1
|
Li K, Guo Z, Li F, Lu S, Zhang M, Gong Y, Tan J, Sheng C, Hao W, Yang X. Non-invasive determination of gene expression in placental tissue using maternal plasma cell-free DNA fragmentation characters. Gene 2024; 928:148789. [PMID: 39047956 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148789] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression profiles of placental genes are crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of fetal development and placental-origin pregnancy syndromes. However, owing to ethical limitations and the risks of puncture sampling, it is difficult to obtain placental tissue samples repeatedly, continuously, multiple times, or in real time. Establishing a non-invasive method for predicting placental gene expression profiles through maternal plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing, which carries information about the source tissue and gene expression, can potentially solve this problem. METHODS Peripheral blood and placental samples were collected simultaneously from pregnant women who underwent cesarean section. Deep sequencing was performed on the separated plasma cfDNA and single-cell sequencing was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), chorioamniotic membranes (CAM), placental villi (PV), and decidua basalis (DB). The aggregation of corresponding information for each gene was combined with the transcriptome of PBMCs and a differential resolution transcriptome of the placenta. This combined information was then utilized for the construction of gene expression prediction models. After training, all models evaluated the correlation between the predicted and actual gene expression levels using external test set data. RESULTS From five women, more than 20 million reads were obtained using deep sequencing for plasma cfDNA; PBMCs obtained 32,401 single-cell expression profiles; and placental tissue obtained 156,546 single-cell expression profiles (59,069, 44,921, and 52,556 for CAM, PV, and DB, respectively). The cells in the PBMC and placenta were clustered and annotated into five and eight cell types, respectively. A "DEPICT" gene expression prediction model was successfully constructed using deep neural networks. The predicted correlation coefficients were 0.75 in PBMCs, 0.84 in the placenta, and 0.78, 0.80, and 0.77 in CAM, BP, and PV respectively, and greater than 0.68 in different cell lines in the placenta. CONCLUSION The DEPICT model, which can noninvasively predict placental gene expression profiles based on maternal plasma cfDNA fragmentation characteristics, was constructed to overcome the limitation of the inability to obtain real-time placental gene expression profiles and to improve research on noninvasive prediction of placental origin pregnancy syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiwei Guo
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Fenxia Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Shijing Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuyan Gong
- Beijing SeekGene BioSciences Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Tan
- ICU of Boai Hospital of Zhongshan Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Chao Sheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wenbo Hao
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xuexi Yang
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu G, Grassi P, Molina BG, MacIntyre DA, Sykes L, Bennett PR, Dell A, Haslam SM. Glycomics of cervicovaginal fluid from women at risk of preterm birth reveals immuno-regulatory epitopes that are hallmarks of cancer and viral glycosylation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20813. [PMID: 39242814 PMCID: PMC11379862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71950-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy the immune system needs to maintain immune tolerance of the foetus while also responding to infection, which can cause premature activation of the inflammatory pathways leading to the onset of labour and preterm birth. The vaginal microbiome is an important modifier of preterm birth risk, with Lactobacillus dominance during pregnancy associated with term delivery while high microbial diversity is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Glycans on glycoproteins along the lower female reproductive tract are fundamental to microbiota-host interactions and the mediation of inflammatory responses. However, the specific glycan epitopes involved in these processes are not well understood. To address this, we conducted glycomic analyses of cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) from 36 pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth and 4 non-pregnant women. Our analysis of N- and O-glycans revealed a rich CVF glycome. While O-glycans were shown to be the main carriers of ABO blood group epitopes, the main features of N-glycans were the presence of abundant paucimannose and high mannose glycans, and a remarkable diversity of complex bi-, tri-, and tetra-antennary glycans decorated with fucose and sialic acid. We identified immuno-regulatory epitopes, such as Lewis antigens, and found that fucosylation was negatively correlated to pro-inflammatory factors, such as IL-1β, MMP-8, C3a and C5a, while glycans with only sialylated antennae were mainly positively correlated to those. Similarly, paucimannose glycans showed a positive correlation to pro-inflammatory factors. We revealed a high abundance of glycans which have previously been identified as hallmarks of cancer and viral glycosylation, such as Man8 and Man9 high mannose glycans. Although each pregnant woman had a unique glycomic profile, longitudinal studies showed that the main glycosylation features were consistent throughout pregnancy in women who delivered at term, whereas women who experienced extreme preterm birth exhibited sharp changes in the CVF glycome shortly before delivery. These findings shed light on the processes underlying the role of glycosylation in maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome and associated host immune responses. In addition, these discoveries facilitate our understanding of the lower female reproductive tract which has broad implications for women's health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Belen Gimeno Molina
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
- The Parasol Foundation Centre for Women's Health and Cancer Research, St Mary's Hospital, London, W1 2NY, UK
| | - David A MacIntyre
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - Lynne Sykes
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
- The Parasol Foundation Centre for Women's Health and Cancer Research, St Mary's Hospital, London, W1 2NY, UK
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - Anne Dell
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Stuart M Haslam
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schenone C, Pacini G, Gotelli E, Hysa E, Campitiello R, Sammorì S, Paolino S, Sulli A, Cutolo M. Updating on pregnancy in rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:1041-1052. [PMID: 38748553 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2356164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most prevalent autoimmune disease in reproductive years, exhibits a higher incidence in females, suggesting involvement of estrogens, genetics and environmental factors in disease onset. Literature shows smaller families in RA patients, driving increased interest in Assisted Reproductive Techniques. AREAS COVERED This review elucidates how immunotolerance mechanisms contribute to favorable pregnancy outcomes in RA, emphasizing the need for a careful pregnancy planning to mitigate fetal complications and postnatal flares, which surpass those in the general population. A thorough medication evaluation, orchestrated by a multidisciplinary team, is imperative during pregnancy, weighing potential teratogenic effects against safer alternatives to balance medication safety with disease control. A systematic literature search on PubMed and MEDLINE, using specific terms, covered relevant academic journals up to the latest date. EXPERT OPINION This narrative review comprehensively addresses pregnancy-related considerations in RA patients, prioritizing meticulous disease management with pregnancy and breastfeeding-compatible drugs in line with the latest recommendations and registry data. The focus remains on evaluating glucocorticoids, conventional, and biological disease-modifying drugs for compatibility during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Additionally, the evolving landscape of targeted synthetic drugs during pregnancy is explored, providing insights into the latest developments in rheumatological care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Schenone
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Greta Pacini
- Rheumatology Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Rosanna Campitiello
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Sammorì
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang L, Su Y, Cai S, Ma H, Yang J, Xu M, Li Y, Huang C, Zeng Y, Li Q, Feng M, Li H, Diao L. Regional Analysis of the Immune Microenvironment in Human Endometrium. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 92:e13921. [PMID: 39225584 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13921] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Endometrial immune cells are essential for maintaining homeostasis and the endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation. Understanding regional variations in endometrial immune cell populations is crucial for comprehending normal endometrial function and the pathophysiology of endometrial disorders. Despite previous studies focusing on the overall immune cell composition and function in the endometrium, regional variations in premenopausal women remain unclear. METHOD OF STUDY Endometrial biopsies were obtained from four regions (anterior, posterior, left lateral, and right lateral) of premenopausal women undergoing hysteroscopy with no abnormalities. A 15-color human endometrial immune cell-focused flow cytometry panel was used for analysis. High-dimensional flow cytometry combined with a clustering algorithm was employed to unravel the complexity of endometrial immune cells. Additionally, multiplex immunofluorescent was performed for further validation. RESULTS Our findings revealed no significant variation in the distribution and abundance of immune cells across different regions under normal conditions during the proliferative phase. Each region harbored similar immune cell subtypes, indicating a consistent immune microenvironment. However, when comparing normal regions to areas with focal hemorrhage, significant differences were observed. An increase in CD8+ T cells highlights the impact of localized abnormalities on the immune microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that the endometrial immune cell landscape is consistent across different anatomical regions during the proliferative phase in premenopausal women. This finding has important implications for understanding normal endometrial function and the pathophysiology of endometrial disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingtao Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiyi Su
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Songchen Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huan Ma
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Hematology, National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingjuan Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuye Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunyu Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiyuan Li
- Department of Hematology, National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingqian Feng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hofsink N, Groenink L, Plösch T. The fetal programming effect of maternal immune activation (MIA) on the offspring's immune system. Semin Immunopathol 2024; 46:14. [PMID: 39212791 PMCID: PMC11364800 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-024-01023-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The first 1000 days of life is a critical period of development in which adverse circumstances can have long-term consequences for the child's health. Maternal immune activation is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the child. Aberrant immune responses have been reported in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, lasting effects of maternal immune activation on the offspring's immune system have been reported. Taken together, this indicates that the effect of maternal immune activation is not limited to the central nervous system. Here, we explore the impact of maternal immune activation on the immune system of the offspring. We first describe the development of the immune system and provide an overview of reported alterations in the cytokine profiles, immune cell profiles, immune cell function, and immune induction in pre-clinical models. Additionally, we highlight recent research on the impact of maternal COVID-19 exposure on the neonatal immune system and the potential health consequences for the child. Our review shows that maternal immune activation alters the offspring's immune system under certain conditions, but the reported effects are conflicting and inconsistent. In general, epigenetic modifications are considered the mechanism for fetal programming. The available data was insufficient to identify specific pathways that may contribute to immune programming. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, more research now focuses on the possible health effects of maternal immune activation on the offspring. Future research addressing the offspring's immune response to maternal immune activation can elucidate specific pathways that contribute to fetal immune programming and the long-term health effects for the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Hofsink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lucianne Groenink
- Department of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg School VI - School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, Section of Neonatology, and Research Centre Neurosensory Science, Oldenburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou J, Teng Y, Ouyang J, Wu P, Tong J, Gao G, Yan S, Tao F, Huang K. Associations of Placental Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers with Glucolipid Metabolism in Children: A Birth Cohort Study in China. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e035754. [PMID: 39206740 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.124.035754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The maternal intrauterine immune environment may affect offspring long-term health. We aimed to investigate the association between the intrauterine placental immunological milieu and glycolipid metabolic health in children. METHODS AND RESULTS This study enrolled 1803 mother-child pairs from the Ma'anshan birth cohort (2013-2014). Placental mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, C-reactive protein, and interferon-γ) and oxidative stress biomarkers (heme oxygenase-1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha, and glucose-related protein 78) was quantified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol were assessed at 5 to 6 years old. Statistical analyses included multiple linear regression, binary logistic regression, restricted cubic spline model, and the Bayesian kernel machine regression model. Placental inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, C-reactive protein, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) and oxidative stress biomarkers (heme oxygenase-1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha, glucose-related protein 78) showed positive associations with children's fasting blood glucose levels. Heme oxygenase-1 and glucose-related protein 78 exhibited negative correlations with children's fasting insulin levels. Elevated IL-6, heme oxygenase-1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha, and glucose-related protein 78 were associated with increased risk of prediabetes in children. Overall upregulation of placental proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress factors mRNA expression correlated with higher prediabetes risk in children. Bayesian kernel machine regression analysis indicated a joint positive effect of the 12 placental inflammation and oxidative stress mixtures on children's risk of high fasting blood glucose. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study underscores significant correlations between maternal intrauterine placental inflammation, oxidative stress markers, and offspring fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. These findings highlight the potential role of intrauterine holistic immunity in shaping offspring glucose metabolism health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jixing Zhou
