1
|
de Assis V, Kayisli UA, Ozmen A, Semerci N, Totary-Jain H, Pakasticali N, Halade GV, Lockwood CJ, Guzeloglu-Kayisli O. Decidual Cells Block Inflammation-Mediated Inhibition of 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase in Trophoblasts. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:1724-1736. [PMID: 38879084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Chorioamnionitis generates prostaglandin (PG) E2 and F2α, promoting fetal membrane rupture, cervical ripening, and uterine contractions. 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD) contributes to pregnancy maintenance by inactivating PGs. Herein, the role of decidual cells in the regulation of HPGD expression at the maternal-fetal interface was investigated. HPGD immunostaining was primarily detected in anchoring villi and choriodecidual extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) during pregnancy. Chorionic EVTs adjacent to the decidua parietalis exhibited significantly higher HPGD levels than those adjacent to the amnion. HPGD histologic score levels were significantly lower in choriodecidua from chorioamnionitis versus gestational age-matched controls (means ± SEM, 132.6 ± 3.8 versus 31.2 ± 7.9; P < 0.05). Conditioned media supernatant (CMS) from in vitro decidualized term decidual cells (TDCs) up-regulated HPGD levels in differentiated EVTs, primary trophoblasts, and HTR8/SVneo cells. However, CMS from 5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide or 10 ng/mL IL-1β pretreated TDC cultures down-regulated HPGD levels in HTR8/SVneo cultures. Similarly, direct treatment of HTR8/SVneo with lipopolysaccharide or IL-1β significantly reduced HPGD levels versus control (P < 0.05) but not in TDC-CMS pretreated HTR8/SVneo cultures. Collectively, these results uncover a novel decidual cell-mediated paracrine mechanism that stimulates levels of trophoblastic HPGD, whose function is to inactivate labor-inducing PGs, thereby promoting uterine quiescence during pregnancy. However, infectious/inflammatory stimuli in decidual cells cause a paracrine inhibition of trophoblastic HPGD expression, increasing PGE2/PGF2α levels, thereby contributing to preterm birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviana de Assis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
| | - Umit A Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Asli Ozmen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Nihan Semerci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Hana Totary-Jain
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Nagehan Pakasticali
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Ganesh V Halade
- Department of Internal Medicine, Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Charles J Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Ozlem Guzeloglu-Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mercnik MH, Wadsack C, Schliefsteiner C. Unlocking the secrets of Hofbauer cells in placental (patho-) physiology: Isolation and quality assessment in human term placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00299-6. [PMID: 39004544 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are macrophages of fetal origin that reside in the villous tissue. They are the only immune cells within healthy villi. While HBCs perform innate immune functions such as phagocytosis and antigen presentation, they are increasingly recognized for their diverse roles in placental physiology e.g. vascular functionality, tissue homeostasis, tolerance. Consequently, HBCs are of utmost interest in a variety of non-physiological placental conditions. ISOLATION Villous tissue is collected freshly after delivery and finely minced. The resulting tissue is digested in a two-step process, using Trypsin/DNase to separate cytotrophoblasts and collagenase/DNase to penetrate deeper into the villous stroma, containing HBCs, and obtain a single cell suspension. After a density gradient centrifugation, the corresponding cell layer is collected and subjected to negative immune selection of HBCs, yielding unaffected cells that have not been activated during the isolation process. QUALITY CONTROL In addition to a classical immunocytochemistry (ICC) approach including macrophage markers, and markers for potentially contaminating cell types (e.g. fibroblasts, muscle, mesenchymal cells), we have developed a multi-color flow cytometry (FC) panel. This panel assesses Hofbauer cell purity and polarization states more accurately and comprehensively than qualitative ICC, using percentage analysis of parent cells to estimate the expression levels of specific markers. DISCUSSION The presented protocol allows us to isolate HBCs in significant numbers and high purity, even from placentae compromised by preeclampsia (PE) with limited placental volume. We have successfully developed and implemented this protocol to study healthy, diabetic and PE macrophages, aiding a better understanding of the underlying placental pathophysiology at the cellular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Horvat Mercnik
- Medical University of Graz, Austria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit, Austria
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Medical University of Graz, Austria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Carolin Schliefsteiner
- Medical University of Graz, Austria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shook LL, Batorsky RE, De Guzman RM, McCrea LT, Brigida SM, Horng JE, Sheridan SD, Kholod O, Cook AM, Li JZ, Slonim DK, Goods BA, Perlis RH, Edlow AG. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 impacts fetal placental macrophage programs and placenta-derived microglial models of neurodevelopment. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:163. [PMID: 38918792 PMCID: PMC11197235 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03157-w] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates maternal and placental immune responses. Such activation in the setting of other infections during pregnancy is known to impact fetal brain development. The effects of maternal immune activation on neurodevelopment are mediated at least in part by fetal brain microglia. However, microglia are inaccessible for direct analysis, and there are no validated non-invasive surrogate models to evaluate in utero microglial priming and function. We have previously demonstrated shared transcriptional programs between microglia and Hofbauer cells (HBCs, or fetal placental macrophages) in mouse models. METHODS AND RESULTS We assessed the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 on HBCs isolated from 24 term placentas (N = 10 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases, 14 negative controls). Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we demonstrated that HBC subpopulations exhibit distinct cellular programs, with specific subpopulations differentially impacted by SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of differentially expressed genes implied impaired phagocytosis, a key function of both HBCs and microglia, in some subclusters. Leveraging previously validated models of microglial synaptic pruning, we showed that HBCs isolated from placentas of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnancies can be transdifferentiated into microglia-like cells (HBC-iMGs), with impaired synaptic pruning behavior compared to HBC models from negative controls. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that HBCs isolated at birth can be used to create personalized cellular models of offspring microglial programming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L Shook
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rose M De Guzman
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liam T McCrea
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara M Brigida
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Joy E Horng
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven D Sheridan
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olha Kholod
- Thayer School of Engineering and Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Aidan M Cook
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jonathan Z Li
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donna K Slonim
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Brittany A Goods
- Thayer School of Engineering and Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Campbell KA, Colacino JA, Dou J, Dolinoy DC, Park SK, Loch-Caruso R, Padmanabhan V, Bakulski KM. Placental and Immune Cell DNA Methylation Reference Panel for Bulk Tissue Cell Composition Estimation in Epidemiological Studies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.06.588886. [PMID: 38766167 PMCID: PMC11100803 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.06.588886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
To distinguish DNA methylation (DNAm) from cell proportion changes in whole placental tissue research, we developed a robust cell type-specific DNAm reference to estimate cell composition. We collated newly collected and existing cell type DNAm profiles quantified via Illumina EPIC or 450k microarrays. To estimate cell composition, we deconvoluted whole placental samples (n=36) with robust partial correlation based on the top 50 hyper- and hypomethylated sites per cell type. To test deconvolution performance, we evaluated RMSE in predicting principal component one of DNAm variation in 204 external placental samples. We analyzed DNAm profiles (n=368,435 sites) from 12 cell types: cytotrophoblasts (n=18), endothelial cells (n=19), Hofbauer cells (n=26), stromal cells (n=21), syncytiotrophoblasts (n=4), six lymphocyte types (n=36), and nucleated red blood cells (n=11). Median cell composition was consistent with placental biology: 60.4% syncytiotrophoblast, 17.1% stromal, 8.8% endothelial, 4.5% cytotrophoblast, 3.9% Hofbauer, 1.7% nucleated red blood cells, and 1.2% neutrophils. Our expanded reference outperformed an existing reference in predicting DNAm variation (15.4% variance explained, IQR=21.61) with cell composition estimates (RMSE:10.51 vs. 11.43, p-value<0.001). This cell type reference can robustly estimate cell composition from whole placental DNAm data to detect important cell types, reveal biological mechanisms, and improve casual inference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A. Campbell
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Justin A. Colacino
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - John Dou
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dana C. Dolinoy
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kelly M. Bakulski
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shook LL, Batorsky RA, De Guzman RM, McCrea LT, Brigida SM, Horng JE, Sheridan SD, Kholod O, Cook AM, Li JZ, Goods BA, Perlis RH, Edlow AG. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 impacts fetal placental macrophage programs and placenta-derived microglial models of neurodevelopment. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.29.23300544. [PMID: 38234776 PMCID: PMC10793528 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.29.23300544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates maternal and placental immune responses, which in the setting of other infections occurring during pregnancy are known to impact fetal brain development. The effects of maternal immune activation on neurodevelopment are mediated at least in part by fetal brain microglia. However, microglia are inaccessible for direct analysis, and there are no validated non-invasive surrogate models to evaluate in utero microglial priming and function. We have previously demonstrated shared transcriptional programs between microglia and Hofbauer cells (HBCs, or fetal placental macrophages) in mouse models. Here, we assessed the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 on HBCs isolated from term placentas using single-cell RNA-sequencing. We demonstrated that HBC subpopulations exhibit distinct cellular programs, with specific subpopulations differentially impacted by SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of differentially expressed genes implied impaired phagocytosis, a key function of both HBCs and microglia, in some subclusters. Leveraging previously validated models of microglial synaptic pruning, we showed that HBCs isolated from placentas of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnancies can be transdifferentiated into microglia-like cells, with altered morphology and impaired synaptic pruning behavior compared to HBC models from negative controls. These findings suggest that HBCs isolated at birth can be used to create personalized cellular models of offspring microglial programming.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ozmen A, Nwabuobi C, Tang Z, Guo X, Larsen K, Guller S, Blas J, Moore M, Kayisli UA, Lockwood CJ, Guzeloglu-Kayisli O. Leptin-Mediated Induction of IL-6 Expression in Hofbauer Cells Contributes to Preeclampsia Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:135. [PMID: 38203306 PMCID: PMC10778808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptin plays a crucial role in regulating energy homoeostasis, neuroendocrine function, metabolism, and immune and inflammatory responses. The adipose tissue is a main source of leptin, but during pregnancy, leptin is also secreted primarily by the placenta. Circulating leptin levels peak during the second trimester of human pregnancy and fall after labor. Several studies indicated a strong association between elevated placental leptin levels and preeclampsia (PE) pathogenesis and elevated serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in PE patients. Therefore, we hypothesized that a local increase in placental leptin production induces IL-6 production in Hofbauer cells (HBCs) to contribute to PE-associated inflammation. We first investigated HBCs-specific IL-6 and leptin receptor (LEPR) expression and compared their immunoreactivity in PE vs. gestational age-matched control placentas. Subsequently, we examined the in vitro regulation of IL-6 as well as the phosphorylation levels of intracellular signaling proteins STAT3, STAT5, NF-κB, and ERK1/2 by increasing recombinant human leptin concentrations (10 to 1000 ng/mL) in primary cultured HBCs. Lastly, HBC cultures were incubated with leptin ± specific inhibitors of STAT3 or STAT5, or p65 NF-κB or ERK1/2 MAPK signaling cascades to determine relevant cascade(s) involved in leptin-mediated IL-6 regulation. Immunohistochemistry revealed ~three- and ~five-fold increases in IL-6 and LEPR expression, respectively, in HBCs from PE placentas. In vitro analysis indicated that leptin treatment in HBCs stimulate IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner both at the transcriptional and secretory levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, leptin-treated HBC cultures displayed significantly increased phosphorylation levels of STAT5, p65 NF-κB, and ERK1/2 MAPK and pre-incubation of HBCs with a specific ERK1/2 MAPK inhibitor blocked leptin-induced IL-6 expression. Our in situ results show that HBCs contribute to the pathogenesis of PE by elevating IL-6 expression, and in vitro results indicate that induction of IL-6 expression in HBCs is primarily leptin-mediated. While HBCs display an anti-inflammatory phenotype in normal placentas, elevated levels of leptin may transform HBCs into a pro-inflammatory phenotype by activating ERK1/2 MAPK to augment IL-6 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asli Ozmen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Chinedu Nwabuobi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (Z.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Kellie Larsen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (Z.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Jacqueline Blas
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Monica Moore
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Umit A. Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Charles J. Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Ozlem Guzeloglu-Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ozarslan N, Robinson JF, Buarpung S, Kim MY, Ansbro MR, Akram J, Montoya DJ, Kamya MR, Kakuru A, Dorsey G, Rosenthal PJ, Cheng G, Feeney ME, Fisher SJ, Gaw SL. Distinct transcriptional profiles of maternal and fetal placental macrophages at term are associated with gravidity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559419. [PMID: 37808856 PMCID: PMC10557660 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Maternal intervillous monocytes (MIMs) and fetal Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are myeloid-derived immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Little is known regarding the molecular phenotypes and roles of these distinct monocyte/macrophage populations. Here, we used RNA sequencing to investigate the transcriptional profiles of MIMs and HBCs in six normal term pregnancies. Our analyses revealed distinct transcriptomes of MIMs and HBCs. Genes involved in differentiation and cell organization pathways were more highly expressed in MIMs vs. HBCs. In contrast, HBCs had higher expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses and cell surface receptor signaling. Maternal gravidity influenced monocyte programming, as expression of pro-inflammatory molecules was significantly higher in MIMs from multigravidas compared to primigravidas. In HBCs, multigravidas displayed enrichment of gene pathways involved in cell-cell signaling and differentiation. In summary, our results demonstrated that MIMs and HBCs have highly divergent transcriptional signatures, reflecting their distinct origins, locations, functions, and roles in inflammatory responses. Our data further suggested that maternal gravidity influences the gene signatures of MIMs and HBCs, potentially modulating the interplay between tolerance and trained immunity. The phenomenon of reproductive immune memory may play a novel role in the differential susceptibility of primigravidas to pregnancy complications.
