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Mocci S, Littera R, Chessa L, Campagna M, Melis M, Ottelio CM, Piras IS, Lai S, Firinu D, Tranquilli S, Mascia A, Vacca M, Schirru D, Lecca LI, Rassu S, Cannas F, Sanna C, Carta MG, Sedda F, Giuressi E, Cipri S, Miglianti M, Perra A, Giglio S. A review of the main genetic factors influencing the course of COVID-19 in Sardinia: the role of human leukocyte antigen-G. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1138559. [PMID: 37342325 PMCID: PMC10277491 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1138559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A large number of risk and protective factors have been identified during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic which may influence the outcome of COVID-19. Among these, recent studies have explored the role of HLA-G molecules and their immunomodulatory effects in COVID-19, but there are very few reports exploring the genetic basis of these manifestations. The present study aims to investigate how host genetic factors, including HLA-G gene polymorphisms and sHLA-G, can affect SARS-CoV-2 infection. Materials and Methods We compared the immune-genetic and phenotypic characteristics between COVID-19 patients (n = 381) with varying degrees of severity of the disease and 420 healthy controls from Sardinia (Italy). Results HLA-G locus analysis showed that the extended haplotype HLA-G*01:01:01:01/UTR-1 was more prevalent in both COVID-19 patients and controls. In particular, this extended haplotype was more common among patients with mild symptoms than those with severe symptoms [22.7% vs 15.7%, OR = 0.634 (95% CI 0.440 - 0.913); P = 0.016]. Furthermore, the most significant HLA-G 3'UTR polymorphism (rs371194629) shows that the HLA-G 3'UTR Del/Del genotype frequency decreases gradually from 27.6% in paucisymptomatic patients to 15.9% in patients with severe symptoms (X2 = 7.095, P = 0.029), reaching the lowest frequency (7.0%) in ICU patients (X2 = 11.257, P = 0.004). However, no significant differences were observed for the soluble HLA-G levels in patients and controls. Finally, we showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Sardinian population is also influenced by other genetic factors such as β-thalassemia trait (rs11549407C>T in the HBB gene), KIR2DS2/HLA-C C1+ group combination and the HLA-B*58:01, C*07:01, DRB1*03:01 haplotype which exert a protective effect [P = 0.005, P = 0.001 and P = 0.026 respectively]. Conversely, the Neanderthal LZTFL1 gene variant (rs35044562A>G) shows a detrimental consequence on the disease course [P = 0.001]. However, by using a logistic regression model, HLA-G 3'UTR Del/Del genotype was independent from the other significant variables [ORM = 0.4 (95% CI 0.2 - 0.7), PM = 6.5 x 10-4]. Conclusion Our results reveal novel genetic variants which could potentially serve as biomarkers for disease prognosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of considering genetic factors in the management of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mocci
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Littera
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luchino Chessa
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Liver Unit, University Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcello Campagna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Melis
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carla Maria Ottelio
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ignazio S. Piras
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Sara Lai
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Tranquilli
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessia Mascia
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Vacca
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniele Schirru
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Isaia Lecca
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Rassu
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Cannas
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Celeste Sanna
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Sedda
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Erika Giuressi
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Selene Cipri
- GeneMos-APS (Association for Social Advancement), Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Michela Miglianti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Giglio
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Centre for Research University Services (CeSAR, Centro Servizi di Ateneo per la Ricerca), University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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Littera R, Perra A, Miglianti M, Piras IS, Mocci S, Lai S, Melis M, Zolfino T, Balestrieri C, Conti M, Serra G, Figorilli F, Firinu D, Onali S, Matta L, Porcu C, Pes F, Fanni D, Manieli C, Vacca M, Cusano R, Trucas M, Cipri S, Tranquilli S, Rassu S, Cannas F, Carta MG, Kowalik MA, Giuressi E, Faa G, Chessa L, Giglio S. The double-sided of human leukocyte antigen-G molecules in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1007647. [PMID: 36311782 PMCID: PMC9597675 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1007647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunomodulatory effects of HLA-G expression and its role in cancers, human liver infections and liver transplantation are well documented, but so far, there are only a few reports addressing autoimmune liver diseases, particularly autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Littera
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Sardegna, Italy
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberto Littera, ; Andrea Perra, ; Stefano Mocci, ; Luchino Chessa,
| | - Andrea Perra
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberto Littera, ; Andrea Perra, ; Stefano Mocci, ; Luchino Chessa,
| | - Michela Miglianti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ignazio S. Piras
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Stefano Mocci