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health Anhui Medical University Hefei China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE Hefei China
- NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract Hefei China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course Hefei China
| | - Yuzhu Teng
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health Anhui Medical University Hefei China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE Hefei China
- NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract Hefei China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course Hefei China
| | - Jiajun Ouyang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health Anhui Medical University Hefei China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE Hefei China
- NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract Hefei China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course Hefei China
| | - Penggui Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health Anhui Medical University Hefei China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE Hefei China
- NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract Hefei China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course Hefei China
| | - Juan Tong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health Anhui Medical University Hefei China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE Hefei China
- NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract Hefei China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course Hefei China
| | - Guopeng Gao
- Maternal and Child Health Care Center of Ma'anshan Anhui China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health Anhui Medical University Hefei China
- Maternal and Child Health Care Center of Ma'anshan Anhui China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health Anhui Medical University Hefei China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE Hefei China
- NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract Hefei China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course Hefei China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health Anhui Medical University Hefei China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE Hefei China
- NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract Hefei China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course Hefei China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yu J, Yan Y, Li S, Xu Y, Parolia A, Rizvi S, Wang W, Zhai Y, Xiao R, Li X, Liao P, Zhou J, Okla K, Lin H, Lin X, Grove S, Wei S, Vatan L, Hu J, Szumilo J, Kotarski J, Freeman ZT, Skala S, Wicha M, Cho KR, Chinnaiyan AM, Schon S, Wen F, Kryczek I, Wang S, Chen L, Zou W. Progestogen-driven B7-H4 contributes to onco-fetal immune tolerance. Cell 2024; 187:4713-4732.e19. [PMID: 38968937 PMCID: PMC11344674 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.06.012] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Immune tolerance mechanisms are shared in cancer and pregnancy. Through cross-analyzing single-cell RNA-sequencing data from multiple human cancer types and the maternal-fetal interface, we found B7-H4 (VTCN1) is an onco-fetal immune tolerance checkpoint. We showed that genetic deficiency of B7-H4 resulted in immune activation and fetal resorption in allogeneic pregnancy models. Analogously, B7-H4 contributed to MPA/DMBA-induced breast cancer progression, accompanied by CD8+ T cell exhaustion. Female hormone screening revealed that progesterone stimulated B7-H4 expression in placental and breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, progesterone receptor (PR) bound to a newly identified -58 kb enhancer, thereby mediating B7-H4 transcription via the PR-P300-BRD4 axis. PR antagonist or BRD4 degrader potentiated immunotherapy in a murine B7-H4+ breast cancer model. Thus, our work unravels a mechanistic and biological connection of a female sex hormone (progesterone) to onco-fetal immune tolerance via B7-H4 and suggests that the PR-P300-BRD4 axis is targetable for treating B7-H4+ cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yu
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yijian Yan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shasha Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Abhijit Parolia
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Syed Rizvi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan School of Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Weichao Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yiwen Zhai
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rongxin Xiao
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiong Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peng Liao
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jiajia Zhou
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karolina Okla
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Heng Lin
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xun Lin
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sara Grove
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shuang Wei
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Linda Vatan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jiantao Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Justyna Szumilo
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jan Kotarski
- Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Zachary T Freeman
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephanie Skala
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Max Wicha
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kathleen R Cho
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha Schon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fei Wen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan School of Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ilona Kryczek
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Weiping Zou
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu H, Wang P, Yin J, Yang P, Shi J, Li A, Wang X, Meng J. High expression of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 at the mother-fetus interface of preeclampsia inhibits trophoblast invasion and migration. Placenta 2024; 156:30-37. [PMID: 39236525 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.08.008] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is associated with maternal inflammatory overreaction and imbalanced immunity at the mother-fetus interface. The pro-inflammatory chemokine fractalkine (CX3CL1) is recently recognized apart from imbalanced immunity. In this study, CX3CL1- CX3C chemokine receptor 1(CX3CR1) regulation of decidual macrophage function and trophoblast invasion ability in preeclampsia was initially explored. METHODS The study comprised 60 women allocated to NP group (normotensive pregnant woman, n = 30) and sPE group (woman with severe preeclampsia, n = 30). After the delivery, the expression of CX3CL1 in placental tissues of the two groups was detected by immunohistochemical analysis. The protein level of CX3CL1 in placental tissue and CX3CR1 in decidua tissue was detected by Western Blot and the localization of CX3CR1 expression in decidua was detected by immunofluorescence. Macrophages were polarized into classically activated (M1) macrophages. M1 were treat with PBS (control group), recombinant human CX3CL1 (CX3CL1 group), recombinant human CX3CL1+ selective CX3CR1 antagonist-JMS-17-2 (CX3CL1+anti-CX3CR1 group) and recombinant human CX3CL1 + selective CX3CR1 antagonist-JMS-17-2 + VS-6063 (CX3CL1+anti-CX3CR1+ FAK inhibitor group). M1 and HTR8/SVneo cells were co-cultured as described previously to assess invasion and migration capacity by transwell assays and Wound-healing assay. RESULTS In this study, CX3CL1 expression is high in the placental tissues of severe preeclampsia (sPE) patients than in normotensive pregnancies (NP). CX3CR1 expression is high in the decidual tissues of severe preeclampsia patients and mainly expressed in macrophages of decidual tissues. CX3CL1/CX3CR1 decreased VEGF expression in M1 macrophages and reduced the invasion and migration function of HTR-8/SVneo through the FAK signaling pathway. DISCUSSION These findings revealed that CX3CL1-CX3CR1 regulate the trophoblast function by FAK and provided new insights into the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of Maternal & Fetal Medicine of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liao Cheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Junbin Yin
- Department of Neurology, The 960th Hospital of PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Aihua Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liao Cheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Xietong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of Maternal & Fetal Medicine of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinlai Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of Maternal & Fetal Medicine of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang X, Lin H, Zhao Y, Wang P, Ying H, Zhang S, Liu L. MUC16 can Predict the Pregnancy Outcomes in Human and Intraperitoneal Administration of MUC16 can Rescue Pregnancy Losses in Mouse Models. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2354-2370. [PMID: 38622477 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01550-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Mucin 16 (MUC16) participates in the process of embryo implantation, but few studies have examined the association between MUC16 and pregnancy loss. To investigate this association, the expression of MUC16 in serum and decidua was compared between women with pregnancy loss and ongoing pregnancies. In vitro experiments and animal models were used to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of MUC16 in pregnancy loss. In human study, the expression of MUC16 in serum and decidua was both consistently lower in the women with pregnancy loss compared with those in women with ongoing pregnancies. In vitro experiments revealed the interaction of MUC16 with peripheral blood natural killer (pNK) cells. MUC16 changed the phenotype and reduced the pro-inflammation ability of pNK cells. MUC16 also inhibited the cytotoxicity of pNK cells through the Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (SHP-ERK) pathway. Furthermore, MUC16 promoted the migration, invasion and tube formation of trophoblast cells by co-culturing together with pNK cells. In vivo experiments, the mouse model of abortion was used to further confirm that intraperitoneal administration of MUC16 could rescue the pregnancy loss. This study reveals the still-unknown connection between MUC16 and pNK cells and indicates that MUC16 provides a novel method for future prediction and treatment of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Huang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huizhen Lin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peixin Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanqi Ying
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guan D, Sun W, Gao M, Chen Z, Ma X. Immunologic insights in recurrent spontaneous abortion: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117082. [PMID: 38972152 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117082] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion refers to the occurrence of two or more spontaneous abortions before or during the early stages of pregnancy. The immune system plays a crucial role in the maintenance of pregnancy and embryo implantation. Various immune cells, cytokines, and immune regulatory pathways are involved in the complex immune balance required for a stable pregnancy. Studies suggest that immune abnormalities may be associated with some recurrent spontaneous abortion cases, particularly those involving the dysregulation of immune cell function, autoimmune responses, and placental immunity. In terms of treatment, interventions targeting immune mechanisms are crucial. Various therapeutic approaches, including immunomodulatory drugs, immunoadsorption therapies, and immunocellular therapies, are continually being researched and developed. These approaches aim to restore the immune balance, enhance the success rate of pregnancies, and provide more effective treatment options for patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Defeng Guan
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhou Chen
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jin B, Ding X, Dai J, Peng C, Zhu C, Wei Q, Chen X, Qiang R, Ding X, Du H, Deng W, Yang X. Deciphering decidual deficiencies in recurrent spontaneous abortion and the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells at single-cell resolution. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:228. [PMID: 39075579 PMCID: PMC11287859 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03854-6] [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: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a challenging condition that affects the health of women both physically and mentally, but its pathogenesis and treatment have yet to be studied in detail. In recent years, Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) have been shown to be effective in treating various diseases. Current understanding of RSA treatment using WJ-MSCs is limited, and the exact mechanisms of WJ-MSCs action in RSA remains largely unclear. In this study, we explored the decidual deficiencies in RSA and the therapeutic potential of WJ-MSCs at single-cell resolution. METHODS Three mouse models were established: a normal pregnancy group, an RSA group, and a WJ-MSC treatment group. Decidual tissue samples were collected for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and functional verification, including single-cell resolution in situ hybridization on tissues (SCRINSHOT) and immunofluorescence. RESULTS We generated a single-cell atlas of decidual tissues from normal pregnant, RSA, and WJ-MSC-treated mice and identified 14 cell clusters in the decidua on day 14. Among these cell populations, stromal cells were the most abundant cell clusters in the decidua, and we further identified three novel subclusters (Str_0, Str_1, and Str_2). We also demonstrated that the IL17 and TNF signaling pathways were enriched for upregulated DEGs of stromal cells in RSA mice. Intriguingly, cell-cell communication analysis revealed that Str_1 cell-related gene expression was greatly reduced in the RSA group and rescued in the WJ-MSC treatment group. Notably, the interaction between NK cells and other cells in the RSA group was attenuated, and the expression of Spp1 (identified as an endometrial toleration-related marker) was significantly reduced in the NK cells of the RSA group but could be restored by WJ-MSC treatment. CONCLUSION Herein, we implemented scRNA-seq to systematically evaluate the cellular heterogeneity and transcriptional regulatory networks associated with RSA and its treatment with WJ-MSCs. These data revealed potential therapeutic targets of WJ-MSCs to remodel the decidual subpopulations in RSA and provided new insights into decidua-derived developmental defects at the maternal-foetal interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medicine School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoying Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medicine School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiamin Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medicine School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunyu Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medicine School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinru Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medicine School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medicine School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ronghui Qiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medicine School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyi Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medicine School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxiang Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medicine School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Feng J, Gao P, Wu T, Hou W, Zhang Y, Li L. Imbalance polarization of M1/M2 macrophages in miscarried uterus. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304590. [PMID: 39052611 PMCID: PMC11271943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) is well known to manifest a miscarriage-inducing effector during early pregnancy and activate macrophage to induce M1 macrophage polarization. However, the role of macrophage polarization in LPS-related miscarriage-inducing effect is not apparent. METHODS In this work, gene expression changes and the percentage of M1/M2 macrophages and monocytes in LPS-induced miscarried uterus were firstly analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and Flow Cytometry. To explore the origin that contributes to M1/M2 macrophage differentiation, the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1), CCL3, and CCL4, chemokines related to monocyte/macrophage migration, was tested by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS We found that percentage of M1 macrophages rose, while the percentage of M2 macrophages declined down in the injected mice uterus. Meanwhile, the percentage of M1 and M2 macrophages showed no significant difference in the spleens of LPS injected mice compared to PBS injected control mice. Expression of Mcp-1, Ccl3, and Ccl4 and numbers of monocytes were remarkably up-regulated in LPS-induced miscarried mice uterus. CONCLUSION These results indicated that polarization and proportion changes of macrophage in the uterus may contribute to miscarriage. Our work provides new evidence correlating the aberrant regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization with deleterious miscarriage-inducing effects. This will help us understand the roles of critical immune cell differentiation in maintaining normal pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of System Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lixin Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Bozhou, Anhui, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjie Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yueming Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lili Li
