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Vieira RR, da Silva RA, Sasso GRS, Franco PC, Borges FT, Lima PDA, Sanches JM, Gil CD, Carbonel AAF. Lack of Annexin A1 Exacerbates Inflammatory Response in Acute Endometritis Model. Inflammation 2024; 47:1041-1052. [PMID: 38198110 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01959-3] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is a glucocorticoid-inducible protein and an important endogenous modulator of inflammation. However, its effect in the endometrial microenvironment is poorly explained. This study aimed to evaluate the role of endogenous AnxA1 in an endometritis mouse model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Female C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and AnxA1-/- mice were divided into two groups: SHAM and LPS. To induce endometritis, mice received a vaginal infusion of 50 μL of LPS (1 mg/mL) dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline. After 24 h, the mice were euthanized, and blood and uteri samples were collected. The endometrium inflammatory scores were significantly increased in the LPS-treated group. AnxA1-/- mice from the LPS group demonstrated a significant increase in the number of degranulated mast cell levels compared to AnxA1-/- SHAM mice. The Western blotting analysis revealed that a lack of AnxA1 promoted the upregulation of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β in the acute endometritis animal model compared to WT LPS animals. LPS-induced endometritis increased the number of blood peripheral leukocytes in both WT and AnxA1-/- mice compared with SHAM group mice (p < 0.001). AnxA1-/- mice also showed increased plasma levels of IL-1β (p < 0.01), IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and TNF-α (p < 0.05) following LPS-induced endometritis. In conclusion, a lack of endogenous AnxA1 exacerbated the inflammatory response in an endometritis model via NLRP3 dysregulation, increased uterine mast cell activation, and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata R Vieira
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, Edifício Lemos Torres - 3° andar, São Paulo, SP, 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael André da Silva
- Biosciences Graduate Program, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Gisela R S Sasso
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, Edifício Lemos Torres - 3° andar, São Paulo, SP, 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Paulo C Franco
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, Edifício Lemos Torres - 3° andar, São Paulo, SP, 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda T Borges
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, SP, 04038-901, Brazil
| | - Patrícia D A Lima
- Queen's Cardiopulmonary Unit (QCPU), Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Jose Marcos Sanches
- School of Medicine, Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE), Guaruja, SP, 11441-225, Brazil
| | - Cristiane D Gil
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, Edifício Lemos Torres - 3° andar, São Paulo, SP, 04023-900, Brazil.
- Biosciences Graduate Program, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil.
| | - Adriana A F Carbonel
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, Edifício Lemos Torres - 3° andar, São Paulo, SP, 04023-900, Brazil
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2
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Winkler I, Tolkachov A, Lammers F, Lacour P, Daugelaite K, Schneider N, Koch ML, Panten J, Grünschläger F, Poth T, Ávila BMD, Schneider A, Haas S, Odom DT, Gonçalves Â. The cycling and aging mouse female reproductive tract at single-cell resolution. Cell 2024; 187:981-998.e25. [PMID: 38325365 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.021] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract (FRT) undergoes extensive remodeling during reproductive cycling. This recurrent remodeling and how it shapes organ-specific aging remains poorly explored. Using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, we systematically characterized morphological and gene expression changes occurring in ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix, and vagina at each phase of the mouse estrous cycle, during decidualization, and into aging. These analyses reveal that fibroblasts play central-and highly organ-specific-roles in FRT remodeling by orchestrating extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization and inflammation. Our results suggest a model wherein recurrent FRT remodeling over reproductive lifespan drives the gradual, age-related development of fibrosis and chronic inflammation. This hypothesis was directly tested using chemical ablation of cycling, which reduced fibrotic accumulation during aging. Our atlas provides extensive detail into how estrus, pregnancy, and aging shape the organs of the female reproductive tract and reveals the unexpected cost of the recurrent remodeling required for reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Winkler
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Tolkachov
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fritjof Lammers
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Perrine Lacour
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaudija Daugelaite
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nina Schneider
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Koch
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jasper Panten
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Grünschläger
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Poth
- CMCP - Center for Model System and Comparative Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Augusto Schneider
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Faculdade de Nutrição, 96010-610 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Simon Haas
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Duncan T Odom