Collapse
|
8
|
Shook LL, James KE, Roberts DJ, Powe CE, Perlis RH, Thornburg KL, O'Tierney-Ginn PF, Edlow AG. Sex-specific impact of maternal obesity on fetal placental macrophages and cord blood triglycerides. Placenta 2023; 140:100-108. [PMID: 37566941 PMCID: PMC10529163 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of offspring obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Altered fetoplacental immune programming is a potential candidate mechanism. Differences in fetal placental macrophages, or Hofbauer cells (HBCs), have been observed in maternal obesity, and lipid metabolism is a key function of resident macrophages that may be deranged in inflammation/immune activation. We sought to test the following hypotheses: 1) maternal obesity is associated with altered HBC density and phenotype in the term placenta and 2) obesity-associated HBC changes are associated with altered placental lipid transport to the fetus. The impact of fetal sex was evaluated in all experiments. METHODS We quantified the density and morphology of CD163-and CD68-positive HBCs in placental villi in 34 full-term pregnancies undergoing cesarean delivery (N = 15, maternal BMI ≥30 kg/m2; N = 19, BMI <30 kg/m2). Antibody-positive cells in terminal villi were detected and cell size and circularity analyzed using a semi-automated method for thresholding of bright-field microscopy images (ImageJ). Placental expression of lipid transporter genes was quantified using RTqPCR, and cord plasma triglycerides (TGs) were profiled using modified Wahlefeld method. The impact of maternal obesity and fetal sex on HBC features, lipid transporters, and cord TGs were evaluated by two-way ANOVA. Spearman correlations of cord TGs, HBC metrics and gene expression levels were calculated. RESULTS Maternal obesity was associated with significantly increased density of HBCs, with male placentas most affected (fetal sex by maternal obesity interaction p = 0.04). CD163+ HBCs were larger and rounder in obesity-exposed male placentas. Sexually dimorphic expression of placental FATP4, FATP6, FABPPM, AMPKB1 and AMPKG and cord TGs was noted in maternal obesity, such that levels were higher in males and lower in females relative to sex-matched controls. Cord TGs were positively correlated with HBC density and FATP1 expression. DISCUSSION Maternal obesity is associated with sex-specific alterations in HBC density and placental lipid transporter expression, which may impact umbilical cord blood TG levels and offspring cardiometabolic programming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L Shook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0114, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0114, USA
| | - Drucilla J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Camille E Powe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0114, USA; Department of Medicine, Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Center for Quantitative Health, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Kent L Thornburg
- Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Perrie F O'Tierney-Ginn
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, Box# 394, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0114, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Campbell KA, Colacino JA, Puttabyatappa M, Dou JF, Elkin ER, Hammoud SS, Domino SE, Dolinoy DC, Goodrich JM, Loch-Caruso R, Padmanabhan V, Bakulski KM. Placental cell type deconvolution reveals that cell proportions drive preeclampsia gene expression differences. Commun Biol 2023; 6:264. [PMID: 36914823 PMCID: PMC10011423 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04623-6] [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: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta mediates adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, which is characterized by gestational hypertension and proteinuria. Placental cell type heterogeneity in preeclampsia is not well-understood and limits mechanistic interpretation of bulk gene expression measures. We generated single-cell RNA-sequencing samples for integration with existing data to create the largest deconvolution reference of 19 fetal and 8 maternal cell types from placental villous tissue (n = 9 biological replicates) at term (n = 40,494 cells). We deconvoluted eight published microarray case-control studies of preeclampsia (n = 173 controls, 157 cases). Preeclampsia was associated with excess extravillous trophoblasts and fewer mesenchymal and Hofbauer cells. Adjustment for cellular composition reduced preeclampsia-associated differentially expressed genes (log2 fold-change cutoff = 0.1, FDR < 0.05) from 1154 to 0, whereas downregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, aerobic respiration, and ribosome biogenesis were robust to cell type adjustment, suggesting direct changes to these pathways. Cellular composition mediated a substantial proportion of the association between preeclampsia and FLT1 (37.8%, 95% CI [27.5%, 48.8%]), LEP (34.5%, 95% CI [26.0%, 44.9%]), and ENG (34.5%, 95% CI [25.0%, 45.3%]) overexpression. Our findings indicate substantial placental cellular heterogeneity in preeclampsia contributes to previously observed bulk gene expression differences. This deconvolution reference lays the groundwork for cellular heterogeneity-aware investigation into placental dysfunction and adverse birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Campbell
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - John F Dou
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elana R Elkin
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saher S Hammoud
- Human Genetics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven E Domino
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mercnik MH, Schliefsteiner C, Fluhr H, Wadsack C. Placental macrophages present distinct polarization pattern and effector functions depending on clinical onset of preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1095879. [PMID: 36713449 PMCID: PMC9878680 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1095879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are resident macrophages of the human placenta, regulating immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis. HBCs of a normal placenta (CTR) exhibit mainly an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Under exaggerated chronic inflammation during pregnancy, as in preeclampsia (PE), a phenotypic switch towards M1 polarization has been proposed. PE, defined as maternally derived syndrome can be distinguished into two different entities: early-onset (EO) preeclampsia and late-onset (LO) preeclampsia. Although the clinical presenting characteristics overlap, both can be identified by biochemical markers, heritability, and different maternal and fetal outcomes. To date, no study has specifically investigated polarization and phenotype of EO- and LO-PE HBCs and looked at possible changes in HBC functionality. Primary HBCs were isolated from CTR and PE placentae. First, in vitro morphological differences were observed between CTR and PE HBCs, with both PE groups exhibiting features of M1 macrophages alongside M2 forms. Interestingly, a different polarization pattern was observed between EO- and LO-PE HBCs. EO-PE HBCs develop a tissue remodeling M2 phenotype that is strongly shifted toward M1 polarization and showed a significant upregulation of CD86, TLR4, and HLA-DR. Furthermore, this pro-inflammatory signature is corroborated by higher expression of IRF5 and of NOS2 (p ≤ 0.05). However, their M2 characteristics is reflected by significant TGF-β secretion and ARG1 expression. In contrast, LO-PE HBCs developed a phagocytic CD209-low M2 phenotype in which the M1 pattern was not as pronounced as they downregulated the NOS2 gene, but expressed increased levels of pro-inflammatory CD80 and TLR1 (p ≤ 0.05). The enhanced phagocytosis and MMP-9 secretion alongside the increased secretion of anti-inflammatory IL -4, IL -13 and TGF-β in both EO- and LO-PE HBCs suggests their adaptive role and plasticity in resolving inflammation and tissue homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Herbert Fluhr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria,BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria,*Correspondence: Christian Wadsack,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Choi H, Yang SW, Joo JS, Park M, Jin Y, Kim JW, Lee SY, Lee SV, Yun TJ, Cho ML, Hwang HS, Kang YS. Sialylated IVIg binding to DC-SIGN + Hofbauer cells induces immune tolerance through the caveolin-1/NF-kB pathway and IL-10 secretion. Clin Immunol 2023; 246:109215. [PMID: 36581222 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Although the use of IVIg has increased in various immune-driven diseases and even in pregnancy, the exact action mechanisms of IVIg are not fully understood. Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) is a known receptor for α-2,6-sialylated IgG (sIVIg), which is responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of IVIg. DC-SIGN is expressed on Hofbauer cells (HBCs) of the fetal villi of the placenta which act as an innate immune modulator at the maternal-fetal interface. Preeclampsia is a major complication in pregnancy and is related to IL-10, a cytokine with an important role in immune tolerance. DC-SIGN interaction with sIVIg in HBCs promoted IL-10 secretion through the activation of the caveolin-1/NF-κB pathway, especially in plasma lipid rafts. Consistent results were obtained for HBCs from patients with preeclampsia. Collectively, the stimulation of DC-SIGN+ HBCs with sIVIg enhanced immune tolerance in the feto-maternal environment, suggesting the therapeutic application of sIVIg to prevent preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeongjwa Choi
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sang-Gye Paik Hospital, Inje University School of Medicine; Seoul 01757, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Soo Joo
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Science Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University; 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Park
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yihua Jin
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Woon Kim
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Yeong Lee
- The Rheumatism Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung-Vin Lee
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Science Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University; 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Jin Yun
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine; New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mi-La Cho
- The Rheumatism Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, South Korea
| | - Han-Sung Hwang
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine; Seoul, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Sun Kang
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Science Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University; 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; KU Research Center for Zoonosis, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pantazi P, Kaforou M, Tang Z, Abrahams VM, McArdle A, Guller S, Holder B. Placental macrophage responses to viral and bacterial ligands and the influence of fetal sex. iScience 2022; 25:105653. [PMID: 36505933 PMCID: PMC9732417 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and viral infections of the placenta are associated with inflammation and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal-origin macrophages in the placenta, proposed to protect the fetus from vertical pathogen transmission. We performed quantitative proteomics on term HBCs under resting conditions and following exposure to bacterial and viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and investigated the contribution of fetal sex. Resting HBCs expressed proteins pertinent to macrophage function, including chemokines, cytokines, Toll-like receptors, and major histocompatibility complex class I and II molecules. HBCs mounted divergent responses to bacterial versus viral PAMPs but exhibited protein expression changes suggestive of a more pro-inflammatory phenotype. A comparison between male and female HBCs showed that the latter mounted a stronger and wider response. Here, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the sex-dependent responses of placental macrophages to infectious triggers, which were primarily associated with lipid metabolism in males and cytoskeleton organization in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paschalia Pantazi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Myrsini Kaforou