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of System Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jaquish A, Phung E, Gong X, Baldominos-Flores P, Galvan-Pena S, Bursulaya I, Magill I, Bertrand K, Chambers C, Agudo J, Mathis D, Benoist C, Ramanan D. Expansion of mammary intraepithelial lymphocytes and intestinal inputs shape T cell dynamics in lactogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.09.602739. [PMID: 39026711 PMCID: PMC11257640 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.09.602739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy brings about profound changes to the mammary gland in preparation for lactation. Changes in immunocyte populations that accompany this rapid remodeling are incompletely understood. We comprehensively analyzed mammary T cells through all parous stages, revealing a marked increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T effector cells in late pregnancy and lactation. T cell expansion was partly dependent on microbial signals and included an increase in TCRαβ+CD8αα+ cells with strong cytotoxic markers, located in the epithelium, that resemble intraepithelial lymphocytes of mucosal tissues. This relationship was substantiated by demonstrating T cell migration from gut to mammary gland in late pregnancy, by TCR clonotypes shared by intestine and mammary tissue in the same mouse, including intriguing gut TCR families. Putative counterparts of CD8αα+ IELs were found in human milk. Mammary T cells are thus poised to manage the transition from a non-mucosal tissue to a mucosal barrier during lactogenesis.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang H, Wang L, Gong G, Lin X, Luo J, Liu C, Mor G, Liao A. Interleukin-10: a novel metabolic inducer of macrophage differentiation and subsequently contributing to improved pregnancy outcomes of mice by orchestrating oxidative phosphorylation metabolism†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:76-91. [PMID: 38501817 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae041] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolism regulates the phenotype and function of macrophages. After recruitment to local tissues, monocytes are influenced by the local microenvironment and differentiate into various macrophages depending on different metabolic pathways. However, the metabolic mechanisms underlying decidual macrophage differentiation remain unknown. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important decidual macrophage inducer and promotes oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) of bone marrow-derived macrophages. In this study, we mainly investigate the metabolic changes involved in IL-10-generated macrophages from monocytes using in vitro models. We demonstrate that exposure of monocytes (either peripheral or THP-1) to IL-10 altered the phenotype and function of resultant macrophages that are linked with OXPHOS changes. Interleukin-10 enhanced the mitochondrial complex I and III activity of THP-1 cell-differentiated macrophages and increased the mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular adenosine triphosphate, and reactive oxygen species levels. Oxidative phosphorylation blockage with oligomycin changed the cell morphology of IL-10-generated macrophages and the expression levels of cytokines, such as transforming growth factor beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon gamma, and IL-10, apart from changes in the expression level of the surface markers CD206, CD209, and CD163. Moreover, in vivo IL-10 administration reduced the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced embryo resorption rate, and this effect was diminished when OXPHOS was inhibited, demonstrating that OXPHOS is important for the improved pregnancy outcomes of IL-10 in LPS-induced abortion-prone mice. Our findings provide deep insights into the roles of IL-10 in macrophage biology and pregnancy maintenance. Nevertheless, the direct evidence that OXPHOS is involved in decidual macrophage differentiation needs further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Liling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Guangshun Gong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xinxiu Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jing Luo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang X, Wang S, Xu X, Jiang Y, Ren L, Zhang H, Li Z, Liu X, Hu X, Ren Y. The effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on galectin-9 expression in decidual macrophages contributing to dysfunction of decidual NK cells during pregnancy. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:299. [PMID: 38987795 PMCID: PMC11234737 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06379-2] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection causes adverse pregnancy outcomes by affecting the expression of immunotolerant molecules in decidual immune cells. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is widely expressed in decidual macrophages (dMφ) and is crucial for maintaining normal pregnancy by interacting with the immunomodulatory protein T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (Tim-3). However, the effects of T. gondii infection on Gal-9 expression in dMφ, and the impact of altered Gal-9 expression levels on the maternal-fetal tolerance function of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells, are still unknown. METHODS Pregnancy outcomes of T. gondii-infected C57BL/6 and Lgals9-/- pregnant mice models were recorded. Expression of Gal-9, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK), and Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) was detected by western blotting, flow cytometry or immunofluorescence. The binding of FOXO1 to the promoter of Lgals9 was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation-polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-PCR). The expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB), T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in dNK cells was assayed by western blotting. RESULTS Toxoplasma gondii infection increased the expression of p-JNK and FOXO1 in dMφ, resulting in a reduction in Gal-9 due to the elevated binding of FOXO1 with Lgals9 promoter. Downregulation of Gal-9 enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK, inhibited the expression of p-CREB and IL-10, and promoted the expression of T-bet and IFN-γ in dNK cells. In the mice model, knockout of Lgals9 aggravated adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by T. gondii infection during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasma gondii infection suppressed Gal-9 expression in dMφ by activating the JNK/FOXO1 signaling pathway, and reduction of Gal-9 contributed to dysfunction of dNK via Gal-9/Tim-3 interaction. This study provides new insights for the molecular mechanisms of the adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyan Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqin Ren
- Department of Microbiology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Peng Y, He Q. Reproductive toxicity and related mechanisms of micro(nano)plastics in terrestrial mammals: Review of current evidence. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116505. [PMID: 38810287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have been detected in various ecological environments and are widely used due to their stable properties, raising widespread concern about their potential human reproductive toxicity. Currently, infertility affects approximately 10-30% of couples of reproductive age globally. MNPs, as environmental pollutants, have been shown to exhibit reproductive toxicity through intrinsic mechanisms or as carriers of other hazardous substances. Numerous studies have established that MNPs of varying sizes and types can penetrate biological barriers, and enter tissues and even organelles of organisms through four main routes: dietary ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and medical interventions. However, historical research on the toxic effects of MNPs on reproduction mainly focused on lower and aquatic species. We conducted an inclusive review of studies involving terrestrial mammals, revealing that MNPs can induce reproductive toxicity via various mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, disruption of intestinal flora, endocrine disruption, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and DNA damage. In terrestrial mammals, reproductive toxicity predominantly manifests as disruption in the blood-testis barrier (BTB), impaired spermatogenesis, sperm malformation, sperm DNA damage, reduced sperm fertilizing capacity, compromised oocyte maturation, impaired follicular growth, granulosa cell apoptosis, diminished ovarian reserve function, uterine and ovarian fibrosis, and endocrine disruption, among other effects. Furthermore, MNPs can traverse the maternal-fetal interface, potentially impacting offspring reproductive health. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanisms of MNPs with different sizes, polymer types, shapes, and carried toxins, as well as to explore effective protective interventions for mitigating reproductive damage, further in-depth animal studies, clinical trials, and large-scale epidemiological studies are urgently required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Peng
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Qi He
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li Y, Wu IXY, Wang X, Song J, Chen Q, Zhang W. Immunological parameters of maternal peripheral blood as predictors of future pregnancy outcomes in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:1444-1456. [PMID: 38511530 PMCID: PMC11168276 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14832] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL), affecting approximately 1%-5% of women, exhibits a strong association with various maternal factors, particularly immune disorders. However, accurately predicting pregnancy outcomes based on the complex interactions and synergistic effects of various immune parameters without an automated algorithm remains challenging. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this historical cohort study, we analyzed the medical records of URPL patients treated at Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China, between January 2020 and October 2022. The primary outcomes included clinical pregnancy and miscarriage. Predictors included complement, autoantibodies, peripheral lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, thromboelastography findings, and serum lipids. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis and logistic regression analysis was performed for model development. The model's performance, discriminatory, and clinical applicability were assessed using area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis, respectively. Additionally, models were visualized by constructing dynamic and static nomograms. RESULTS In total, 502 patients with URPL were enrolled, of whom 291 (58%) achieved clinical pregnancy and 211 (42%) experienced miscarriage. Notable differences in complement, peripheral lymphocytes, and serum lipids were observed between the two outcome groups. Moreover, URPL patients with elevated peripheral NK cells (absolute counts and proportion), decreased complement levels, and dyslipidemia demonstrated a significantly increased risk of miscarriage. Four models were developed in this study, of which Model 2 demonstrated superior performance with only seven predictors, achieving an AUC of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93-0.99) and an accuracy of 0.92. A web-based platform was established to visually present model 2 and to facilitate its utilization by clinicians in outpatient settings (available from: https://yingrongli.shinyapps.io/liyingrong/). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the implementation of such prediction models could serve as valuable tools for providing comprehensive information and facilitating clinicians in their decision-making processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingrong Li
- Department of General MedicineXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Medical MetabolomicsXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Irene X. Y. Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Xiangya School of Public HealthCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of General MedicineXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Medical MetabolomicsXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical EpidemiologyCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Jinlu Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Quan Chen
- Department of General MedicineXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Medical MetabolomicsXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Weiru Zhang
- Department of General MedicineXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Medical MetabolomicsXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical EpidemiologyCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang T, Li H, Jiang E, Liu L, Zhang C. The downregulation of NSUN5 may contribute to preeclampsia. Biol Reprod 2024:ioae096. [PMID: 38924712 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae096] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a complication of pregnancy characterized by the new onset of hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation. The incidence of PE is steadily rising, posing a significant threat to the lives of both the pregnant woman and the fetus. Most studies on PE pathogenesis currently focus on the placenta, but maternal decidualization forms the foundation for placental growth and development. Recent studies have shown that impaired decidualization is also a cause of PE. Decidualization is a process where endometrial stromal cells gradually transform into secretory decidual cells during early pregnancy. While NSUN5 encodes a member of a conserved family of proteins, its role in pregnancy remains unknown. In this study, we conducted experiments and observed a significant downregulation of NSUN5 expression in severe preeclampsia decidual tissues compared to those of normal pregnant women. When inducing decidualization in vitro, we found an increase in NSUN5 expression. However, when we used siRNA to knockdown NSUN5 expression, the process of decidualization was prevented. Moreover, we observed a decrease in ATP content during both cell decidualization and after knockdown of NSUN5. Finally, through immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry, we discovered that the protein ATP5B interacts with NSUN5. Furthermore, after knocking down ATP5B using siRNA, we observed impaired decidualization. Moreover, transfection with siRNA to suppress NSUN5 resulted in a decrease in ATP5B expression. These significant findings provide strong evidence that NSUN5 plays a crucial role in decidualization and is closely associated with the development of PE through its interaction with ATP5B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianying Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ji'nan Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China