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberto Littera, ; Andrea Perra, ; Stefano Mocci, ; Luchino Chessa,
| | - Sara Lai
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Melis
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Teresa Zolfino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale ed Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS), S. Michele Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Maria Conti
- Liver Unit, University Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Figorilli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale ed Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS), S. Michele Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Onali
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Matta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carmen Porcu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Pes
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Manieli
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale ed Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS), S. Michele Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Vacca
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Cusano
- Biomedical Sector, Center for Advanced Studies, Research and Development (CRS4), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcello Trucas
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Selene Cipri
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Tranquilli
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Federica Cannas
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Gavino Faa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luchino Chessa
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Liver Unit, University Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberto Littera, ; Andrea Perra, ; Stefano Mocci, ; Luchino Chessa,
| | - Sabrina Giglio
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Sardegna, Italy
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Centre for Research University Services (CeSAR, Centro Servizi di Ateneo per la Ricerca), University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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Douillard V, Castelli EC, Mack SJ, Hollenbach JA, Gourraud PA, Vince N, Limou S. Approaching Genetics Through the MHC Lens: Tools and Methods for HLA Research. Front Genet 2021; 12:774916. [PMID: 34925459 PMCID: PMC8677840 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.774916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic era launched an immediate and broad response of the research community with studies both about the virus and host genetics. Research in genetics investigated HLA association with COVID-19 based on in silico, population, and individual data. However, they were conducted with variable scale and success; convincing results were mostly obtained with broader whole-genome association studies. Here, we propose a technical review of HLA analysis, including basic HLA knowledge as well as available tools and advice. We notably describe recent algorithms to infer and call HLA genotypes from GWAS SNPs and NGS data, respectively, which opens the possibility to investigate HLA from large datasets without a specific initial focus on this region. We thus hope this overview will empower geneticists who were unfamiliar with HLA to run MHC-focused analyses following the footsteps of the Covid-19|HLA & Immunogenetics Consortium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venceslas Douillard
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Steven J. Mack
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jill A. Hollenbach
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Pierre-Antoine Gourraud
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Vince
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Limou
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- Ecole Centrale de Nantes, Department of Computer Sciences and Mathematics in Biology, Nantes, France
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4
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Duygu B, Olieslagers TI, Groeneweg M, Voorter CEM, Wieten L. HLA Class I Molecules as Immune Checkpoints for NK Cell Alloreactivity and Anti-Viral Immunity in Kidney Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:680480. [PMID: 34295330 PMCID: PMC8290519 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.680480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that can kill diseased- or virally-infected cells, mediate antibody dependent cytotoxicity and produce type I immune-associated cytokines upon activation. NK cells also contribute to the allo-immune response upon kidney transplantation either by promoting allograft rejection through lysis of cells of the transplanted organ or by promoting alloreactive T cells. In addition, they protect against viral infections upon transplantation which may be especially relevant in patients receiving high dose immune suppression. NK cell activation is tightly regulated through the integrated balance of signaling via inhibitory- and activating receptors. HLA class I molecules are critical regulators of NK cell activation through the interaction with inhibitory- as well as activating NK cell receptors, hence, HLA molecules act as critical immune checkpoints for NK cells. In the current review, we evaluate how NK cell alloreactivity and anti-viral immunity are regulated by NK cell receptors belonging to the KIR family and interacting with classical HLA class I molecules, or by NKG2A/C and LILRB1/KIR2DL4 engaging non-classical HLA-E or -G. In addition, we provide an overview of the methods to determine genetic variation in these receptors and their HLA ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Duygu
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Timo I Olieslagers
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mathijs Groeneweg
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Christina E M Voorter