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Cancer Research UK - Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Ângela Gonçalves
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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3
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Kowsar R, Sadeghi K, Hashemzadeh F, Miyamoto A. Ovarian sex steroid and epithelial control of immune responses in the uterus and oviduct: human and animal models†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:230-245. [PMID: 38038990 PMCID: PMC10873282 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive tract (FRT), including the uterus and oviduct (Fallopian tube), is responsible for maintaining an optimal microenvironment for reproductive processes, such as gamete activation and transportation, sperm capacitation, fertilization, and early embryonic and fetal development. The mucosal surface of the FRT may be exposed to pathogens and sexually transmitted microorganisms due to the opening of the cervix during mating. Pathogens and endotoxins may also reach the oviduct through the peritoneal fluid. To maintain an optimum reproductive environment while recognizing and killing pathogenic bacterial and viral agents, the oviduct and uterus should be equipped with an efficient and rigorously controlled immune system. Ovarian sex steroids can affect epithelial cells and underlying stromal cells, which have been shown to mediate innate and adaptive immune responses. This, in turn, protects against potential infections while maintaining an optimal milieu for reproductive events, highlighting the homeostatic involvement of ovarian sex steroids and reproductive epithelial cells. This article will discuss how ovarian sex steroids affect the immune reactions elicited by the epithelial cells of the non-pregnant uterus and oviduct in the bovine, murine, and human species. Finally, we propose that there are regional and species-specific differences in the immune responses in FRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Kowsar
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Farzad Hashemzadeh
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Global Agromedicine Research Center, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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4
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Matějková T, Dodoková A, Kreisinger J, Stopka P, Stopková R. Microbial, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling of the estrous cycle in wild house mice. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0203723. [PMID: 38171017 PMCID: PMC10846187 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02037-23] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic microbial communities affect the host immune system and produce molecules contributing to the odor of an individual. In many mammalian species, saliva and vaginal fluids are important sources of chemical signals that originate from bacterial metabolism and may act as honest signals of health and reproductive status. In this study, we aimed to define oral and vaginal microbiomes and their dynamics throughout the estrous cycle in wild house mice. In addition, we analyzed a subset of vaginal proteomes and metabolomes to detect potential interactions with microbiomes. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that both saliva and vagina are dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria but differ at the genus level. The oral microbiome is more stable during the estrous cycle and most abundant bacteria belong to the genera Gemella and Streptococcus, while the vaginal microbiome shows higher bacterial diversity and dynamics during the reproductive cycle and is characterized by the dominance of Muribacter and Rodentibacter. These two genera cover around 50% of the bacterial community during estrus. Proteomic profiling of vaginal fluids revealed specific protein patterns associated with different estrous phases. Highly expressed proteins in estrus involve the keratinization process thus providing estrus markers (e.g., Hrnr) while some proteins are downregulated such as immune-related proteins that limit bacterial growth (Camp, Clu, Elane, Lyz2, and Ngp). The vaginal metabolome contains volatile compounds potentially involved in chemical communication, for example, ketones, aldehydes, and esters of carboxylic acids. Data integration of all three OMICs data sets revealed high correlations, thus providing evidence that microbiomes, host proteomes, and metabolomes may interact.IMPORTANCEOur data revealed dynamic changes in vaginal, but not salivary, microbiome composition during the reproductive cycle of wild mice. With multiple OMICs platforms, we provide evidence that changes in microbiota in the vaginal environment are accompanied by changes in the proteomic and metabolomics profiles of the host. This study describes the natural microbiota of wild mice and may contribute to a better understanding of microbiome-host immune system interactions during the hormonal and cellular changes in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, analysis of volatiles in the vaginal fluid shows particular substances that can be involved in chemical communication and reproductive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Matějková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Alica Dodoková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Jakub Kreisinger
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Pavel Stopka
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Romana Stopková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
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5