| | - Enhui Jiang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Lisheng Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shaffer Z, Romero R, Tarca AL, Galaz J, Arenas-Hernandez M, Gudicha DW, Chaiworapongsa T, Jung E, Suksai M, Theis KR, Gomez-Lopez N. The vaginal immunoproteome for the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth: A retrospective longitudinal study. eLife 2024; 13:e90943. [PMID: 38913421 PMCID: PMC11196114 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90943] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most cases of preterm birth occur spontaneously and result from preterm labor with intact (spontaneous preterm labor [sPTL]) or ruptured (preterm prelabor rupture of membranes [PPROM]) membranes. The prediction of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) remains underpowered due to its syndromic nature and the dearth of independent analyses of the vaginal host immune response. Thus, we conducted the largest longitudinal investigation targeting vaginal immune mediators, referred to herein as the immunoproteome, in a population at high risk for sPTB. Methods Vaginal swabs were collected across gestation from pregnant women who ultimately underwent term birth, sPTL, or PPROM. Cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides in the samples were quantified via specific and sensitive immunoassays. Predictive models were constructed from immune mediator concentrations. Results Throughout uncomplicated gestation, the vaginal immunoproteome harbors a cytokine network with a homeostatic profile. Yet, the vaginal immunoproteome is skewed toward a pro-inflammatory state in pregnant women who ultimately experience sPTL and PPROM. Such an inflammatory profile includes increased monocyte chemoattractants, cytokines indicative of macrophage and T-cell activation, and reduced antimicrobial proteins/peptides. The vaginal immunoproteome has improved predictive value over maternal characteristics alone for identifying women at risk for early (<34 weeks) sPTB. Conclusions The vaginal immunoproteome undergoes homeostatic changes throughout gestation and deviations from this shift are associated with sPTB. Furthermore, the vaginal immunoproteome can be leveraged as a potential biomarker for early sPTB, a subset of sPTB associated with extremely adverse neonatal outcomes. Funding This research was conducted by the Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS) under contract HHSN275201300006C. ALT, KRT, and NGL were supported by the Wayne State University Perinatal Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Shaffer
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Roberto Romero
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| | - Adi L Tarca
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of EngineeringDetroitUnited States
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State UniversityDetroitUnited States
| | - Jose Galaz
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Dereje W Gudicha
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Manaphat Suksai
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Kevin R Theis
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS)BethesdaUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State UniversityDetroitUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Maurice NJ, Erickson JR, DeJong CS, Mair F, Taber AK, Frutoso M, Islas LV, Vigil ALB, Lawler RL, McElrath MJ, Newell EW, Sullivan LB, Shree R, McCartney SA. Converging cytokine and metabolite networks shape asymmetric T cell fate at the term human maternal-fetal interface. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.10.598377. [PMID: 38915597 PMCID: PMC11195144 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.598377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Placentation presents immune conflict between mother and fetus, yet in normal pregnancy maternal immunity against infection is maintained without expense to fetal tolerance. This is believed to result from adaptations at the maternal-fetal interface (MFI) which affect T cell programming, but the identities (i.e., memory subsets and antigenic specificities) of T cells and the signals that mediate T cell fates and functions at the MFI remain poorly understood. We found intact recruitment programs as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine networks that can act on maternal T cells in an antigen-independent manner. These inflammatory signals elicit T cell expression of co-stimulatory receptors necessary for tissue retention, which can be engaged by local macrophages. Although pro-inflammatory molecules elicit T cell effector functions, we show that additional cytokine (TGF-β1) and metabolite (kynurenine) networks may converge to tune T cell function to those of sentinels. Together, we demonstrate an additional facet of fetal tolerance, wherein T cells are broadly recruited and restrained in an antigen-independent, cytokine/metabolite-dependent manner. These mechanisms provide insight into antigen-nonspecific T cell regulation, especially in tissue microenvironments where they are enriched.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Maurice
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Jami R Erickson
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Caitlin S DeJong
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Florian Mair
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Alexis K Taber
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Marie Frutoso
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Laura V Islas
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Richard L Lawler
- Immune Monitoring Core, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - M Juliana McElrath
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Evan W Newell
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Lucas B Sullivan
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Raj Shree
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Stephen A McCartney
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Omidvar-Mehrabadi A, Ebrahimi F, Shahbazi M, Mohammadnia-Afrouzi M. Cytokine and chemokine profiles in women with endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and unexplained infertility. Cytokine 2024; 178:156588. [PMID: 38555853 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156588] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Numerous factors (including immunological, congenital, hormonal, and morphological disorders) can lead to infertility. In this regard, 3 specific diseases associated with infertility are discussed in this review study (i.e., polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS], endometriosis [EMS], and unexplained infertility [UI]). PCOS is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, and EMS is a benign disease characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue. UI refers to couples who are unable to conceive for no known reason. Conception and pregnancy are significantly affected by the immune system; in this regard, chemokines and cytokines play important roles in the regulation of immune responses. Patients with PCOS, EMS, and UI have altered cytokine and chemokine profiles, suggesting that dysregulation of these molecules may contribute to infertility in these conditions. Accordingly, the issue of infertility is addressed in this review study, a condition that affects approximately 16% of couples worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fateme Ebrahimi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shahbazi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Feyaerts D, Marić I, Arck PC, Prins JR, Gomez-Lopez N, Gaudillière B, Stelzer IA. Predicting Spontaneous Preterm Birth Using the Immunome. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:441-459. [PMID: 38705651 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.02.013] [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] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Throughout pregnancy, the maternal peripheral circulation contains valuable information reflecting pregnancy progression, detectable as tightly regulated immune dynamics. Local immune processes at the maternal-fetal interface and other reproductive and non-reproductive tissues are likely to be the pacemakers for this peripheral immune "clock." This cellular immune status of pregnancy can be leveraged for the early risk assessment and prediction of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Systems immunology approaches to sPTB subtypes and cross-tissue (local and peripheral) interactions, as well as integration of multiple biological data modalities promise to improve our understanding of preterm birth pathobiology and identify potential clinically actionable biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Feyaerts
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ivana Marić
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Petra C Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine and Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brice Gaudillière
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Ina A Stelzer
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jia W, Ma L, Yu X, Wang F, Yang Q, Wang X, Fan M, Gu Y, Meng R, Wang J, Li Y, Li R, Shao X, Wang YL. Human CD56 +CD39 + dNK cells support fetal survival through controlling trophoblastic cell fate: immune mechanisms of recurrent early pregnancy loss. Natl Sci Rev 2024; 11:nwae142. [PMID: 38966071 PMCID: PMC11223582 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae142] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Decidual natural killer (dNK) cells are the most abundant immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy in both mice and humans, and emerging single-cell transcriptomic studies have uncovered various human dNK subsets that are disrupted in patients experiencing recurrent early pregnancy loss (RPL) at early gestational stage, suggesting a connection between abnormal proportions or characteristics of dNK subsets and RPL pathogenesis. However, the functional mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Here, we established a mouse model by adoptively transferring human dNK cells into pregnant NOG (NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγnull) mice, where human dNK cells predominantly homed into the uteri of recipients. Using this model, we observed a strong correlation between the properties of human dNK cells and pregnancy outcome. The transfer of dNK cells from RPL patients (dNK-RPL) remarkably worsened early pregnancy loss and impaired placental trophoblast cell differentiation in the recipients. These adverse effects were effectively reversed by transferring CD56+CD39+ dNK cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that CD56+CD39+ dNK subset facilitates early differentiation of mouse trophoblast stem cells (mTSCs) towards both invasive and syncytial pathways through secreting macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Administration of recombinant M-CSF to NOG mice transferred with dNK-RPL efficiently rescued the exacerbated pregnancy outcomes and fetal/placental development. Collectively, this study established a novel humanized mouse model featuring functional human dNK cells homing into the uteri of recipients and uncovered the pivotal role of M-CSF in fetal-supporting function of CD56+CD39+ dNK cells during early pregnancy, highlighting that M-CSF may be a previously unappreciated therapeutic target for intervening RPL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liyang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Feiyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Qian Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiaoye Wang
- National Clinical Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengjie Fan
- National Clinical Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Ran Meng
- Department of Prenatal Screening, Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Jian Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yuxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rong Li
- National Clinical Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jia Y, Huang Y, Ai ZH, Dong YJ, Guo YH, Yang Y, Zhang D, Ye HX, Yang J. Exploring the effectiveness of endometrial receptivity array and immune profiling in patients with multiple implantation failure:A retrospective cohort study based on propensity score matching. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104218. [PMID: 38422808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104218] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the endometrial receptivity array (ERA), endometrial immune profiling, and a combination of both in improving the pregnancy outcomes for multiple implantation failure patients. According to patients' willingness, 1429 women who incurred at least two or more consecutive implantation failures in IVF/ICSI treatment opted for frozen embryo transfer and were divided into four groups: 'No test', 'Immune Profiling', 'ERA' and 'ERA+ Immune Profiling'. Women in three test groups underwent timed endometrial biopsy for ERA, immune profiling, a combination of both. We observed the overall incidence rates of the displaced window of implantation (WOI) and endometrial immune dysregulation were 75.14% and 79.29%, respectively. After 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM), our data revealed that the 'ERA' and 'ERA + Immune Profiling' groups demonstrated significantly higher rates of biochemical, clinical, ongoing pregnancy, and implantation compared to the 'No test' group (p < 0.01). The 'Immune Profiling' group showed a higher implantation rate compared to 'No test' group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, when comparing three test groups, the 'ERA + Immune Profiling' group exhibited notably higher rates of clinical and ongoing pregnancy compared to the 'Immune Profiling' group (p < 0.017). However, there was no association between endometrial immune profiling and ERA phases, and their results did not differ between embryo implantation and non-implantation in these patients. Our findings underline the increased implantation rates by use of ERA and endometrial immune profiling in patients with multiple implantation failure, either individually or corporately. Moreover, a combination of both could improve their pregnancy outcomes significantly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jia
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Zhong-Hua Ai
- Institute of Health Studies, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, PR China
| | - Ya-Jun Dong
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yan-Hua Guo
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong-Xia Ye
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lv S, Chen M, Li Z, Huang Z, Wan S, Kuang S, Peng L, Ye J, Yang M, Li J, He Y. Blocking OLFM4/galectin-3 axis in placental polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells triggers intestinal inflammation in newborns. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112058. [PMID: 38613883 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of premature and low-weight births, which increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); however, the association remains unclear. We report a close correlation between placental polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) and NEC. Newborns with previous FGR exhibited intestinal inflammation and more severe NEC symptoms than healthy newborns. Placental PMN-MDSCs are vital regulators of fetal development and neonatal gut inflammation. Placental single-cell transcriptomics revealed that PMN-MDSCs populations and olfactomedin-4 gene (Olfm4) expression levels were significantly increased in PMN-MDSCs in later pregnancy compared to those in early pregnancy and non-pregnant females. Female mice lacking Olfm4 in myeloid cells mated with wild-type males showed FGR during pregnancy, with a decreased placental PMN-MDSCs population and expression of growth-promoting factors (GPFs) from placental PMN-MDSCs. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) stimulated the OLFM4-mediated secretion of GPFs by placental PMN-MDSCs. Moreover, GPF regulation via OLFM4 in placental PMN-MDSCs was mediated via hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Notably, the offspring of mothers lacking Olfm4 exhibited intestinal inflammation and were susceptible to NEC. Additionally, OLFM4 expression decreased in placental PMN-MDSCs from pregnancies with FGR and was negatively correlated with neonatal morbidity. These results revealed that placental PMN-MDSCs contributed to fetal development and ameliorate newborn intestinal inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuaijun Lv