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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5
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Nilsson LL, Scheike T, Langkilde CH, Jørgensen N, Hornstrup MB, Perin TL, Funck T, Lindhard A, Hviid TVF. Examining extended human leukocyte antigen-G and HLA-F haplotypes: the HLA-G UTR-4 haplotype is associated with shorter time to pregnancy in an infertility treatment setting when both female and male partners are carriers. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:628-639. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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6
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Drabbels JJM, Welleweerd R, van Rooy I, Johnsen GM, Staff AC, Haasnoot GW, Westerink N, Claas FHJ, Rozemuller E, Eikmans M. HLA-G whole gene amplification reveals linkage disequilibrium between the HLA-G 3'UTR and coding sequence. HLA 2020; 96:179-185. [PMID: 32307888 PMCID: PMC7384165 DOI: 10.1111/tan.13909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphic sites in the HLA-G gene may influence expression and function of the protein. Knowledge of the association between high-resolution HLA-G alleles and 3-prime untranslated (3'UTR) haplotypes is useful for studies on the role of HLA-G in transplantation, pregnancy, and cancer. We developed a next generation sequencing (NGS)-based typing assay enabling full phasing over the whole HLA-G gene sequence with inclusion of the 3'UTR region. DNA from 171 mother-child pairs (342 samples) was studied for: (a) HLA-G allele information by the NGSgo-AmpX HLA-G assay, (b) 3'UTR haplotype information by an in-house developed sequence-based typing method of a 699/713 base pair region in the 3'UTR, and (c) the full phase HLA-G gene sequence, by combining primers from both assays. The mother to child inheritance allowed internal verification of newly identified alleles and of association between coding and UTR regions. The NGSgo workflow compatible with Illumina platforms was employed. Data was interpreted using NGSengine software. In 99.4% of all alleles analyzed, the extended typing was consistent with the separate allele and 3'UTR typing methods. After repeated analysis of four samples that showed discrepancy, consistency reached 100%. A high-linkage disequilibrium between IPD-IMGT/HLA Database-defined HLA-G alleles and the extended 3'UTR region was identified (D' = 0.994, P < .0001). Strong associations were found particularly between HLA-G*01:04 and UTR-3, between HLA-G*01:01:03 and UTR-7, and between HLA-G*01:03:01 and UTR-5 (for all: r = 1). Six novel HLA-G alleles and three novel 3'UTR haplotype variants were identified, of which three and one, respectively, were verified in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos J M Drabbels
- Department of Immunohematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Guro M Johnsen
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Cathrine Staff
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geert W Haasnoot
- Department of Immunohematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frans H J Claas
- Department of Immunohematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Michael Eikmans
- Department of Immunohematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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Nilsson LL, Hornstrup MB, Perin TL, Lindhard A, Funck T, Bjerrum PJ, Mule HT, Scheike T, Nielsen HS, Hviid TVF. Soluble HLA-G and TGF-β in couples attending assisted reproduction - A possible role of TGF-β isoforms in semen? J Reprod Immunol 2019; 137:102857. [PMID: 31837543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.102857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Soluble isoforms of the non-classical Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-G as well as Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β is expressed in seminal plasma possibly influencing the pregnancy potential. We wanted to examine the association of seminal plasma sHLA-G, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGFβ3 with pregnancy success in a cohort of 127 couples and 4 single women attending fertility treatment with the use of assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Soluble HLA-G, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 in seminal plasma did not fluctuate significantly over time. We did not find any impact of seminal plasma sHLA-G, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 on time-to-pregnancy measured as number of treatment cycles. There was a significant association between concentrations of seminal plasma sHLA-G and HLA-G variations in the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of the HLA-G gene, supporting and extending previous findings. Furthermore, by comparing seminal plasma concentrations of sHLA-G, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 in male subjects with reduced semen quality, male subjects with normal semen quality, and sperm donors, we found that TGF-β2 was significantly lower, and TGF-β3 was significantly higher, in seminal plasma from sperm donors. These findings suggest that TGF-β isoforms may influence semen quality and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Lynge Nilsson
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Dept. of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Micha B Hornstrup
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Trine L Perin
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Anette Lindhard
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Tina Funck
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Dept. of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Poul J Bjerrum
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Holbæk Hospital, Region Zealand, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Scheike
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Dept. of Clinical Biochemistry, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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