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Vikki M. Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Andrew McArdle
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Beth Holder
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stein RA, Grayon A, Katz A, Chervenak FA. The Zika virus: an opportunity to revisit reproductive health needs and disparities. Germs 2022; 12:519-537. [PMID: 38021183 PMCID: PMC10660223 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2022.1357] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
First isolated in 1947, the Zika virus was initially connected only to limited or sporadic human infections. In late 2015, the temporal clustering of a Zika outbreak and microcephaly in newborn babies from northeastern Brazil, and the identification of a causal link between the two, led to the characterization of the congenital Zika syndrome. In the wake of the epidemic, several countries from Latin America advised women to postpone pregnancies for periods ranging from six months to two years. These recommendations initiated critical conversations about the challenges of implementing them in societies with limited access to contraception, widespread socioeconomic inequalities, and high rates of unplanned and adolescent pregnancies. The messaging targeted exclusively women, despite a high prevalence of imbalances in the relationship power, and addressed all women as a group, failing to recognize that the decision to postpone pregnancies will impact different women in different ways, depending on their age at the time. Finally, in several countries affected by the Zika epidemic, due to restrictive reproductive policies, legally terminating a pregnancy is no longer an option even at the earliest time when brain malformations as part of the congenital Zika syndrome can be detected by ultrasonography. The virus continued to circulate after 2016 in several countries. Climate change models predict an expansion of the geographical area where local Zika transmission may occur, indicating that the interface between the virus, teratogenesis, and reproductive rights is a topic of considerable interest for medicine, social sciences, and public health for years to come.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Stein
- MD, PhD, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn 11201, NY, USA
| | - Alexis Grayon
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn 11201, NY, USA
| | - Adi Katz
- MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, 110 E 77th Street, New York, NY, 10075, USA
| | - Frank A. Chervenak
- MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, 110 E 77th Street, New York, NY, 10075, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Basilio E, Chen R, Fernandez AC, Padula AM, Robinson JF, Gaw SL. Wildfire Smoke Exposure during Pregnancy: A Review of Potential Mechanisms of Placental Toxicity, Impact on Obstetric Outcomes, and Strategies to Reduce Exposure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13727. [PMID: 36360613 PMCID: PMC9657128 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is accelerating the intensity and frequency of wildfires globally. Understanding how wildfire smoke (WS) may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes and alterations in placental function via biological mechanisms is critical to mitigate the harms of exposure. We aim to review the literature surrounding WS, placental biology, biological mechanisms underlying adverse pregnancy outcomes as well as interventions and strategies to avoid WS exposure in pregnancy. This review includes epidemiologic and experimental laboratory-based studies of WS, air pollution, particulate matter (PM), and other chemicals related to combustion in relation to obstetric outcomes and placental biology. We summarized the available clinical, animal, and placental studies with WS and other combustion products such as tobacco, diesel, and wood smoke. Additionally, we reviewed current recommendations for prevention of WS exposure. We found that there is limited data specific to WS; however, studies on air pollution and other combustion sources suggest a link to inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, DNA damage, telomere shortening, epigenetic changes, as well as metabolic, vascular, and endothelial dysregulation in the maternal-fetal unit. These alterations in placental biology contribute to adverse obstetric outcomes that disproportionally affect the most vulnerable. Limiting time outdoors, wearing N95 respirator face masks and using high quality indoor air filters during wildfire events reduces exposure to related environmental exposures and may mitigate morbidities attributable to WS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Basilio
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Rebecca Chen
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | | | - Amy M. Padula
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Joshua F. Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ozmen A, Guzeloglu-Kayisli O, Tabak S, Guo X, Semerci N, Nwabuobi C, Larsen K, Wells A, Uyar A, Arlier S, Wickramage I, Alhasan H, Totary-Jain H, Schatz F, Odibo AO, Lockwood CJ, Kayisli UA. Preeclampsia is Associated With Reduced ISG15 Levels Impairing Extravillous Trophoblast Invasion. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:898088. [PMID: 35837332 PMCID: PMC9274133 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.898088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among several interleukin (IL)-6 family members, only IL-6 and IL-11 require a gp130 protein homodimer for intracellular signaling due to lack of intracellular signaling domain in the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and IL-11R. We previously reported enhanced decidual IL-6 and IL-11 levels at the maternal-fetal interface with significantly higher peri-membranous IL-6 immunostaining in adjacent interstitial trophoblasts in preeclampsia (PE) vs. gestational age (GA)-matched controls. This led us to hypothesize that competitive binding of these cytokines to the gp130 impairs extravillous trophoblast (EVT) differentiation, proliferation and/or invasion. Using global microarray analysis, the current study identified inhibition of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) as the only gene affected by both IL-6 plus IL-11 vs. control or IL-6 or IL-11 treatment of primary human cytotrophoblast cultures. ISG15 immunostaining was specific to EVTs among other trophoblast types in the first and third trimester placental specimens, and significantly lower ISG15 levels were observed in EVT from PE vs. GA-matched control placentae (p = 0.006). Induction of primary trophoblastic stem cell cultures toward EVT linage increased ISG15 mRNA levels by 7.8-fold (p = 0.004). ISG15 silencing in HTR8/SVneo cultures, a first trimester EVT cell line, inhibited invasion, proliferation, expression of ITGB1 (a cell migration receptor) and filamentous actin while increasing expression of ITGB4 (a receptor for hemi-desmosomal adhesion). Moreover, ISG15 silencing further enhanced levels of IL-1β-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (CXCL8, IL-6 and CCL2) in HTR8/SVneo cells. Collectively, these results indicate that ISG15 acts as a critical regulator of EVT morphology and function and that diminished ISG15 expression is associated with PE, potentially mediating reduced interstitial trophoblast invasion and enhancing local inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. Thus, agents inducing ISG15 expression may provide a novel therapeutic approach in PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asli Ozmen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Ozlem Guzeloglu-Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Selcuk Tabak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Nihan Semerci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Chinedu Nwabuobi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Kellie Larsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Ali Wells
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Asli Uyar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Sefa Arlier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Ishani Wickramage
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Hasan Alhasan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Hana Totary-Jain
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Frederick Schatz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Anthony O. Odibo
- Divisions of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Charles J. Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Umit A. Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Umit A. Kayisli,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Isolation of Decidual Macrophages and Hofbauer Cells from Term Placenta-Comparison of the Expression of CD163 and CD80. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116113. [PMID: 35682791 PMCID: PMC9181726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Placental immune cells are playing a very important role in a successful placentation and the prevention of pregnancy complications. Macrophages dominate in number and relevance in the maternal and the fetal part of the placenta. The evidence on the polarization state of fetal and maternal macrophages involved in both, healthy and pregnancy-associated diseases, is limited. There is no representative isolation method for the direct comparison of maternal and fetal macrophages so far. (2) Material and Methods: For the isolation of decidual macrophages and Hofbauer cells from term placenta, fresh tissue was mechanically dissected and digested with trypsin and collagenase A. Afterwards cell enrichment was increased by a Percoll gradient. CD68 is represented as pan-macrophage marker, the surface markers CD80 and CD163 were further investigated. (3) Results: The established method revealed a high cell yield and purity of the isolated macrophages and enabled the comparison between decidual macrophages and Hofbauer cells. No significant difference was observed in the percentage of single CD163+ cells in the distinct macrophage populations, by using FACS and immunofluorescence staining. A slight increase of CD80+ cells could be found in the decidual macrophages. Considering the percentage of CD80+CD163− and CD80−CD163+ cells we could not find differences. Interestingly we found an increased number of double positive cells (CD80+CD163+) in the decidual macrophage population in comparison to Hofbauer cells. (4) Conclusion: In this study we demonstrate that our established isolation method enables the investigation of decidual macrophages and Hofbauer cells in the placenta. It represents a promising method for direct cell comparison, enzyme independently, and unaffected by magnetic beads, to understand the functional subsets of placental macrophages and to identify therapeutic targets of pregnancy associated diseases.