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiqi Chen
- Department of Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Single Cell Technology and Application, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongjun Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Zhengcong Huang
- Department of Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Single Cell Technology and Application, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Wan
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Kuang
- Department of Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Single Cell Technology and Application, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Laiqin Peng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Huizhou Central People's Hospital, Huizhou, China
| | - Jiaxiu Ye
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Huizhou Central People's Hospital, Huizhou, China
| | - Meixiang Yang
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yumei He
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Single Cell Technology and Application, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li Y, Sang Y, Chang Y, Xu C, Lin Y, Zhang Y, Chiu PCN, Yeung WSB, Zhou H, Dong N, Xu L, Chen J, Zhao W, Liu L, Yu D, Zang X, Ye J, Yang J, Wu Q, Li D, Wu L, Du M. A Galectin-9-Driven CD11c high Decidual Macrophage Subset Suppresses Uterine Vascular Remodeling in Preeclampsia. Circulation 2024; 149:1670-1688. [PMID: 38314577 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.064391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a serious disease of pregnancy that lacks early diagnosis methods or effective treatment, except delivery. Dysregulated uterine immune cells and spiral arteries are implicated in preeclampsia, but the mechanistic link remains unclear. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics were used to identify immune cell subsets associated with preeclampsia. Cell-based studies and animal models including conditional knockout mice and a new preeclampsia mouse model induced by recombinant mouse galectin-9 were applied to validate the pathogenic role of a CD11chigh subpopulation of decidual macrophages (dMφ) and to determine its underlying regulatory mechanisms in preeclampsia. A retrospective preeclampsia cohort study was performed to determine the value of circulating galectin-9 in predicting preeclampsia. RESULTS We discovered a distinct CD11chigh dMφ subset that inhibits spiral artery remodeling in preeclampsia. The proinflammatory CD11chigh dMφ exhibits perivascular enrichment in the decidua from patients with preeclampsia. We also showed that trophoblast-derived galectin-9 activates CD11chigh dMφ by means of CD44 binding to suppress spiral artery remodeling. In 3 independent preeclampsia mouse models, placental and plasma galectin-9 levels were elevated. Galectin-9 administration in mice induces preeclampsia-like phenotypes with increased CD11chigh dMφ and defective spiral arteries, whereas galectin-9 blockade or macrophage-specific CD44 deletion prevents such phenotypes. In pregnant women, increased circulating galectin-9 levels in the first trimester and at 16 to 20 gestational weeks can predict subsequent preeclampsia onset. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight a key role of a distinct perivascular inflammatory CD11chigh dMφ subpopulation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. CD11chigh dMφ activated by increased galectin-9 from trophoblasts suppresses uterine spiral artery remodeling, contributing to preeclampsia. Increased circulating galectin-9 may be a biomarker for preeclampsia prediction and intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Li
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, China (Y. Li, Y.S., C.X., Y. Lin, L.X., J.C., W.Z., L.L., D.L., M.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Longgang District Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Clinical Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (Y. Li, Y. Lin, W.Z., J. Yang, M.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University Shanghai, China (Y. Li, M.D.)
| | - Yifei Sang
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, China (Y. Li, Y.S., C.X., Y. Lin, L.X., J.C., W.Z., L.L., D.L., M.D.)
| | - Yunjian Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China (Y.C., Y.Z., H.Z., L.W.)
| | - Chunfang Xu
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, China (Y. Li, Y.S., C.X., Y. Lin, L.X., J.C., W.Z., L.L., D.L., M.D.)
| | - Yikong Lin
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, China (Y. Li, Y.S., C.X., Y. Lin, L.X., J.C., W.Z., L.L., D.L., M.D.)
| | - Yao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China (Y.C., Y.Z., H.Z., L.W.)
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China (P.C.N.C., W.S.B.Y.)
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China (P.C.N.C., W.S.B.Y.)
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China (P.C.N.C., W.S.B.Y.)
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China (P.C.N.C., W.S.B.Y.)
| | - Haisheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China (Y.C., Y.Z., H.Z., L.W.)
| | - Ningzheng Dong
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, Suzhou, China (N.D., Q.W.)
| | - Ling Xu
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, China (Y. Li, Y.S., C.X., Y. Lin, L.X., J.C., W.Z., L.L., D.L., M.D.)
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, China (Y. Li, Y.S., C.X., Y. Lin, L.X., J.C., W.Z., L.L., D.L., M.D.)
| | - Weijie Zhao
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, China (Y. Li, Y.S., C.X., Y. Lin, L.X., J.C., W.Z., L.L., D.L., M.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Longgang District Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Clinical Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (Y. Li, Y. Lin, W.Z., J. Yang, M.D.)
| | - Lu Liu
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, China (Y. Li, Y.S., C.X., Y. Lin, L.X., J.C., W.Z., L.L., D.L., M.D.)
| | - Di Yu
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute (D.Y.), Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Ian Frazer Centre for Children's Immunotherapy Research, Child Health Research Centre (D.Y.), Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (X.Z.)
| | - Jiangfeng Ye
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore City, Singapore (J. Ye)
| | - Jinying Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Longgang District Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Clinical Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (Y. Li, Y. Lin, W.Z., J. Yang, M.D.)
| | - Qingyu Wu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, Suzhou, China (N.D., Q.W.)
| | - Dajin Li
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, China (Y. Li, Y.S., C.X., Y. Lin, L.X., J.C., W.Z., L.L., D.L., M.D.)
| | - Ligang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China (Y.C., Y.Z., H.Z., L.W.)
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, China (Y. Li, Y.S., C.X., Y. Lin, L.X., J.C., W.Z., L.L., D.L., M.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Longgang District Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Clinical Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (Y. Li, Y. Lin, W.Z., J. Yang, M.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University Shanghai, China (Y. Li, M.D.)
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China (M.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang J, Xue M, Huang J, He S, Zhu L, Zhao X, Wang B, Jiang T, Zhang Y, Miao C, Zhou G. Deficiency of UCHL1 results in insufficient decidualization accompanied by impaired dNK modulation and eventually miscarriage. J Transl Med 2024; 22:478. [PMID: 38769534 PMCID: PMC11103838 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05253-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Miscarriage is a frustrating complication of pregnancy that is common among women of reproductive age. Insufficient decidualization which not only impairs embryo implantation but disturbs fetomaternal immune-tolerance, has been widely regarded as a major cause of miscarriage; however, the underlying mechanisms resulting in decidual impairment are largely unknown. METHODS With informed consent, decidual tissue from patients with spontaneous abortion or normal pregnant women was collected to detect the expression profile of UCHL1. Human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were used to explore the roles of UCHL1 in decidualization and dNK modulation, as well as the mechanisms involved. C57/BL6 female mice (7-10 weeks old) were used to construct pregnancy model or artificially induced decidualization model to evaluate the effect of UCHL1 on mice decidualization and pregnancy outcome. RESULTS The Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), as a deubiquitinating enzyme, was significantly downregulated in decidua from patients with miscarriage, along with impaired decidualization and decreased dNKs. Blockage of UCHL1 led to insufficient decidualization and resultant decreased expression of cytokines CXCL12, IL-15, TGF-β which were critical for generation of decidual NK cells (dNKs), whereas UCHL1 overexpression enhanced decidualization accompanied by increase in dNKs. Mechanistically, the promotion of UCHL1 on decidualization was dependent on its deubiquitinating activity, and intervention of UCHL1 inhibited the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, resulting in aberrant decidualization and decreased production of cytokines associated with dNKs modulation. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of UCHL1 also disrupted the decidualization in mice and eventually caused adverse pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSIONS UCHL1 plays significant roles in decidualization and dNKs modulation during pregnancy in both humans and mice. Its deficiency indicates a poor pregnancy outcome due to defective decidualization, making UCHL1 a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of miscarriage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, 68 South Haiyu Road, Changshu, 215500, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mingxing Xue
- Institutes for Translational Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiefang Huang
- Institutes for Translational Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan He
- Institutes for Translational Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lingqiao Zhu
- Institutes for Translational Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhao
- Institutes for Translational Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingwang Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, 68 South Haiyu Road, Changshu, 215500, China
| | - Yanyun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, 68 South Haiyu Road, Changshu, 215500, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Changhong Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Guoqiang Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, 68 South Haiyu Road, Changshu, 215500, China.
- Gusu College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Van Schoor K, Bruet E, Jones EAV, Migeotte I. Origin and flow-mediated remodeling of the murine and human extraembryonic circulation systems. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1395006. [PMID: 38818524 PMCID: PMC11137303 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1395006] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The transduction of mechanical stimuli produced by blood flow is an important regulator of vascular development. The vitelline and umbilico-placental circulations are extraembryonic vascular systems that are required for proper embryonic development in mammalian embryos. The morphogenesis of the extraembryonic vasculature and the cardiovascular system of the embryo are hemodynamically and molecularly connected. Here we provide an overview of the establishment of the murine and human vitelline and umbilico-placental vascular systems and how blood flow influences various steps in their development. A deeper comprehension of extraembryonic vessel development may aid the establishment of stem-cell based embryo models and provide novel insights to understanding pregnancy complications related to the umbilical cord and placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Van Schoor
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Jacques E. Dumont, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Bruet
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Jacques E. Dumont, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elizabeth Anne Vincent Jones
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Migeotte
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Jacques E. Dumont, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fu T, Wang X, Zhao X, Jiang Y, Liu X, Zhang H, Ren Y, Li Z, Hu X. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of decidual immune cell landscape in the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:213. [PMID: 38730500 PMCID: PMC11088043 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06266-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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in early pregnancy. Previous studies have illustrated the landscape of decidual immune cells. However, the landscape of decidual immune cells in the maternal-fetal microenvironment during T. gondii infection remains unknown. METHODS In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the changes in human decidual immune cells following T. gondii infection. The results of scRNA-seq were further validated with flow cytometry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Our results showed that the proportion of 17 decidual immune cell clusters and the expression levels of 21 genes were changed after T. gondii infection. Differential gene analysis demonstrated that T. gondii infection induced the differential expression of 279, 312, and 380 genes in decidual NK cells (dNK), decidual macrophages (dMφ), and decidual T cells (dT), respectively. Our results revealed for the first time that several previously unknown molecules in decidual immune cells changed following infection. This result revealed that the function of maternal-fetal immune tolerance declined, whereas the killing ability of decidual immune cells enhanced, eventually contributing to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable resource for uncovering several novel molecules that play an important role in the occurrence of abnormal pregnancy outcomes induced by T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Fu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medial University, Yantai, 264100, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stadtmauer DJ, Basanta S, Maziarz JD, Cole AG, Dagdas G, Smith GR, van Breukelen F, Pavličev M, Wagner GP. Comparative single cell analysis reveals complex patterns of cell type and cell signaling innovations at the fetal-maternal interface. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.591945. [PMID: 38746137 PMCID: PMC11092578 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.591945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The decidual-placental interface is one of the most diverse and rapidly evolving tissues in mammals. Its origin as a chimeric fetal-maternal tissue poses a unique evolutionary puzzle. We present single-cell RNA sequencing atlases from the fetal-maternal interfaces of the opossum, a marsupial, the Malagasy common tenrec, an afrotherian with primitive reproductive features, and mouse, guinea pig, and human. Invasive trophoblast shares a common transcriptomic signature across eutherians, which we argue represents a cell type family that radiated following the evolution of hemochorial placentation. We find evidence that the eutherian decidual stromal cell evolved stepwise from a predecidual state retained in Tenrec , followed by a second decidual cell type originating in Boreoeutheria with endocrine characteristics. We reconstruct ligand-receptor signaling to test evolutionary hypotheses at scale. Novel trophoblast and decidual cell types display strong integration into signaling networks compared to other cells. Additionally, we find consistent disambiguation between fetal and maternal signaling. Using phylogenetic analysis, we infer the cell-cell signaling network of the Placental common ancestor, and identify increased rates of signaling evolution in Euarchontoglires. Together, our findings reveal novel cell type identities and cell signaling dynamics at the mammalian fetal-maternal interface.
