, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of Abel Salazar-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno M Fonseca
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Oliveira
- EPIUnit, ISPUP, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Craig W Roberts
- Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Borges
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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10
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Olmos-Ortiz A, Flores-Espinosa P, Mancilla-Herrera I, Vega-Sánchez R, Díaz L, Zaga-Clavellina V. Innate Immune Cells and Toll-like Receptor-Dependent Responses at the Maternal-Fetal Interface. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153654. [PMID: 31357391 PMCID: PMC6695670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the placenta, the mother and the fetus exploit several mechanisms in order to avoid fetal rejection and to maintain an immunotolerant environment throughout nine months. During this time, immune cells from the fetal and maternal compartments interact to provide an adequate defense in case of an infection and to promote a tolerogenic milieu for the fetus to develop peacefully. Trophoblasts and decidual cells, together with resident natural killer cells, dendritic cells, Hofbauer cells and other macrophages, among other cell types, contribute to the modulation of the uterine environment to sustain a successful pregnancy. In this review, the authors outlined some of the various roles that the innate immune system plays at the maternal-fetal interface. First, the cell populations that are recruited into gestational tissues and their immune mechanisms were examined. In the second part, the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-dependent immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface was summarized, in terms of their specific cytokine/chemokine/antimicrobial peptide expression profiles throughout pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Olmos-Ortiz
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Pilar Flores-Espinosa
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Ismael Mancilla-Herrera
- Departamento de Infectología e Inmunología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Vega-Sánchez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioprogramación, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Lorenza Díaz
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Verónica Zaga-Clavellina
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico.
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Mandala WL, Gondwe EN, Molyneux ME, MacLennan JM, MacLennan CA. Leukocyte counts and lymphocyte subsets in relation to pregnancy and HIV infection in Malawian women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 78. [PMID: 28382737 PMCID: PMC5573949 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Problem We investigated leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets in HIV‐infected or HIV‐uninfected, pregnant or non‐pregnant Malawian women to explore whether HIV infection and pregnancy may act synergistically to impair cellular immunity. Method of study We recruited 54 pregnant and 48 non‐pregnant HIV‐uninfected women and 24 pregnant and 20 non‐pregnant HIV‐infected Malawian women. We compared peripheral blood leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets between women in the four groups. Results Parturient HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected women had more neutrophils (each P<.0001), but fewer lymphocytes (P<.0001; P=.0014) than non‐pregnant women. Both groups had fewer total T cells (P<.0001; P=.002) and CD8+ T cells (P<.0001; P=.014) than non‐pregnant women. HIV‐uninfected parturient women had fewer CD4+ and γδ T cells, B and NK cells (each P<.0001) than non‐pregnant women. Lymphocyte subset percentages were not affected by pregnancy. Conclusion Malawian women at parturition have an increased total white cell count due to neutrophilia and an HIV‐unrelated pan‐lymphopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson L Mandala
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Esther N Gondwe
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Malcolm E Molyneux
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jenny M MacLennan
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Calman A MacLennan
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medicine and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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