Collapse
|
17
|
Toothaker JM, Olaloye O, McCourt BT, McCourt CC, Silva TN, Case RM, Liu P, Yimlamai D, Tseng G, Konnikova L. Immune landscape of human placental villi using single-cell analysis. Development 2022; 149:274057. [PMID: 35050308 PMCID: PMC8935213 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of a healthy pregnancy is reliant on a successful balance between the fetal and maternal immune systems. Although the maternal mechanisms responsible have been well studied, those used by the fetal immune system remain poorly understood. Using suspension mass cytometry and various imaging modalities, we report a complex immune system within the mid-gestation (17-23 weeks) human placental villi (PV). Consistent with recent reports in other fetal organs, T cells with memory phenotypes, although rare in abundance, were detected within the PV tissue and vasculature. Moreover, we determined that T cells isolated from PV samples may be more proliferative after T cell receptor stimulation than adult T cells at baseline. Collectively, we identified multiple subtypes of fetal immune cells within the PV and specifically highlight the enhanced proliferative capacity of fetal PV T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Toothaker
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Blake T. McCourt
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Collin C. McCourt
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Tatiana N. Silva
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Rebecca M. Case
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Dean Yimlamai
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - George Tseng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Liza Konnikova
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06519, USA,Program in Human and Translational Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06519, USA,Author for correspondence ()
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Megli C, Morosky S, Rajasundaram D, Coyne CB. Inflammasome signaling in human placental trophoblasts regulates immune defense against Listeria monocytogenes infection. J Exp Med 2021; 218:152123. [PMID: 32976558 PMCID: PMC7953628 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is a dynamic organ that modulates physiological adaptations to pregnancy. To define the immunological signature of the human placenta, we performed unbiased profiling of secreted immune factors from human chorionic villi isolated from placentas at mid and late stages of pregnancy. We show that placental trophoblasts constitutively secrete the inflammasome-associated cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, which is blocked by NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and occurs without detectable gasdermin D cleavage. We further show that placenta-derived IL-1β primes monocytes for inflammasome induction to protect against Listeria monocytogenes infection. Last, we show that the human placenta responds to L. monocytogenes infection through additional inflammasome activation and that inhibition of this pathway sensitizes villi to infection. Our results thus identify the inflammasome as an important mechanism by which the human placenta regulates systemic and local immunity during pregnancy to defend against L. monocytogenes infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Megli
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Stefanie Morosky
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.,Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Dhivyaa Rajasundaram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Carolyn B Coyne
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.,Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hofbauer Cells Spread Listeria monocytogenes among Placental Cells and Undergo Pro-Inflammatory Reprogramming while Retaining Production of Tolerogenic Factors. mBio 2021; 12:e0184921. [PMID: 34399615 PMCID: PMC8406333 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01849-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women are highly susceptible to infection by the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, leading to miscarriage, premature birth, and neonatal infection. L. monocytogenes is thought to breach the placental barrier by infecting trophoblasts at the maternal/fetal interface. However, the fate of L. monocytogenes within chorionic villi and how infection reaches the fetus are unsettled. Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal placental macrophages and the only leukocytes residing in healthy chorionic villi, forming a last immune barrier protecting fetal blood from infection. Little is known about the HBCs’ antimicrobial responses to pathogens. Here, we studied L. monocytogenes interaction with human primary HBCs. Remarkably, despite their M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype at basal state, HBCs phagocytose and kill non-pathogenic bacteria like Listeria innocua and display low susceptibility to infection by L. monocytogenes. However, L. monocytogenes can exploit HBCs to spread to surrounding placental cells. Transcriptomic analyses by RNA sequencing revealed that HBCs undergo pro-inflammatory reprogramming upon L. monocytogenes infection, similarly to macrophages stimulated by the potent M1-polarizing agents lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Infected HBCs also express pro-inflammatory chemokines known to promote placental infiltration by maternal leukocytes. However, HBCs maintain the expression of a collection of tolerogenic genes and secretion of tolerogenic cytokines, consistent with their tissue homeostatic role in prevention of fetal rejection. In conclusion, we propose a previously unrecognized model in which HBCs promote the spreading of L. monocytogenes among placental cells and transition to a pro-inflammatory state likely to favor innate immune responses, while maintaining the expression of tolerogenic factors known to prevent maternal anti-fetal adaptive immunity.
Collapse
|
20
|
Araujo Júnior E, Zamarian AC, Caetano AC, Peixoto AB, Nardozza LM. Physiopathology of late-onset fetal growth restriction. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:392-408. [PMID: 33876907 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04771-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is defined as the inability of the fetus to reach its potential for genetic determination. FGR can have several causes, including genetic syndromes, chromosomal diseases, and infections; however, a vast majority of cases are probably attributed to impaired uterine and placental circulation. The relationships between abnormal placental development and FGR are complex, and studies are generally few, presenting confounding factors. Damage to the uteroplacental circulation associated with vasculogenesis and villus angiogenesis dysfunction are the main factors involved in subsequent FGR. The main receptors involved in FGR include hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF 1, 2, and 3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), soluble Flt-1, soluble endoglin (Seng), angiopoietin-1 and -2 (Ang-1 and Ang-2), tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (Flt-1), tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (Flt-2), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 1, 2 and 3, kinase domain receptor (KDR), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor A (VEGFR-A). Furthermore, failure in trophoblastic invasion and remodeling of spiral arteries has been associated with FGR owing to poor placental perfusion. There are several possible causes for poor remodeling of spiral arteries, which probably vary on a case-to-case basis. Changes in the placental form, macroscopic and microscopic vascular lesions, inflammation, and genetic changes are also related to FGR. Based on gestational age at diagnosis, FGR can be classified as early- (˂32 weeks) and late-onset (≥32 weeks). Moreover, there exist several theories regarding possible pathophysiological differences between early- and late-onset FGR, with some postulating that it the same disease but at different stages or severity. Another hypothesis suggests that the change in the trophoblastic invasion of spiral arteries would be milder. In this article, we address the main mechanisms described in the pathophysiology of FGR and, later, the specific findings in late-onset FGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Araujo Júnior
- Paulista School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil -
- Municipal University of São Caetano do Sul (USCS), São Paulo, Brazil -
| | - Ana C Zamarian
- Paulista School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Caetano
- Paulista School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alberto B Peixoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Brazil
- Mario Palmério University Hospital, University of Uberaba (UNIUBE), Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Luciano M Nardozza
- Paulista School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
YAP1 nuclear efflux and transcriptional reprograming follow membrane diminution upon VSV-G-induced cell fusion. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4502. [PMID: 34301937 PMCID: PMC8302681 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells in many tissues, such as bone, muscle, and placenta, fuse into syncytia to acquire new functions and transcriptional programs. While it is known that fused cells are specialized, it is unclear whether cell-fusion itself contributes to programmatic-changes that generate the new cellular state. Here, we address this by employing a fusogen-mediated, cell-fusion system to create syncytia from undifferentiated cells. RNA-Seq analysis reveals VSV-G-induced cell fusion precedes transcriptional changes. To gain mechanistic insights, we measure the plasma membrane surface area after cell-fusion and observe it diminishes through increases in endocytosis. Consequently, glucose transporters internalize, and cytoplasmic glucose and ATP transiently decrease. This reduced energetic state activates AMPK, which inhibits YAP1, causing transcriptional-reprogramming and cell-cycle arrest. Impairing either endocytosis or AMPK activity prevents YAP1 inhibition and cell-cycle arrest after fusion. Together, these data demonstrate plasma membrane diminishment upon cell-fusion causes transient nutrient stress that may promote transcriptional-reprogramming independent from extrinsic cues.
Collapse
|
22
|
From Coxiella burnetii Infection to Pregnancy Complications: Key Role of the Immune Response of Placental Cells. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050627. [PMID: 34069587 PMCID: PMC8160966 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The infection of pregnant animals and women by Coxiella burnetii, an intracellular bacterium, compromises both maternal health and foetal development. The placenta is targeted by C. burnetii, as demonstrated by bacteriological and histological evidence. It now appears that placental strains of C. burnetii are highly virulent compared to reference strains and that placental injury involves different types of placental cells. Trophoblasts, the major placental cells, are largely infected by C. burnetii and may represent a replicating niche for the bacteria. The placenta also contains numerous immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and mast cells. Placental macrophages are infected and activated by C. burnetii in an unusual way of M1 polarisation associated with bacterial elimination. Placental mast cells eliminate bacteria through a mechanism including the release of extracellular actin filaments and antimicrobial peptides. In contrast, C. burnetii impairs the maturation of decidual dendritic cells, favouring bacterial pathogenicity. Our aim is to review C. burnetii infections of human placentas, paying special attention to both the action and function of the different cell types, immune cells, and trophoblasts targeted by C. burnetii in relation to foetal injury.
Collapse
|
23
|
Lu-Culligan A, Chavan AR, Vijayakumar P, Irshaid L, Courchaine EM, Milano KM, Tang Z, Pope SD, Song E, Vogels CBF, Lu-Culligan WJ, Campbell KH, Casanovas-Massana A, Bermejo S, Toothaker JM, Lee HJ, Liu F, Schulz W, Fournier J, Muenker MC, Moore AJ, Konnikova L, Neugebauer KM, Ring A, Grubaugh ND, Ko AI, Morotti R, Guller S, Kliman HJ, Iwasaki A, Farhadian SF. Maternal respiratory SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is associated with a robust inflammatory response at the maternal-fetal interface. MED 2021; 2:591-610.e10. [PMID: 33969332 PMCID: PMC8084634 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the pathophysiology underlying this increased morbidity and its potential effect on the developing fetus is not well understood. METHODS We assessed placental histology, ACE2 expression, and viral and immune dynamics at the term placenta in pregnant women with and without respiratory severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. FINDINGS The majority (13 of 15) of placentas analyzed had no detectable viral RNA. ACE2 was detected by immunohistochemistry in syncytiotrophoblast cells of the normal placenta during early pregnancy but was rarely seen in healthy placentas at full term, suggesting that low ACE2 expression may protect the term placenta from viral infection. Using immortalized cell lines and primary isolated placental cells, we found that cytotrophoblasts, the trophoblast stem cells and precursors to syncytiotrophoblasts, rather than syncytiotrophoblasts or Hofbauer cells, are most vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. To better understand potential immune mechanisms shielding placental cells from infection in vivo, we performed bulk and single-cell transcriptomics analyses and found that the maternal-fetal interface of SARS-CoV-2-infected women exhibited robust immune responses, including increased activation of natural killer (NK) and T cells, increased expression of interferon-related genes, as well as markers associated with pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 infection in late pregnancy is associated with immune activation at the maternal-fetal interface even in the absence of detectable local viral invasion. FUNDING NIH (T32GM007205, F30HD093350, K23MH118999, R01AI157488, U01DA040588) and Fast Grant funding support from Emergent Ventures at the Mercatus Center.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lu-Culligan
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arun R Chavan
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pavithra Vijayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lina Irshaid
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Edward M Courchaine
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kristin M Milano
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Scott D Pope
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eric Song
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chantal B F Vogels
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - William J Lu-Culligan
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Katherine H Campbell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arnau Casanovas-Massana
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Santos Bermejo
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jessica M Toothaker
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hannah J Lee
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Feimei Liu
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wade Schulz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John Fournier
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Catherine Muenker
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adam J Moore
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Liza Konnikova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karla M Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aaron Ring
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nathan D Grubaugh
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Albert I Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Raffaella Morotti
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Harvey J Kliman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, New Haven, CT, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Shelli F Farhadian
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has had a massive impact on human lives worldwide. While the airborne SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the lungs, viremia is not uncommon. As placental trophoblasts are directly bathed in maternal blood, they are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2. Intriguingly, the human fetus is largely spared from SARS-CoV-2 infection. We tested whether the human placenta expresses the main SARS-CoV-2 entry factors angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), and furin and showed that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are expressed in the trophoblast rather than in other placental villous cells. While furin is expressed in the main placental villous cell types, we surveyed, trophoblasts exhibit the highest expression. In line with the expression of these entry factors, we demonstrated that a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus could enter primary human trophoblasts. Mechanisms underlying placental defense against SARS-CoV-2 infection likely involve postentry processing, which may be germane for mitigating interventions against SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE Pregnant women worldwide have been affected by COVID-19. As the virus is commonly spread to various organs via the bloodstream and because human placental trophoblasts are directly bathed in maternal blood, feto-placental infection by SARS-CoV-2 seems likely. However, despite the heightened risk to pregnant women, thus far the transmission risk of COVID-19 to the feto-placental unit seems extremely low. This has been recently attributed to a negligible expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors in the human placenta. We therefore sought to explore the expression of the entry factors ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the different cell types of human placental villi. Using a combination of transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence, we found that trophoblasts, but not the other main villous cell types, express ACE2 and TMPRSS2, with a broad expression of furin. Correspondingly, we also showed that primary human trophoblasts are permissive to entry of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus particles.