Collapse
|
31
|
McLellan J, Croen LA, Iosif AM, Ashwood P, Yoshida C, Berger K, Van de Water J. Differences in mid-gestational and early postnatal neonatal cytokines and chemokines are associated with patterns of maternal autoantibodies in the context of autism. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:50-62. [PMID: 38696596 PMCID: PMC11065110 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Associations between maternal immune dysregulation (including autoimmunity and skewed cytokine/chemokine profiles) and offspring neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism have been reported. In maternal autoantibody-related autism, specific maternally derived autoantibodies can access the fetal compartment to target eight proteins critical for neurodevelopment. We examined the relationship between maternal autoantibodies to the eight maternal autoantibody-related autism proteins and cytokine/chemokine profiles in the second trimester of pregnancy in mothers of children later diagnosed with autism and their neonates' cytokine/chemokine profiles. Using banked maternal serum samples from 15 to 19 weeks of gestation from the Early Markers for Autism Study and corresponding banked newborn bloodspots, we identified three maternal/offspring groups based on maternal autoantibody status: (1) mothers with autoantibodies to one or more of the eight maternal autoantibody-related autismassociated proteins but not a maternal autoantibody-related autism-specific pattern, (2) mothers with a known maternal autoantibody-related autism pattern, and (3) mothers without autoantibodies to any of the eight maternal autoantibody-related autism proteins. Using a multiplex platform, we measured maternal second trimester and neonatal cytokine/chemokine levels. This combined analysis aimed to determine potential associations between maternal autoantibodies and the maternal and neonatal cytokine/chemokine profiles, each of which has been shown to have implications on offspring neurodevelopment independently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janna McLellan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6505C, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
| | - Ana-Maria Iosif
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, University of California Davis, Medical Sciences 1C, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
| | - Paul Ashwood
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, 2805 Wet Lab Building, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, 3146 One Shields Avenue, Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Cathleen Yoshida
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
| | - Kimberly Berger
- Sequoia Foundation, 741 Addison Suite B, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6505C, Davis, CA 95616, United States
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, 2805 Wet Lab Building, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li QH, Zhao QY, Yang WJ, Jiang AF, Ren CE, Meng YH. Beyond Immune Balance: The Pivotal Role of Decidual Regulatory T Cells in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2697-2710. [PMID: 38707955 PMCID: PMC11070170 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s459263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy failures, which brings tremendous stress to women of childbearing age and seriously affects family well-being. However, the reason in about 50% of cases remains unknown and is defined as unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). The immunological perspective in URSA has attracted widespread attention in recent years. The embryo is regarded as a semi-allogeneic graft to the mother. A successful pregnancy requires transition to an immune environment conducive to embryo survival at the maternal-fetal interface. As an important member of regulatory immunity, regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in regulating immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. This review will focus on the phenotypic plasticity and lineage stability of Treg cells to illustrate its relationship with URSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hui Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yan Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jing Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ai-Fang Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-E Ren
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Han Meng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Foyle KL, Robertson SA. Gamma delta (γδ) T cells in the female reproductive tract: active participants or indifferent bystanders in reproductive success? DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 3:kyae004. [PMID: 38863792 PMCID: PMC11165432 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract accommodates and balances the unique immunological challenges of protection from sexually transmitted pathogens and tolerance of the fetus and placenta in pregnancy. Leukocytes in the female reproductive tract actively engage in extensive maternal adaptations that are imperative for embryo implantation, placental development, and fetal growth support. γδ T cells are abundant at many mucosal sites in the body, where they provide protection against pathogens and cancer, and have roles in tissue renewal and homeostasis. In this review, we summarize studies in humans and rodents showing that γδ T cells are prevalent in the female reproductive tract and fluctuate in response to hormone changes across the reproductive cycle. Emerging evidence points to a link between changes in their abundance and molecular repertoire in the uterus and pregnancy disorders including recurrent miscarriage and preterm birth. However, defining the precise functional role of female reproductive tract γδ T cells and understanding their physiological significance in reproduction and pregnancy have remained elusive. Here, we critically analyze whether reproductive tract γδ T cells could be active participants in reproductive events-or whether their principal function is immune defense, in which case they may compromise pregnancy success unless adequately regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L Foyle
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wu J, Cao Q, Liao J, Li Y, Lu G, Gong F, Lin G, Zhao M. Immunological Indicators of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01555-2. [PMID: 38658490 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01555-2] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is thought to be related to maternal-fetal immune tolerance disorders. Immune monitoring of RPL patients mainly involves two aspects: inflammatory factors and immune cells. However, most observational studies have reported controversial findings. This study aimed to confirm whether abnormal inflammatory factors and immune cells in peripheral blood may lead to RPL, and guide clinical immune monitoring. We demonstrated causality using two-sample Mendelian randomization. Sensitivity analysis, reverse Mendelian randomization and meta-analysis were used to enhance the effectiveness of the results. There was a causal relationship between the level of IL-12 (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.25-2.55; P = 0.00149) and RPL for 41 inflammatory factors. We screened 5 groups of immune cell subtypes that were causally associated with RPL: switched memory B-cell absolute count (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49-0.87, P = 0.00406), IgD + CD24 + B-cell absolute count (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.53-0.88, P = 0.00319), CD39 + resting CD4 regulatory T-cell %CD4 regulatory T-cell (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.78-0.95, P = 0.00252), activated & resting CD4 regulatory T-cell %CD4 regulatory T-cell (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.82-0.97, P = 0.00938) and CD45 RA + CD28-CD8 + T-cell %CD8 + T-cell (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-1.00, P = 0.01231). In terms of inflammatory factors, a causal relationship between IL-12 and RPL in peripheral blood was confirmed. We also identified five immune cell phenotypes that play a protective role. This suggests that there may be protective B cells and CD8 + T-cell subsets in peripheral blood, and the protective effect of Tregs was proved again. Immune monitoring of peripheral blood in patients with RPL seems to be necessary and the foundation for precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingrouzi Wu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Pediatric Department of the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Qingtai Cao
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Pediatric Department of the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Jingnan Liao
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Pediatric Department of the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Pediatric Department of the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Pediatric Department of the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Pediatric Department of the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China.
| | - Mingyi Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Pediatric Department of the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cuadrado-Torroglosa I, García-Velasco JA, Alecsandru D. Maternal-Fetal Compatibility in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2379. [PMID: 38673652 PMCID: PMC11051463 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is an undesirable condition suffered by many patients of reproductive age. In this scenario, certain immune cell populations and molecules, involved in maternal-fetal compatibility, have emerged as factors related with the pathogenesis of RPL. Among them, uterine Natural Killer cells (uNKs) appear to be of great relevance. These cells are involved in numerous processes during pregnancy, such as the remodeling of uterine spiral arteries or the control of trophoblast invasion. These functions are regulated by the interactions that these cells establish with the extravillous trophoblast, mainly through their Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIRs) and the Human Leukocyte Antigen-C (HLA-C) molecules expressed by the embryo. A high level of polymorphism has been reported for both molecules involved in this interaction, with some of the possible KIR-HLA-C combinations being associated with an increased risk of RPL. However, the complexity of the maternal-fetal interface goes beyond this, as other HLA molecules also appear to be related to this reproductive pathology. In this review, we will discuss the role of uNKs in pregnancy, as well as the polymorphisms and clinical implications of KIR-HLA-C binding. We will also address the involvement of other, different HLA molecules in RPL, and the current advice on the appropriate management of patients with 'immunological mismatch', thus covering the main aspects regarding the involvement of maternal-fetal compatibility in RPL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Cuadrado-Torroglosa
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
| | - Juan A. García-Velasco
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Av. del Talgo, 68, 28023 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Torre A, Planta 1, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (I.C.-T.); (J.A.G.-V.)