Collapse
|
25
|
Ma H, Jiang S, Du L, Liu J, Xu X, Lu X, Ma L, Zhu H, Wei J, Yu Y. Conditioned medium from primary cytotrophoblasts, primary placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells, or sub-cultured placental tissue promoted HUVEC angiogenesis in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:141. [PMID: 33596987 PMCID: PMC7890636 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02192-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a large capillary network, the human placenta plays an important role throughout pregnancy. Placental vascular development is complex and delicate and involves many types of placental cells, such as trophoblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. There has been no systematic, comparative study on the roles of these two groups of placental cells and the whole placental tissue in the placental angiogenesis. In this study, primary cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) from early pregnancy and primary human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPDMSCs) from different stages of pregnancy were selected as the cell research objects, and full-term placental tissue was selected as the tissue research object to detect the effects of their conditioned medium (CM) on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis. Methods We successfully isolated primary hPDMSCs and CTBs, collected CM from these placental cells and sub-cultured placental tissue, and then evaluated the effects of the CM on a series of angiogenic processes in HUVECs in vitro. Furthermore, we measured the levels of angiogenic factors in the CM of placental cells or tissue by an angiogenesis antibody array. Results The results showed that not only placental cells but also sub-cultured placental tissue, to some extent, promoted HUVEC angiogenesis in vitro by promoting proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and tube formation. We also found that primary placental cells in early pregnancy, whether CTBs or hPDMSCs, played more significant roles than those in full-term pregnancy. Placental cell-derived CM collected at 24 h or 48 h had the best effect, and sub-cultured placental tissue-derived CM collected at 7 days had the best effect among all the different time points. The semiquantitative angiogenesis antibody array showed that 18 of the 43 angiogenic factors had obvious spots in placental cell-derived CM or sub-cultured placental tissue-derived CM, and the levels of 5 factors (including CXCL-5, GRO, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1) were the highest in sub-cultured placental tissue-derived CM. Conclusions CM obtained from placental cells (primary CTBs or hPDMSCs) or sub-cultured placental tissue contained proangiogenic factors and promoted HUVEC angiogenesis in vitro. Therefore, our research is helpful to better understand placental angiogenesis regulation and provides theoretical support for the clinical application of placental components, especially sub-cultured placental tissue-derived CM, in vascular tissue engineering and clinical treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Shenglu Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zhangjiakou University, No.P19, Pingmen Street, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Lili Du
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jinfang Liu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Medical College, Shan Xi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 89, Section 1, Jinci Road, Taiyuan, 030024, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiaomei Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jun Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yanqiu Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China. .,Shenyang Engineering Technology R&D Center of Cell Therapy CO.LTD, No. 400-8, Zhihui 2nd Street, Hunnan District, Shenyang, 110169, Liaoning Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lu-Culligan A, Chavan AR, Vijayakumar P, Irshaid L, Courchaine EM, Milano KM, Tang Z, Pope SD, Song E, Vogels CB, Lu-Culligan WJ, Campbell KH, Casanovas-Massana A, Bermejo S, Toothaker JM, Lee HJ, Liu F, Schulz W, Fournier J, Muenker MC, Moore AJ, Konnikova L, Neugebauer KM, Ring A, Grubaugh ND, Ko AI, Morotti R, Guller S, Kliman HJ, Iwasaki A, Farhadian SF. SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is associated with robust inflammatory response at the maternal-fetal interface. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021:2021.01.25.21250452. [PMID: 33532791 PMCID: PMC7852242 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.25.21250452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women appear to be at increased risk for severe outcomes associated with COVID-19, but the pathophysiology underlying this increased morbidity and its potential impact on the developing fetus is not well understood. In this study of pregnant women with and without COVID-19, we assessed viral and immune dynamics at the placenta during maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Amongst uninfected women, ACE2 was detected by immunohistochemistry in syncytiotrophoblast cells of the normal placenta during early pregnancy but was rarely seen in healthy placentas at full term. Term placentas from women infected with SARS-CoV-2, however, displayed a significant increase in ACE2 levels. Using immortalized cell lines and primary isolated placental cells, we determined the vulnerability of various placental cell types to direct infection by SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Yet, despite the susceptibility of placental cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection, viral RNA was detected in the placentas of only a subset (~13%) of women in this cohort. Through single cell transcriptomic analyses, we found that the maternal-fetal interface of SARS-CoV-2-infected women exhibited markers associated with pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, and robust immune responses, including increased activation of placental NK and T cells and increased expression of interferon-related genes. Overall, this study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 is associated with immune activation at the maternal-fetal interface even in the absence of detectable local viral invasion. While this likely represents a protective mechanism shielding the placenta from infection, inflammatory changes in the placenta may also contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes and thus warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lu-Culligan
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arun R. Chavan
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pavithra Vijayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lina Irshaid
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Edward M. Courchaine
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kristin M. Milano
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Scott D. Pope
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eric Song
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chantal B.F. Vogels
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - William J. Lu-Culligan
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Katherine H. Campbell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arnau Casanovas-Massana
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Santos Bermejo
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jessica M. Toothaker
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hannah J. Lee
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Feimei Liu
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wade Schulz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John Fournier
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M. Catherine Muenker
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adam J. Moore
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Liza Konnikova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karla M. Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aaron Ring
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nathan D. Grubaugh
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Albert I. Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Raffaella Morotti
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Harvey J. Kliman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, New Haven, CT, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Shelli F. Farhadian
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Guzeloglu-Kayisli O, Guo X, Tang Z, Semerci N, Ozmen A, Larsen K, Mutluay D, Guller S, Schatz F, Kayisli UA, Lockwood CJ. Zika Virus-Infected Decidual Cells Elicit a Gestational Age-Dependent Innate Immune Response and Exaggerate Trophoblast Zika Permissiveness: Implication for Vertical Transmission. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:3083-3094. [PMID: 33139490 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vertical transmission of the Zika virus (ZIKV) causes severe fetal defects, but the exact pathogenic mechanism is unclear. We identified up to a 10,480-fold higher expression of viral attachment factors AXL, GAS6, and PROS1 and a 3880-fold increase in ZIKV infectiousness/propagation in human term decidual stromal cells versus trophoblasts. Moreover, levels of viral attachment factors and ZIKV are significantly increased, whereas expression of innate immune response genes are significantly decreased, in human first trimester versus term decidual cells. ZIKV-infected decidual cell supernatants increased cytotrophoblasts infection up to 252-fold compared with directly infected cytotrophoblasts. Tizoxanide treatment efficiently inhibited Zika infection in both maternal and fetal cells. We conclude that ZIKV permissiveness, as well as innate immune responsiveness of human decidual cells, are gestational age dependent, and decidual cells augment ZIKV infection of primary human cytotrophoblast cultures, which are otherwise ZIKV resistant. Human decidual cells may act as reservoirs for trimester-dependent placental transmission of ZIKV, accounting for the higher Zika infection susceptibility and more severe fetal sequelae observed in early versus late pregnancy. Moreover, tizoxanide is a promising agent in preventing perinatal Zika transmission as well as other RNA viruses such as coronavirus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Guzeloglu-Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Nihan Semerci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Asli Ozmen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Kellie Larsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Duygu Mutluay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Frederick Schatz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Umit Ali Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Charles Joseph Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mezouar S, Katsogiannou M, Ben Amara A, Bretelle F, Mege JL. Placental macrophages: Origin, heterogeneity, function and role in pregnancy-associated infections. Placenta 2020; 103:94-103. [PMID: 33120051 PMCID: PMC7568513 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Placental macrophages are a heterogenous population of immune cells present throughout pregnancy. They are essential for maintenance of the homeostatic placenta environment and host defense against infections. The characterization of placental macrophages as well as their activation have been limited for a long time by the lack of convenient tools. The emergence of unbiased methods makes it possible to reappraise the study of placental macrophages. In this review, we discuss the diversity and the functions of placental macrophages to better understand their dysfunctions during placental infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Mezouar
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France; IHU - Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Maria Katsogiannou
- Hôpital Saint Joseph, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, FR-13008, Marseille, France
| | - Amira Ben Amara
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France; IHU - Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Bretelle
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France; IHU - Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France; AP-HM, Gynecology Department, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mege
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France; IHU - Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France; AP-HM, UF Immunology, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
NLRP3 inflammasome function and pyroptotic cell death in human placental Hofbauer cells. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103214. [PMID: 33152658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the number and protein/gene expression of Hofbauer cells (HBCs) may play a role in microbial-driven/cytokine-mediated placental inflammation, and in subsequent pregnancy complications such as villitis, histologic chorioamnionitis, and the fetal inflammatory response syndrome. Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of cell death mediated by the inflammasome, a multi-protein complex which drives the processing and secretion of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). Pyroptosis can be triggered by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in non-placental macrophages through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. However, the role of inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in HBC pathophysiology remains unclear. HBCs isolated from human term placentas were treated with or without LPS or ATP, alone or in combination. Treatment of HBCs with both LPS and ATP induced the rapid secretion of high levels of IL-1β and at the same time, cell death associated with nuclear condensation and cellular swelling. HBC treatment with both LPS and ATP induced caspase-1 activation, gasdermin D (GSDMD) cleavage, which mediates pyroptosis, and IL-1β processing. Caspase-1 activation, GSDMD cleavage, IL-1β processing, and IL-1β secretion were all significantly reduced following NLRP3 knockdown; inhibition of caspase-1; and inhibition of P2X7, the receptor that mediates K+ efflux. Together, our data indicate that LPS and ATP treatment stimulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in HBCs leading to the rapid release of IL-1β. Since the localization of HBCs confers a unique ability to influence microbial-associated placental and fetal inflammation, these studies suggest a key role for the inflammasome and pyroptosis in mediating HBC driven inflammation.
Collapse
|
30
|
Palomares KT, Parobchak N, Ithier MC, Aleksunes LM, Castaño PM, So M, Faro R, Heller D, Wang B, Rosen T. Fetal Exosomal Platelet-activating Factor Triggers Functional Progesterone Withdrawal in Human Placenta. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:252-262. [PMID: 32780361 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In most mammals, labor is heralded by the withdrawal of progesterone. In humans, circulating progesterone levels increase as gestation advances while placental expression of progesterone receptor A (PR-A) declines. As a result of PR-A downregulation, the non-canonical NF-κB pathway is activated, an event implicated in triggering labor. Here, we sought to identify fetal-derived mediator(s) that represses placental PR-A in human placenta leading to activation of pro-labor signaling. Lipidomic profiling demonstrated enrichment of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in exosomes originating from the human fetus. Exposure of primary cytotrophoblasts to fetal exosomes from term pregnancies reduced PR-A expression by > 50%, and PAF also reduced PR-A message levels in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, fetal exosomes from preterm pregnancies had lower PAF levels and no effect on PR-A expression. Synthetic PAF-induced DNA methylation increases by 20% at the PR-A promoter, leading to recruitment of corepressors and downregulation of PR-A in cytotrophoblast. Furthermore, suppression of PR-A by PAF-stimulated expression of the pro-labor genes, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which was reversed by disruption of the DNA methyltransferases 3B and 3L. Taken together, PAF represents a novel fetal-derived candidate for initiation of labor by stimulating methylation and repression of PR-A and activating pro-labor signaling in trophoblast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy T Palomares
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Nataliya Parobchak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Mayra Cruz Ithier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Lauren M Aleksunes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Paula M Castaño
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Melody So
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Revital Faro
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Debra Heller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Todd Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gundacker C, Ellinger I. The unique applicability of the human placenta to the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) concept: the placenta provides fundamental insights into human organ functions at multiple levels of biological organization. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:273-281. [PMID: 32768559 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite the short lifespan of the human placenta, the proper formation and function of the organ is of crucial importance for fetal development. Placental dysfunction increases the risk of complications for mother and child during pregnancy and childbirth and beyond as it predisposes to fetal programming. The placenta is an upstream organ of the fetus. It performs the functions of fetal lungs, liver, intestines, kidneys and glands as long as these organs are not fully functional. Furthermore, it is the only human organ that is non-invasively available either after elective abortion or after birth. This is a crucial point given that the conceptual framework of Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) requires data on organ function. In vitro and ex vivo placental studies, combined with epidemiological and clinical data on pregnant women, newborns, and infants can uniquely cover all levels of information needed to develop new AOPs and complement existing AOPs related to reproductive toxicity and beyond. To stimulate further research in this area and to support researchers in future studies dealing with the development of AOPs related to the placenta, this review first gives a brief description of placental structure, placental development and relevant pregnancy diseases. The state of knowledge about the available placental models, their particularities and limitations are briefly discussed. Finally, the use of placental research for the development of AOPs is presented with an illustrative example.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Isabella Ellinger
- Institute for Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sinkey RG, Guzeloglu-Kayisli O, Arlier S, Guo X, Semerci N, Moore R, Ozmen A, Larsen K, Nwabuobi C, Kumar D, Moore JJ, Buckwalder LF, Schatz F, Kayisli UA, Lockwood CJ. Thrombin-Induced Decidual Colony-Stimulating Factor-2 Promotes Abruption-Related Preterm Birth by Weakening Fetal Membranes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:388-399. [PMID: 31955792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and thrombin generation by decidual cell-expressed tissue factor often accompany abruptions. Underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that thrombin-induced colony-stimulating factor-2 (CSF-2) in decidual cells triggers paracrine signaling via its receptor (CSF2R) in trophoblasts, promoting fetal membrane weakening and abruption-associated PPROM. Decidua basalis sections from term (n = 10), idiopathic preterm birth (PTB; n = 8), and abruption-complicated pregnancies (n = 8) were immunostained for CSF-2. Real-time quantitative PCR measured CSF2 and CSF2R mRNA levels. Term decidual cell (TDC) monolayers were treated with 10-8 mol/L estradiol ± 10-7 mol/L medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) ± 1 IU/mL thrombin pretreatment for 4 hours, washed, and then incubated in control medium with estradiol ± MPA. TDC-derived conditioned media supernatant effects on fetal membrane weakening were analyzed. Immunostaining localized CSF-2 primarily to decidual cell cytoplasm and cytotrophoblast cell membranes. CSF-2 immunoreactivity was higher in abruption-complicated or idiopathic PTB specimens versus normal term specimens (P < 0.001). CSF2 mRNA was higher in TDCs versus cytotrophoblasts (P < 0.05), whereas CSF2R mRNA was 1.3 × 104-fold higher in cytotrophoblasts versus TDCs (P < 0.001). Thrombin enhanced CSF-2 secretion in TDC cultures fourfold (P < 0.05); MPA reduced this effect. Thrombin-pretreated TDC-derived conditioned media supernatant weakened fetal membranes (P < 0.05), which MPA inhibited. TDC-derived CSF-2, acting via trophoblast-expressed CSFR2, contributes to thrombin-induced fetal membrane weakening, eliciting abruption-related PPROM and PTB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel G Sinkey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Ozlem Guzeloglu-Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Sefa Arlier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Adana City Education and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Nihan Semerci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Robert Moore
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Asli Ozmen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kellie Larsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Chinedu Nwabuobi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John J Moore
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lynn F Buckwalder
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Frederick Schatz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Umit A Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Charles J Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hendrix P, Tang Z, Silasi M, Racicot KE, Mor G, Abrahams VM, Guller S. Herpesvirus-infected Hofbauer cells activate endothelial cells through an IL-1β-dependent mechanism. Placenta 2020; 91:59-65. [PMID: 32174308 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental viral infections are associated with fetal inflammation and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there have been limited studies on how placental macrophages in the villous and adjacent fetal umbilical endothelial cells respond to a viral insult. This study aimed to evaluate the communication between Hofbauer cells (HBCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) during a viral infection. METHODS HBCs were either uninfected or infected with the γ-herpesvirus, MHV-68, and the conditioned medium (CM) collected. HUVECs were exposed to HBC CM and the levels of the pro-neutrophilic response markers: IL-8; E-selectin; intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1); and vascular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) measured by ELISA and qPCR. The role of HBC-derived IL-1β was investigated using an IL-1β blocking antibody (Ab) or IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). RESULTS MHV-68 infection of HBCs induced a significant increase in IL-1β secretion. CM from infected HBCs induced HUVEC expression of IL-8, E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 mRNA, and secretion of IL-8. The HUVEC response to the CM of MHV-infected HBCs was inhibited by a neutralizing IL-1β Ab and by IL-1Ra. DISCUSSION Virally-induced HBC IL-1β activates HUVECs to generate a pro-neutrophilic response. This novel cell-cell communication pathway may play an important role in the genesis of fetal inflammation associated with placental viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hendrix
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michelle Silasi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karen E Racicot
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Schliefsteiner C, Ibesich S, Wadsack C. Placental Hofbauer Cell Polarization Resists Inflammatory Cues In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030736. [PMID: 31979196 PMCID: PMC7038058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Feto-placental Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are macrophages residing in placental stroma. They are generally described as anti-inflammatory M2 polarized cells, promoting tolerance and tissue remodeling. In certain pathologies, however, a possible phenotypical switch towards pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages has been proposed. The study aimed to determine if HBCs can acquire an M1 phenotype under pro-inflammatory conditions in vitro. HBCs were isolated from healthy human term placentas. Cells were cultivated upon addition of LPS and INF-γ or IL-4 and IL-13 to induce the M1 and M2 phenotype, respectively. Specific cell polarization markers and cytokines, associated with respective phenotypes, were investigated by flow cytometry and ELISA. THP-1 macrophages served as positive control. Pro-inflammatory stimuli reduced M2 markers CD163 and DC-SIGN, but did not induce M1 markers. TNF-α release was increased, but at the same time TGF-β and IL-10 release was upregulated, resembling in part the M2b sub-phenotype. Anti-inflammatory stimuli had no effect on HBC polarization. HBCs maintain their M2 phenotype in vitro despite inflammatory stimuli, which might represent a state of adaption and tolerance to avoid rejection of the semiallogeneic feto-placental unit.