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Av. del Talgo, 68, 28023 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Brennan PLR, Purdy S, Bacon SJ. Intra-horn insemination in the alpaca Vicugna pacos: Copulatory wounding and deep sperm deposition. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295882. [PMID: 38630763 PMCID: PMC11023217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) are reported to be the rare mammal in which the penis enters the uterus in mating. To date, however, only circumstantial evidence supports this assertion. Using female alpacas culled for meat, we determined that the alpaca penis penetrates to the very tips of the uterine horns, abrading the tract and breaking fine blood vessels. All female alpacas sacrificed one hour or 24 hours after mating showed conspicuous bleeding in the epithelium of some region of their reproductive tract, including the hymen, cervix and the tips of each uterine horn, but typically not in the vagina. Unmated females showed no evidence of conspicuous bleeding. Histological examination of mated females revealed widespread abrasion of the cervical and endometrial epithelium, injuries absent in unmated females. Within one hour of mating, sperm were already present in the oviduct. The male alpaca's cartilaginous penis tip with a hardened urethral process is likely responsible for the copulatory abrasion. The entire female reproductive tract interacts with the penis, functioning like a vagina. Alpacas are induced ovulators, and wounding may hasten delivery of the seminal ovulation-inducing factor beta-NGF into the female's blood stream. There is no evidence of sexual conflict in copulation in alpaca, and thus wounding may also be one of a variety of mechanisms devised by mammals to induce a beneficial, short-term inflammatory response that stimulates blastocyst implantation, the uterine remodeling associated with placental development, and thus the success of early pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L. R. Brennan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, United States of America
| | - Stephen Purdy
- North American Camelid Studies Program, Nunoa Project, Belchertown, MA, United States of America
| | - Sarah J. Bacon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lu C, Gao R, Qing P, Zeng X, Liao X, Cheng M, Qin L, Liu Y. Single-cell transcriptome analyses reveal disturbed decidual homoeostasis in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:624-637. [PMID: 38331588 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224930] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) is an autoimmune disease characterised by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in circulation and pathological pregnancy. However, the pathogenesis of OAPS remains unknown. We aimed to reveal cellular compositions and molecular features of decidual cells involved in the development of OAPS using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). METHODS We performed unbiased scRNA-seq analysis on the first-trimester decidua from five OAPS patients and five healthy controls (HCs), followed by validations with flow cytometry, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence in a larger cohort. Serum chemokines and cytokines were measured by using ELISA. RESULTS A higher ratio of macrophages but a lower ratio of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells was found in decidua from OAPS compared with HCs. Vascular endothelial cells shrinked in OAPS decidua while having upregulated chemokine expression and conspicuous responses to IFN-γ and TNF-α. Macrophages in OAPS had stronger phagocytosis function, complement activation signals and relied more on glycolysis. dNK cells were more activated in OAPS and had enhanced cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production. Downregulation of granules in OAPS dNK cells could be associated with suppressed glycolysis. Moreover, stromal cells had a prosenescent state with weakened immune surveillance for senescent cells in OAPS. In addition, the cellular interactions between decidual immune cells and those of immune cells with non-immune cells under disease state were altered, especially through chemokines, IFN-γ and TNF-α. CONCLUSION This study provided a comprehensive decidual cell landscape and identified aberrant decidual microenvironment in OAPS, providing some potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Lu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Pingying Qing
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xun Zeng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Liao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of the Central Operating Unit, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lang Qin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yang L, Xu HR, Zhang X, Shi Y, Shi JX, Chen QQ, Shen XR, He YP, Tang JN, Gu WW, Wang J. Increased miR-3074-5p expression promotes M1 polarization and pyroptosis of macrophages via ERα/NLRP3 pathway and induces adverse pregnancy outcomes in mice. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:171. [PMID: 38600077 PMCID: PMC11006911 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01941-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Decidual macrophages (dMϕs) play critical roles in regulation of immune-microhomeostasis at maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, it was found that litter size and fetal weight were significantly reduced, whereas the rate of embryo resorption was increased in miR-3074-5p knock-in (3074-KI) pregnant mice, compared to that of wild-type (WT) pregnant mice. Plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in 3074-KI pregnant mice were also significantly elevated compared to WT pregnant mice at GD7.5. The quantity of M1-Mϕs in uterine tissues of 3074-KI pregnant mice was significantly increased compared to WT pregnant mice at GD13.5. Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) was validated to be a target of miR-3074-5p. Either miR-3074-5p overexpression or ERα knockdown promoted transcriptional activity of NF-κB/p65, induced M1-polarization and pyroptosis of THP1-derived Mϕs, accompanied with increased intracellular levels of cleaved Caspase-1, cleaved IL-1β, NLRP3, cleaved GSDMD and ASC aggregation. Furthermore, ERα could not only bind to NLRP3 or ASC directly, but also inhibit the interaction between NLRP3 and ASC. The endometrial miR-3074-5p expression level at the middle secretory stage of repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients was significantly decreased compared to that of control fertile women. These data indicated that miR-3074-5p could promote M1 polarization and pyroptosis of Mϕs via activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by targeting ERα, and the dysregulation of miR-3074-5p expression in dMϕs might damage the embryo implantation and placentation by interfering with inflammatory microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Lab of Health and Diease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Hao-Ran Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Lab of Health and Diease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Lab of Health and Diease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yan Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Lab of Health and Diease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jia-Xin Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Lab of Health and Diease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Qian-Qian Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xiao-Rong Shen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Lab of Health and Diease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ya-Ping He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Lab of Health and Diease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jia-Nan Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Lab of Health and Diease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wen-Wen Gu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Lab of Health and Diease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Lab of Health and Diease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chen X, Song QL, Ji R, Wang JY, Cao ML, Guo DY, Zhang Y, Yang J. JPT2 Affects Trophoblast Functions and Macrophage Polarization and Metabolism, and Acts as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306359. [PMID: 38417123 PMCID: PMC11040346 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a pregnancy-related condition with complex etiology. Trophoblast dysfunction and abnormal macrophage polarization and metabolism are associated with RSA; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Jupiter microtubule-associated homolog 2 (JPT2) is essential for calcium mobilization; however, its role in RSA remains unclear. In this study, it is found that the expression levels of JPT2, a nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate-binding protein, are decreased in the villous tissues of patients with RSA and placental tissues of miscarried mice. Mechanistically, it is unexpectedly found that abnormal JPT2 expression regulates trophoblast function and thus involvement in RSA via c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but not via calcium mobilization. Specifically, on the one hand, JPT2 deficiency inhibits trophoblast adhesion, migration, and invasion by inhibiting the JNK/atypical chemokine receptor 3 axis. On the other hand, trophoblast JPT2 deficiency contributes to M1 macrophage polarization by promoting the accumulation of citrate and reactive oxygen species via inhibition of the JNK/interleukin-6 axis. Self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9-JPT2 treatment alleviates embryonic resorption in abortion-prone mice. In summary, this study reveals that JPT2 mediates the remodeling of the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for RSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Reproductive Medical CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic DevelopmentWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Qian Lin Song
- Department of UrologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Rui Ji
- Reproductive Medical CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic DevelopmentWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Jia Yu Wang
- Reproductive Medical CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic DevelopmentWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Ming Liang Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Duan Ying Guo
- Department of GynecologyLonggang District People's Hospital of ShenzhenShenzhen518172China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic DevelopmentWuhanHubei430060China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Motomura K, Morita H, Naruse K, Saito H, Matsumoto K. Implication of viruses in the etiology of preeclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13844. [PMID: 38627916 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is one of the most common disorders that poses threat to both mothers and neonates and a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Viral infection during pregnancy is not typically considered to cause preeclampsia; however, syndromic nature of preeclampsia etiology and the immunomodulatory effects of viral infections suggest that microbes could trigger a subset of preeclampsia. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Herein, we review the potential role of viral infections in this great obstetrical syndrome. According to in vitro and in vivo experimental studies, viral infections can cause preeclampsia by introducing poor placentation, syncytiotrophoblast stress, and/or maternal systemic inflammation, which are all known to play a critical role in the development of preeclampsia. Moreover, clinical and experimental investigations have suggested a link between several viruses and the onset of preeclampsia via multiple pathways. However, the results of experimental and clinical research are not always consistent. Therefore, future studies should investigate the causal link between viral infections and preeclampsia to elucidate the mechanism behind this relationship and the etiology of preeclampsia itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Motomura
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Morita
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Allergy Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Naruse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Saito
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsumoto
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Taglauer ES, Mestan KK. Maternal-Fetal Connections in Prenatal Respiratory Disease: Time to Address Intrauterine Inflammation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 209:621-622. [PMID: 38271600 PMCID: PMC10945051 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202312-2244ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Taglauer
- Boston Medical Center Boston University School of Medicine Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karen K Mestan
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Neonatology University of California, San Diego School of Medicine La Jolla, California
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Koenig MR, Vazquez J, Leyva Jaimes FB, Mitzey AM, Stanic AK, Golos TG. Decidual leukocytes respond to African lineage Zika virus infection with mild anti-inflammatory changes during acute infection in rhesus macaques. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1363169. [PMID: 38515747 PMCID: PMC10954895 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1363169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) can be vertically transmitted during pregnancy resulting in a range of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The decidua is commonly found to be infected by ZIKV, yet the acute immune response to infection remains understudied in vivo. We hypothesized that in vivo African-lineage ZIKV infection induces a pro-inflammatory response in the decidua. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the decidua in pregnant rhesus macaques within the first two weeks following infection with an African-lineage ZIKV and compared our findings to gestationally aged-matched controls. Decidual leukocytes were phenotypically evaluated using spectral flow cytometry, and cytokines and chemokines were measured in tissue homogenates from the decidua, placenta, and fetal membranes. The results of this study did not support our hypothesis. Although ZIKV RNA was detected in the decidual tissue samples from all ZIKV infected dams, phenotypic changes in decidual leukocytes and differences in cytokine profiles suggest that the decidua undergoes mild anti-inflammatory changes in response to that infection. Our findings emphasize the immunological state of the gravid uterus as a relatively immune privileged site that prioritizes tolerance of the fetus over mounting a pro-inflammatory response to clear infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R. Koenig
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jessica Vazquez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Fernanda B. Leyva Jaimes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ann M. Mitzey
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Aleksandar K. Stanic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Thaddeus G. Golos
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Katirci E, Kendirci-Katirci R, Korgun ET. Are innate lymphoid cells friend or foe in human pregnancy? Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13834. [PMID: 38500395 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13834] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are involved in the innate immune system because they lack specific antigen receptors and lineage markers. ILCs also display phenotypic and characteristic features of adaptive immune cells. Therefore, ILCs are functional in essential interactions between adaptive and innate immunity. ILCs are found in both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues and migrate to the area of inflammation during the inflammatory process. ILCs respond to pathogens by producing a variety of cytokines and are involved in the barrier defense of antigens and in many immunological processes such as allergic events. Recent research has shown that ILCs are functional during human pregnancy and have been suggested to be essential for the healthy progression of pregnancy. In this review, we focus on the role of ILCs in human pregnancy by discussing the relationship between ILCs and the pregnancy microenvironment, specifically summarizing the role of ILCs in physiological and pathological pregnancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ertan Katirci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahi Evran University, Kirsehir, Turkey