Collapse
|
35
|
Bokun V, Moore JJ, Moore R, Smallcombe CC, Harford TJ, Rezaee F, Esper F, Piedimonte G. Respiratory syncytial virus exhibits differential tropism for distinct human placental cell types with Hofbauer cells acting as a permissive reservoir for infection. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225767. [PMID: 31790466 PMCID: PMC6886783 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is capable of transient viremia and extrapulmonary dissemination. Recently, this virus has been identified in fetal cord blood, suggesting the possibility of in utero acquisition in humans. Here, we assess permissivity and kinetics of RSV replication in primary human placental cells, examine their potential to transfer this infection to neighboring cells, and measure the inflammatory response evoked by the virus. METHODS AND FINDINGS Human placental villus tissue was collected immediately upon delivery and processed for isolation of placental cytotrophoblast, fibroblast, and macrophage (Hofbauer) cells. Isolated cells were infected with a recombinant RSV-A2 strain (rrRSV) expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP) and analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, Western blot, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Based on RFP expression, rrRSV exhibited differential tropism for the three major placental cell types. Placental fibroblasts and Hofbauer cells were permissive and supported productive rrRSV replication. While infected cytotrophoblast cells expressed viral glycoprotein (G protein), only limited RSV replication was detected. Importantly, qPCR and fluorescence-focused unit assay revealed that the viral progeny remains trapped within infected Hofbauer cells for up to 30 days, with no release into surrounding media. Yet, Hofbauer cells passed the infection onto overlaid naïve 16HBE cells, suggesting contact-dependent trans-infection. Lastly, a significant increase in proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma was measured in the supernatant of infected Hofbauer cells by multiplex cytokine assay and conventional ELISA. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that RSV can replicate in human placenta, exhibits differential tropism for distinct placental cell types, can be stored and transferred to neighboring cells by Hofbauer cells, and elicits an inflammatory response. It also supports the hypothesis that this respiratory virus can be vertically transferred to the fetus and potentially affect its development and the outcome of pregnancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Bokun
- Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - John J Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Robert Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Carrie C Smallcombe
- Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Terri J Harford
- Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Fariba Rezaee
- Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Frank Esper
- Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Giovanni Piedimonte
- Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Vishnyakova P, Elchaninov A, Fatkhudinov T, Sukhikh G. Role of the Monocyte-Macrophage System in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153695. [PMID: 31357698 PMCID: PMC6696152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper functioning of the monocyte-macrophage system, an important unit of innate immunity, ensures the normal course of pregnancy. In this review, we present the current data on the origin of the monocyte-macrophage system and its functioning in the female reproductive system during the ovarian cycle, and over the course of both normal and complicated pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a crucial gestation disorder characterized by pronounced inflammation in the maternal body that affects the work of the monocyte-macrophage system. The effects of inflammation at preeclampsia manifest in changes in monocyte counts and their subset composition, and changes in placental macrophage counts and their polarization. Here we summarize the recent data on this issue for both the maternal organism and the fetus. The influence of estrogen on macrophages and their altered levels in preeclampsia are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Polina Vishnyakova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Andrey Elchaninov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Research Institute of Human Morphology, 3 Tsurupa Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ithier MC, Parobchak N, Yadava S, Cheng J, Wang B, Rosen T. Fetal lung C4BPA induces p100 processing in human placenta. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5519. [PMID: 30940885 PMCID: PMC6445281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42078-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-canonical NF-κB signaling may be a central integrator of a placental clock that governs the length of human pregnancy. We sought to identify fetal signals that could activate this NF-κB pathway in the placenta, and in turn, contribute to the onset of labor. Proteomics analysis of exosomes purified from fetal cord arterial blood revealed a total of 328 proteins, among which 48 were more significantly abundant (p < 0.01) in samples from women who delivered following elective Cesarean-section at term (39 to 40 weeks of estimated gestational age, EGA) compared to those who had elective Cesarean deliveries near term (35 to 36 weeks of EGA). Computational, crystal structural, and gene functional analyses showed that one of these 48 proteins, C4BPA, binds to CD40 of placental villous trophoblast to activate p100 processing to p52, and in turn, pro-labor genes. These results suggest that fetal C4BPA-induced activation of non-canonical NF-κB in human placenta may play a critical role in processes of term or preterm labor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Cruz Ithier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Nataliya Parobchak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Stacy Yadava
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Jerry Cheng
- The Cardiovascular Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Todd Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Brien ME, Baker B, Duval C, Gaudreault V, Jones RL, Girard S. Alarmins at the maternal-fetal interface: involvement of inflammation in placental dysfunction and pregnancy complications 1. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 97:206-212. [PMID: 30485131 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is known to be associated with placental dysfunction and pregnancy complications. Infections are well known to be a cause of inflammation but they are frequently undetectable in pregnancy complications. More recently, the focus has been extended to inflammation of noninfectious origin, namely caused by endogenous mediators known as "damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)" or alarmins. In this manuscript, we review the mechanism by which inflammation, sterile or infectious, can alter the placenta and its function. We discuss some classical DAMPs, such as uric acid, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), cell-free fetal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (cffDNA), S100 proteins, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and their impact on the placenta. We focus on the main placental cells (i.e., trophoblast and Hofbauer cells) and describe the placental response to, and release of, DAMPs. We also covered the current state of knowledge about the role of DAMPs in pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and stillbirth and possible therapeutic strategies to preserve placental function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Brien
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,b Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Bernadette Baker
- c Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom.,d St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Cyntia Duval
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,e Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Virginie Gaudreault
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,e Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- c Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom.,d St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvie Girard
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,b Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,e Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Canfield J, Arlier S, Mong EF, Lockhart J, VanWye J, Guzeloglu-Kayisli O, Schatz F, Magness RR, Lockwood CJ, Tsibris JCM, Kayisli UA, Totary-Jain H. Decreased LIN28B in preeclampsia impairs human trophoblast differentiation and migration. FASEB J 2018; 33:2759-2769. [PMID: 30307771 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801163r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common cause of maternal morbidity, characterized by impaired trophoblast invasion and spiral artery transformation resulting in progressive uteroplacental hypoxia. Given the primary role of LIN28A and LIN28B in modulating cell metabolism, differentiation, and invasion, we hypothesized that LIN28A and/or LIN28B regulates trophoblast differentiation and invasion, and that its dysregulation may contribute to PE. Here we show that LIN28B is expressed ∼1300-fold higher than LIN28A in human term placenta and is the predominant paralog expressed in primary human trophoblast cultures. The expression of LIN28B mRNA and protein levels are significantly reduced in gestational age-matched preeclamptic vs. normal placentas, whereas LIN28A expression is not different. First trimester human placental sections displayed stronger LIN28B immunoreactivity in extravillous (invasive) cytotrophoblasts and syncytial sprouts vs. villous trophoblasts. LIN28B overexpression increased HTR8 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas LIN28B knockdown in JEG3 cells reduced cell proliferation. Moreover, LIN28B knockdown in JEG3 cells suppressed syncytin 1 (SYN-1), apelin receptor early endogenous ligand (ELABELA), and the chromosome 19 microRNA cluster, and increased mRNA expression of ITGβ4 and TNF-α. Incubation of BeWo and JEG3 cells under hypoxia significantly decreased expression of LIN28B and LIN28A, SYN-1, and ELABELA, whereas TNF-α is increased. These results provide the first evidence that LIN28B is the predominant paralog in human placenta and that decreased LIN28B may play a role in PE by reducing trophoblast invasion and syncytialization, and by promoting inflammation.-Canfield, J., Arlier, S., Mong, E. F., Lockhart, J., VanWye, J., Guzeloglu-Kayisli, O., Schatz, F., Magness, R. R., Lockwood, C. J., Tsibris, J. C. M., Kayisli, U. A., Totary-Jain, H. Decreased LIN28B in preeclampsia impairs human trophoblast differentiation and migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Canfield
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Sefa Arlier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ezinne F Mong
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - John Lockhart
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey VanWye
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | - Frederick Schatz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ronald R Magness
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Charles J Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - John C M Tsibris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Umit A Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Hana Totary-Jain
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Barke TL, Goldstein JA, Sundermann AC, Reddy AP, Linder JE, Correa H, Velez-Edwards DR, Aronoff DM. Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with increased CD163 expression and iron storage in the placenta. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 80:e13020. [PMID: 29984475 PMCID: PMC6193471 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM GDM has been associated with disturbances in iron homeostasis and exaggerated immune activation. We sought to investigate the extent to which placental iron storage and macrophage accumulations were altered in GDM. METHOD OF STUDY We conducted a retrospective, case-control study of archived placental tissues obtained from 22 pregnancies complicated by GDM and 22 unaffected controls. Controls were matched to cases based on maternal age, gestational age at birth, and method of delivery. Placental tissues were assessed for altered histology and CD68 and CD163 staining. Tissue iron was assessed using Prussian blue staining. RESULTS Maternal hematocrit levels were higher in GDM participants compared to controls (P = 0.02). The presence of meconium-laden macrophages was significantly greater within the amnion of GDM cases (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 12.51). Although the total abundance of CD68-expressing macrophages was not significantly different between groups, we detected a significantly greater abundance of CD163 expression within the chorion and decidua of cases. The total area staining positive for iron was 24% (95% confidence intervals of 2%-46%) greater in GDM placentae versus controls. CONCLUSION GDM is associated with altered placental histology and increases in meconium-laden macrophages. Greater iron stores within the placentae of women with GDM is consistent with reports that iron excess is associated with an increased risk for GDM. The higher level of expression of CD163 on macrophage-like cells of the chorion and decidua in GDM suggests an increase in M2-like macrophages. Overall, our results add to growing evidence that GDM has direct effects on placental structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L Barke
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Alexandra C Sundermann
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Institute of Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Arun P Reddy
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jodell E Linder
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Hernan Correa
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Digna R Velez-Edwards
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Institute of Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - David M Aronoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
de Noronha L, Zanluca C, Burger M, Suzukawa AA, Azevedo M, Rebutini PZ, Novadzki IM, Tanabe LS, Presibella MM, Duarte Dos Santos CN. Zika Virus Infection at Different Pregnancy Stages: Anatomopathological Findings, Target Cells and Viral Persistence in Placental Tissues. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2266. [PMID: 30337910 PMCID: PMC6180237 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in humans has been associated with congenital malformations and other neurological disorders, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome. The mechanism(s) of ZIKV intrauterine transmission, the cell types involved, the most vulnerable period of pregnancy for severe outcomes from infection and other physiopathological aspects are not completely elucidated. In this study, we analyzed placental samples obtained at the time of delivery from a group of 24 women diagnosed with ZIKV infection during the first, second or third trimesters of pregnancy. Villous immaturity was the main histological finding in the placental tissues, although placentas without alterations were also frequently observed. Significant enhancement of the number of syncytial sprouts was observed in the placentas of women infected during the third trimester, indicating the development of placental abnormalities after ZIKV infection. Hyperplasia of Hofbauer cells (HCs) was also observed in these third-trimester placental tissues, and remarkably, HCs were the only ZIKV-positive fetal cells found in the placentas studied that persisted until birth, as revealed by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Thirty-three percent of women infected during pregnancy delivered infants with congenital abnormalities, although no pattern correlating the gestational stage at infection, the IHC positivity of HCs in placental tissues and the presence of congenital malformations at birth was observed. Placental tissue analysis enabled us to confirm maternal ZIKV infection in cases where serum from the acute infection phase was not available, which reinforces the importance of this technique in identifying possible causal factors of birth defects. The results we observed in the samples from naturally infected pregnant women may contribute to the understanding of some aspects of the pathophysiology of ZIKV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia de Noronha
- Laboratório de Patologia Experimental, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Camila Zanluca
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Marion Burger
- Secretaria da Saúde do Estado do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Andreia Akemi Suzukawa
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Marina Azevedo
- Laboratório de Patologia Experimental, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Patricia Z Rebutini
- Laboratório de Patologia Experimental, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kisanga EP, Tang Z, Guller S, Whirledge S. Glucocorticoid signaling regulates cell invasion and migration in the human first-trimester trophoblast cell line Sw.71. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 80:e12974. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Edwina P. Kisanga
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven CT USA
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven CT USA
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven CT USA
| | - Shannon Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven CT USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Dutta A, Khramtsova G, Brito K, Alexander D, Mueller A, Chinthala S, Adu D, Ibigbami T, Olamijulo J, Odetunde A, Adigun K, Pruitt L, Hurley I, Olopade O, Ojengbede O, Rana S, Olopade CO. Household air pollution and chronic hypoxia in the placenta of pregnant Nigerian women: A randomized controlled ethanol Cookstove intervention. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 619-620:212-220. [PMID: 29149745 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Household air pollution (HAP) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVES Investigate impact of in-utero HAP exposure on placental development and chronic hypoxia. METHODS Markers of chronic placental hypoxia [Hofbauer cells (HBC), syncytial knots (SK), chorionic vascular density (cVD) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)] were stained by hematoxylin-eosin and/or immunohistochemically in placenta samples collected from firewood-/kerosene-users (A,n=16), and ethanol-users (B,n=20) that participated in a randomized controlled intervention trial in Ibadan, Nigeria. A third group of non-smoking and presumed natural gas-using Chicago women (C,n=12) were included in this exploratory pilot to assess for possible differences in placenta histology between similar racial groups. All patients had uncomplicated pregnancies and delivered at term. RESULTS HBC, SK and cVD were significantly increased among firewood-/kerosene-users compared to ethanol-users and natural gas-using Chicago women (HBC medians 5.5, 3.5, and 2.0, respectively; SK means 55.6, 41.8 and 30.1; cVD means 8.8, 6.2, and 5.2; all p<0.01). HIF expression was significantly higher in Group A compared to B and C (all p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In-utero exposure to HAP is associated with pathologic changes and HIF expression consistent with chronic hypoxia in placenta of firewood/kerosene-users compared to ethanol-users with less HAP exposure and Chicago women with no presumed HAP exposure. Presence of chronic hypoxic signature in placenta of women exposed to HAP has implications for adverse pregnancy complications and future growth and development of the young children. Future larger studies need to focus on HAP exposure and placental disorders like preeclampsia and long-term health impact of in-utero exposure to HAP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Dutta
- Center for Global Health, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Galina Khramtsova
- Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Katherine Brito
- Center for Global Health, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Donee Alexander
- Center for Global Health, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ariel Mueller
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sireesha Chinthala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Damilola Adu
- Healthy Life for All Foundation, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Abayomi Odetunde
- Institute for Medical Research and Training, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kehinde Adigun
- Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Liese Pruitt
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ian Hurley
- Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Olufunmilayo Olopade
- Center for Global Health, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Oladosu Ojengbede
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Centre for Population and Reproductive Health, College of Medicine/University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Sarosh Rana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Christopher O Olopade
- Center for Global Health, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang B, Parobchak N, Martin A, Rosen M, Yu LJ, Nguyen M, Gololobova K, Rosen T. Screening a small molecule library to identify inhibitors of NF-κB inducing kinase and pro-labor genes in human placenta. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1657. [PMID: 29374256 PMCID: PMC5785954 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-canonical NF-κB signaling (RelB/p52) pathway drives pro-labor genes in the human placenta, including corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), making this a potential therapeutic target to delay onset of labor. Here we sought to identify small molecule compounds from a pre-existing chemical library of orally active drugs that can inhibit this NF-κB signaling, and in turn, human placental CRH and COX-2 production. We used a cell-based assay coupled with a dual-luciferase reporter system to perform an in vitro screening of a small molecule library of 1,120 compounds for inhibition of the non-canonical NF-κB pathway. Cell toxicity studies and drug efflux transport MRP1 assays were used to further characterize the lead compounds. We have found that 14 drugs have selective inhibitory activity against lymphotoxin beta complex-induced activation of RelB/p52 in HEK293T cells, several of which also inhibited expression of CRH and COX-2 in human term trophoblast. We identified sulfapyridine and propranolol with activity against CRH and COX-2 that deserve further study. These drugs could serve as the basis for development of orally active drugs to affect length of gestation, first in an animal model, and then in clinical trials to prevent preterm birth during human pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Nataliya Parobchak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Adriana Martin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Max Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lumeng Jenny Yu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mary Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kseniya Gololobova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Todd Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Isolation and characterization of trophoblasts from enzymatic explants of human term placenta. Hum Cell 2017; 30:249-257. [DOI: 10.1007/s13577-017-0174-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
46
|
Berkane N, Liere P, Oudinet JP, Hertig A, Lefèvre G, Pluchino N, Schumacher M, Chabbert-Buffet N. From Pregnancy to Preeclampsia: A Key Role for Estrogens. Endocr Rev 2017; 38:123-144. [PMID: 28323944 DOI: 10.1210/er.2016-1065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) results in placental dysfunction and is one of the primary causes of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. During pregnancy, estrogen is produced primarily in the placenta by conversion of androgen precursors originating from maternal and fetal adrenal glands. These processes lead to increased plasma estrogen concentrations compared with levels in nonpregnant women. Aberrant production of estrogens could play a key role in PE symptoms because they are exclusively produced by the placenta and they promote angiogenesis and vasodilation. Previous assessments of estrogen synthesis during PE yielded conflicting results, possibly because of the lack of specificity of the assays. However, with the introduction of reliable analytical protocols using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, more recent studies suggest a marked decrease in estradiol levels in PE. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of estrogen synthesis, regulation in the placenta, and biological effects during pregnancy and PE. Moreover, this review highlights the links among the occurrence of PE, estrogen biosynthesis, angiogenic factors, and cardiovascular risk factors. A close link between estrogen dysregulation and PE occurrence might validate estrogen levels as a biomarker but could also reveal a potential approach for prevention or cure of PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Berkane
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of University Hospital of Geneva, 1205, Genève, Switzerland.,U1195, INSERM and University Paris Sud, 94276 Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195, INSERM and University Paris Sud, 94276 Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Jean-Paul Oudinet
- U1195, INSERM and University Paris Sud, 94276 Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Alexandre Hertig
- Department of Nephrology, Tenon Hospital, APHP, 75020 Paris, France.,University of Pierre and Marie Curie, Sorbonne University, Paris 06, 75005 Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 1155, F-75020 Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Lefèvre
- University of Pierre and Marie Curie, Sorbonne University, Paris 06, 75005 Paris, France.,Department of Biochemistry and Hormonology, Tenon Hospital, APHP, F-75020 Paris, France
| | - Nicola Pluchino
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of University Hospital of Geneva, 1205, Genève, Switzerland
| | | | - Nathalie Chabbert-Buffet
- University of Pierre and Marie Curie, Sorbonne University, Paris 06, 75005 Paris, France.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Tenon Hospital, APHP, F-75020 Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR-S938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Simoni MK, Jurado KA, Abrahams VM, Fikrig E, Guller S. Zika virus infection of Hofbauer cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 77:10.1111/aji.12613. [PMID: 27966815 PMCID: PMC5299062 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have linked antenatal infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) with major adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes, including microcephaly. There is a growing consensus for the existence of a congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Previous studies have indicated that non-placental macrophages play a key role in the replication of dengue virus (DENV), a closely related flavivirus. As the placenta provides the conduit for vertical transmission of certain viruses, and placental Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal-placental macrophages located adjacent to fetal capillaries, it is not surprising that several recent studies have examined infection of HBCs by ZIKV. In this review, we describe congenital abnormalities associated with ZIKV infection, the role of HBCs in the placental response to infection, and evidence for the susceptibility of HBCs to ZIKV infection. We conclude that HBCs may contribute to the spread of ZIKV in placenta and promote vertical transmission of ZIKV, ultimately compromising fetal and neonatal development and function. Current evidence strongly suggests that further studies are warranted to dissect the specific molecular mechanism through which ZIKV infects HBCs and its potential impact on the development of CZS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Simoni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kellie Ann Jurado
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vikki M. Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, miscarriage, maternal and/or neonatal morbidities, and mortality can be manifestations of underlying placental pathology. Hofbauer cells refer to a heterogeneous population of fetal macrophages that reside within the functional unit of the placenta known as the chorionic villus. Hofbauer cells can be detected within the connective tissue matrix of the placenta as early as 4 weeks post-conception and are present throughout pregnancy. These cells are implicated in a wide array of functions important for a successful pregnancy including placental morphogenesis, immune regulation, control of stromal water content, and the transfer of ions and serum proteins across the maternal-fetal barrier. Derangements in Hofbauer cell homeostasis are associated with placental pathologies involving infection, inflammation, and inadequate placental development. Despite a growing body of evidence that these cells are important, our knowledge about Hofbauer cell function in both normal and dysfunctional pregnancy is rudimentary. The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of what is known about Hofbauer cell origins and their potential roles in normal and complicated pregnancy. We also review established and emerging methodologies available for the study of Hofbauer cells during in vitro and in vivo conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Reyes
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Bryce Wolfe
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thaddeus Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Loegl J, Hiden U, Nussbaumer E, Schliefsteiner C, Cvitic S, Lang I, Wadsack C, Huppertz B, Desoye G. Hofbauer cells of M2a, M2b and M2c polarization may regulate feto-placental angiogenesis. Reproduction 2016; 152:447-55. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The human placenta comprises a special type of tissue macrophages, the Hofbauer cells (HBC), which exhibit M2 macrophage phenotype. Several subtypes of M2-polarized macrophages (M2a, M2b and M2c) exist in almost all tissues. Macrophage polarization depends on the way of macrophage activation and leads to the expression of specific cell surface markers and the acquisition of specific functions, including tissue remodeling and the promotion of angiogenesis. The placenta is a highly vascularized and rapidly growing organ, suggesting a role of HBC in feto-placental angiogenesis. We here aimed to characterize the specific polarization and phenotype of HBC and investigated the role of HBC in feto-placental angiogenesis. Therefore, HBC were isolated from third trimester placentas and their phenotype was determined by the presence of cell surface markers (FACS analysis) and secretion of cytokines (ELISA). HBC conditioned medium (CM) was analyzed for pro-angiogenic factors, and the effect of HBC CM on angiogenesis, proliferation and chemoattraction of isolated primary feto-placental endothelial cells (fpEC) was determined in vitro. Our results revealed that isolated HBC possess an M2 polarization, with M2a, M2b and M2c characteristics. HBC secreted the pro-angiogenic molecules VEGF and FGF2. Furthermore, HBC CM stimulated the in vitro angiogenesis of fpEC. However, compared with control medium, chemoattraction of fpEC toward HBC CM was reduced. Proliferation of fpEC was not affected by HBC CM. These findings demonstrate a paracrine regulation of feto-placental angiogenesis by HBC in vitro. Based on our collective results, we propose that the changes in HBC number or phenotype may affect feto-placental angiogenesis.
Collapse
|
50
|
Jurado KA, Simoni MK, Tang Z, Uraki R, Hwang J, Householder S, Wu M, Lindenbach BD, Abrahams VM, Guller S, Fikrig E. Zika virus productively infects primary human placenta-specific macrophages. JCI Insight 2016; 1. [PMID: 27595140 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.88461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The strong association of Zika virus infection with congenital defects has led to questions of how a flavivirus is capable of crossing the placental barrier to reach the fetal brain. Here, we demonstrate permissive Zika virus infection of primary human placental macrophages, commonly referred to as Hofbauer cells, and placental villous fibroblasts. We also demonstrate Zika virus infection of Hofbauer cells within the context of the tissue ex vivo using term placental villous explants. In addition to amplifying infectious virus within a usually inaccessible area, the putative migratory activities of Hofbauer cells may aid in dissemination of Zika virus to the fetal brain. Understanding the susceptibility of placenta-specific cell types will aid future work around and understanding of Zika virus-associated pregnancy complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kellie Ann Jurado
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael K Simoni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ryuta Uraki
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jesse Hwang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sarah Householder
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mingjie Wu
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brett D Lindenbach
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|