| | - Remziye Kendirci-Katirci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Emin Turkay Korgun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Yang P, Lu T, Liang X, Huang T, Wu L, He Z, Xiao X, Fan S. The influence of placenta microbiota of normal term pregnant women on immune regulation during pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:171. [PMID: 38424487 PMCID: PMC10905846 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06353-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concerted regulation of placenta microbiota and the immune responses secures the occurrence and development of pregnancy, while few studies reported this correlation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the placenta microbiota and immune regulation during pregnancy. METHODS Twenty-six healthy pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean section in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Placenta and peripheral venous blood samples were collected. Microbiota in placental tissue was detected using high-throughput sequencing. Flow cytometry was used to detect immune cells in placental tissue and peripheral venous blood. ELISA and Luminex liquid chip technology were used to detect the content of cytokines in placental tissue and peripheral venous blood, respectively. RESULTS The placental microbiota has stimulating effects on the local immunity of the placenta and mainly stimulates the placental balance ratio CD56 + CD16 + /CD56 + CD16 and the placental macrophages, that is, it plays the role of immune protection and supporting nutrition. The stimulating effect of placental microbiota on maternal systemic immunity mainly induces peripheral Treg cells and B lymphocytes. CONCLUSION The placental microbiota may be an important factor mediating local immune regulation in the placenta, and placental microbiota participates in the regulatory function of the maternal immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tong Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Long Hua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Ting Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lulu Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zonglin He
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaomin Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shangrong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Alfi O, Cohen M, Bar-On S, Hashimshony T, Levitt L, Raz Y, Blecher Y, Chaudhry MZ, Cicin-Sain L, Ben-El R, Oiknine-Djian E, Lahav T, Vorontsov O, Cohen A, Zakay-Rones Z, Daniel L, Berger M, Mandel-Gutfreund Y, Panet A, Wolf DG. Decidual-tissue-resident memory T cells protect against nonprimary human cytomegalovirus infection at the maternal-fetal interface. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113698. [PMID: 38265934 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113698] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common intrauterine infection, leading to infant neurodevelopmental disabilities. An improved knowledge of correlates of protection against cCMV is needed to guide prevention strategies. Here, we employ an ex vivo model of human CMV (HCMV) infection in decidual tissues of women with and without preconception immunity against CMV, recapitulating nonprimary vs. primary infection at the authentic maternofetal transmission site. We show that decidual tissues of women with preconception immunity against CMV exhibit intrinsic resistance to HCMV, mounting a rapid activation of tissue-resident memory CD8+ and CD4+ T cells upon HCMV reinfection. We further reveal the role of HCMV-specific decidual-tissue-resident CD8+ T cells in local protection against nonprimary HCMV infection. The findings could inform the development of a vaccine against cCMV and provide insights for further studies of the integrity of immune defense against HCMV and other pathogens at the human maternal-fetal interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Or Alfi
- Clinical Virology Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel; Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mevaseret Cohen
- Clinical Virology Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel; Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shikma Bar-On
- Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Souraski Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamar Hashimshony
- Faculty of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lorinne Levitt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Raz
- Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Souraski Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yair Blecher
- Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Souraski Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - M Zeeshan Chaudhry
- Department of Viral Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Luka Cicin-Sain
- Department of Viral Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany; Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (a joint venture of HZI and MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Rina Ben-El
- Faculty of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Esther Oiknine-Djian
- Clinical Virology Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamar Lahav
- Faculty of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Olesya Vorontsov
- Clinical Virology Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel; Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adiel Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Zichria Zakay-Rones
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Leonor Daniel
- Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Berger
- Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Amos Panet
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dana G Wolf
- Clinical Virology Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chen H, Chen Y, Zheng Q. The regulated cell death at the maternal-fetal interface: beneficial or detrimental? Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:100. [PMID: 38409106 PMCID: PMC10897449 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) plays a fundamental role in placental development and tissue homeostasis. Placental development relies upon effective implantation and invasion of the maternal decidua by the trophoblast and an immune tolerant environment maintained by various cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Although cell death in the placenta can affect fetal development and even cause pregnancy-related diseases, accumulating evidence has revealed that several regulated cell death were found at the maternal-fetal interface under physiological or pathological conditions, the exact types of cell death and the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this review, we summarized the apoptosis, necroptosis and autophagy play both promoting and inhibiting roles in the differentiation, invasion of trophoblast, remodeling of the uterine spiral artery and decidualization, whereas ferroptosis and pyroptosis have adverse effects. RCD serves as a mode of communication between different cells to better maintain the maternal-fetal interface microenvironment. Maintaining the balance of RCD at the maternal-fetal interface is of utmost importance for the development of the placenta, establishment of an immune microenvironment, and prevention of pregnancy disorders. In addition, we also revealed an association between abnormal expression of key molecules in different types of RCD and pregnancy-related diseases, which may yield significant insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of pregnancy-related complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Chen
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen, 518000, P.R. China
| | - Yin Chen
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen, 518000, P.R. China
| | - Qingliang Zheng
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen, 518000, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhu B, Sheng N, Dai J. Adverse effects of gestational exposure to hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) homologs on maternal, fetal, and placental health in mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169151. [PMID: 38065497 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In an effort to identify and develop potential alternatives for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA have been engineered by reducing the -CF2 content in the molecular structure of hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA). Yet, despite their subsequent presence in environmental samples, there is a paucity of information regarding their toxicity, particularly on pregnancy. Here, pregnant CD-1 mice were exposed to PFDMO2HpA (0, 0.04, 0.16, 0.63, 2.5, or 10 mg/kg/day) or PFDMO2OA (0, 0.01, 0.04, 0.16, 0.63, or 2.5 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage from gestational days 2 (GD2) to 12 or 18 to evaluate the detrimental effects on dams and embryo-placenta units. Both two chemicals can transfer across the placenta, with a higher transfer ratio in late-pregnancy (GD18) than in mid-pregnancy (GD12), and PFDMO2OA being transferred at a higher rate than PFDMO2HpA. PFDMO2HpA/PFDMO2OA exposure caused maternal hepatotoxicity and fetal hepatomegaly, showing the lowest no-observed-adverse-effect level among all observed endpoints, which were used for calculating their reference dose (13.33 ng/kg/day). In the 2.5 and 10 mg/kg/day PFDMO2HpA groups as well as 2.5 mg/kg/day PFDMO2OA group at GD18, besides the abnormally high abortion rates exceeding 5 %, survival fetal weight was notably reduced (2.33 %, 6.44 %, and 5.59 % decrease relative to corresponding controls, respectively). Concurrently, placentas exhibited significant enlargement following PFDMO2HpA or PFDMO2OA exposure at doses of 0.63 mg/kg/day or higher, resulting in diminished placental efficiency. The deleterious effects of two chemicals on dams, fetuses, and placentas were stronger than that of PFOA or HFPO-DA, suggesting that neither PFDMO2HpA nor PFDMO2OA is suitable PFOA alternative. Bioinformatics analyses revealed significant alterations in the expression of genes involved in inflammation and immunity in the placenta upon exposure to 10 mg/kg/day PFDMO2HpA and 2.5 mg/kg/day PFDMO2OA at GD18, potentially elucidating mechanism behind the observed decrease in placental efficiency and increase in abortion rates after exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bao Zhu
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Jiayin Dai
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Oh DS, Kim E, Lu G, Normand R, Shook LL, Lyall A, Jasset O, Demidkin S, Gilbert E, Kim J, Akinwunmi B, Tantivit J, Tirard A, Arnold BY, Slowikowski K, Goldberg MB, Filbin MR, Hacohen N, Nguyen LH, Chan AT, Yu XG, Li JZ, Yonker L, Fasano A, Perlis RH, Pasternak O, Gray KJ, Choi GB, Drew DA, Sen P, Villani AC, Edlow AG, Huh JR. SARS-CoV-2 infection elucidates unique features of pregnancy-specific immunity. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.05.24301794. [PMID: 38370801 PMCID: PMC10871456 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.24301794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a risk factor for increased severity of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections. The mechanisms underlying this risk have not been well-established, partly due to a limited understanding of how pregnancy shapes immune responses. To gain insight into the role of pregnancy in modulating immune responses at steady state and upon perturbation, we collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), plasma, and stool from 226 women, including 152 pregnant individuals (n = 96 with SARS-CoV-2 infection and n = 56 healthy controls) and 74 non-pregnant women (n = 55 with SARS-CoV-2 and n = 19 healthy controls). We found that SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with altered T cell responses in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women. Differences included a lower percentage of memory T cells, a distinct clonal expansion of CD4-expressing CD8 + T cells, and the enhanced expression of T cell exhaustion markers, such as programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (Tim-3), in pregnant women. We identified additional evidence of immune dysfunction in severely and critically ill pregnant women, including a lack of expected elevation in regulatory T cell (Treg) levels, diminished interferon responses, and profound suppression of monocyte function. Consistent with earlier data, we found maternal obesity was also associated with altered immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines by T cells. Certain gut bacterial species were altered in pregnancy and upon SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant individuals compared to non-pregnant women. Shifts in cytokine and chemokine levels were also identified in the sera of pregnant individuals, most notably a robust increase of interleukin-27 (IL-27), a cytokine known to drive T cell exhaustion, in the pregnant uninfected control group compared to all non-pregnant groups. IL-27 levels were also significantly higher in uninfected pregnant controls compared to pregnant SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. Using two different preclinical mouse models of inflammation-induced fetal demise and respiratory influenza viral infection, we found that enhanced IL-27 protects developing fetuses from maternal inflammation but renders adult female mice vulnerable to viral infection. These combined findings from human and murine studies reveal nuanced pregnancy-associated immune responses, suggesting mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility of pregnant individuals to viral respiratory infections.
Collapse
|
49
|
Chambers CD, Song J, da Silva Antunes R, Sette A, Franco A. T Cell Responses in Pregnant Women Who Received mRNA-Based Vaccination to Prevent COVID-19 Revealed Unknown Exposure to the Natural Infection and Numerous SARS-CoV-2-Specific CD4- CD8- Double Negative T Cells and Regulatory T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2031. [PMID: 38396707 PMCID: PMC10889590 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042031] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We studied T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 in 19 pregnant subjects at different gestational weeks who received three doses of mRNA-based vaccination to prevent COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 peptide pools were used for T-cell recognition studies: peptides were 15 amino acids long and had previously been defined in COVID-19-convalescent subjects. T-cell activation was evaluated with the AIM assay. Most subjects showed coordinated, spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses and the development of T cell memory. Non-spike-specific T cells in subjects who were not aware of previous COVID-19 infection suggested a prior undetected, asymptomatic infection. CD4- CD8- double negative (DN) T cells were numerous, of which a percentage was specific for SARS-CoV-2 spike peptides. Regulatory T cells (Treg), both spike- and non-spike-specific, were also greatly expanded. Two Treg populations were defined: a population differentiated from naïve T cells, and pTreg, reverting from pro-inflammatory T cells. The Treg cells expressed CCR6, suggesting homing to the endometrium and vaginal epithelial cells. The pregnant women responded to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Asymptomatic COVID-19 was revealed by the T cell response to the non-spike peptides. The numerous DN T cells and Treg pointed our attention to new aspects of the adaptive immune response in vaccine recipients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina D. Chambers
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (C.D.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Jaeyoon Song
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (C.D.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Ricardo da Silva Antunes
- Center for Vaccine Innovation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Vaccine Innovation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alessandra Franco
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (C.D.C.); (J.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Yang Y, Song S, Gu S, Gu Y, Zhao P, Li D, Cheng W, Liu C, Zhang H. Kisspeptin prevents pregnancy loss by modulating the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface in recurrent spontaneous abortion. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13818. [PMID: 38414308 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13818] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Immune factors are crucial in the development of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). This study aimed to investigate whether kisspeptin regulates immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface and whether G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) is involved in this process, through which it contributes to the pathogenesis of RSA. METHOD OF STUDY Normal pregnancy (NP) (CBA/J × BALB/c) and RSA (CBA/J × DBA/2) mouse models were established. NP mice received tail vein injections of PBS and KP234 (blocker of kisspeptin receptor), whereas RSA mice received PBS and KP10 (active fragment of kisspeptin). The changes in immune cells in mouse spleen and uterus were assessed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The expression of critical cytokines was examined by flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, and qPCR. Immunofluorescence was employed to detect the coexpression of FOXP3 and GPR54. RESULTS The findings revealed that the proportion of Treg cells, MDSCs, and M2 macrophages in RSA mice was lower than that in NP mice, but it increased following the tail vein injection of KP10. Conversely, the proportion of these cells was reduced in NP mice after the injection of KP234. However, the trend of γδT cell proportion change is contrary to these cells. Furthermore, FOXP3 and GPR54 were coexpressed in mouse spleen and uterus Treg cells as well as in the human decidua samples. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that kisspeptin potentially participates in the pathogenesis of RSA by influencing immune cell subsets at the maternal-fetal interface, including Treg cells, MDSC cells, γδT cells, and M2 macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Saizhe Song
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuting Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanzheng Gu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Dongxiao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cuiping Liu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|