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Zhao L, Wang X, Li Z. A novel chimeric recombinant FliC-Pgp3 vaccine promotes immunoprotection against Chlamydia muridarum infection in mice. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:128723. [PMID: 38101679 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The Pgp3 subunit vaccine elicits immune protection against Chlamydia trachomatis infection, but additional adjuvants are still required to enhance its immunoprotective efficacy. Flagellin can selectively stimulate immunity and act as an adjuvant. In this research, the FliC-Pgp3 recombinant was successfully expressed and purified. Tri-immunization with the FliC-Pgp3 vaccine in Balb/C mice induced rapid and persistent germinal center B-cell response and Tfh differentiation, promoting a significantly higher IgG antibody titer compared to the Pgp3 group. FliC-Pgp3 immunization primarily induced Th1-type cellular immunity, leading to higher levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 secreted by CD4+ T cells than in Pgp3-vaccinated mice. Chlamydia muridarum challenge results showed that FliC-Pgp3-vaccinated mice exhibited more rapid clearance of Chlamydia muridarum colonization in the lower genital tract, ensuring a lower hydrosalpinx rate and cumulative score. Histological analysis showed reduced dilation and inflammatory infiltration in the oviduct and uterine horn of FliC-Pgp3-vaccinated mice compared to the PBS and Pgp3 control. Importantly, tri-immunization with FliC-Pgp3 effectively activated CD4+ T cells and dendritic cells, as confirmed by the adoptive transfer, resulting in better immune protection in recipient mice. In summary, the novel FliC-Pgp3 chimeric is hoped to be a novel vaccine with improved immunoprotection against Chlamydia muridarum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanhua Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Nursing, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinglv Wang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Nursing, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Nursing, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Lee SG, Kiattiburut W, Burke Schinkel SC, Angel J, Tanphaichitr N. Safety of multiple administrations of spermicidal LL-37 antimicrobial peptide into the mouse female reproductive tract. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad023. [PMID: 37326833 PMCID: PMC10323174 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad023] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated spermicidal activity of LL-37 antimicrobial peptide on mouse/human sperm and its contraceptive effects in female mice. With its microbicidal action against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, LL-37 warrants development into a multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) agent for administering into the female reproductive tract (FRT). However, it is important to verify that multiple administrations of LL-37 do not lead to damage of FRT tissues and/or irreversible loss of fecundity. Herein, we transcervically injected LL-37 (36 µM-10× spermicidal dose) into female mice in estrus in three consecutive estrous cycles. A set of mice were sacrificed for histological assessment of the vagina/cervix/uterus 24 h after the last injection, while the second set were artificially inseminated with sperm from fertile males 1 week afterwards, and then monitored for pregnancy. Mice injected with PBS in parallel were regarded as negative controls, whereas those injected with vaginal contraceptive foam (VCF, available over the counter), containing 12.5% nonoxynol-9, served as positive controls for vaginal epithelium disruption. We demonstrated that the vagina/cervix/uterus remained normal in both LL-37-injected and PBS-injected mice, which also showed 100% resumption of fecundity. In contrast, VCF-injected mice showed histological abnormalities in the vagina/cervix/uterus and only 50% of them resumed fecundity. Similarly, LL-37 multiply administered intravaginally caused no damage to FRT tissues. While our results indicate the safety of multiple treatments of LL-37 in the mouse model, similar studies have to be conducted in non-human primates and then humans. Regardless, our study provides an experimental model for studying in vivo safety of other vaginal MPT/spermicide candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Gee Lee
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Jonathan Angel
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nongnuj Tanphaichitr
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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7
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Cyr B, de Rivero Vaccari JP. Sex Differences in the Inflammatory Profile in the Brain of Young and Aged Mice. Cells 2023; 12:1372. [PMID: 37408205 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide with no cures identified. Thus, there is a critical need for preventative measures and treatments as the number of patients is expected to increase. Many neurodegenerative diseases have sex-biased prevalence, indicating a need to examine sex differences when investigating prevention and treatment strategies. Inflammation is a key contributor to many neurodegenerative diseases and is a promising target for prevention since inflammation increases with age, which is known as inflammaging. Here, we analyzed the protein expression levels of cytokines, chemokines, and inflammasome signaling proteins in the cortex of young and aged male and female mice. Our results show an increase in caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and ASC specks in females compared to males. Additionally, there was an increase in IL-1α, VEGF-A, CCL3, CXCL1, CCL4, CCL17, and CCL22 in aging females and an increase in IL-8, IL-17a, IL-7, LT-α, and CCL22 in aging males. IL-12/IL-23p40, CCL13, and IL-10 were increased in females compared to males but not with age. These results indicate that there are sex differences in cortical inflammaging and provide potential targets to attenuate inflammation to prevent the development of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Cyr
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Juan Pablo de Rivero Vaccari
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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8
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Lee S, Yoo I, Cheon Y, Hong M, Jeon BY, Ka H. Antimicrobial peptides β-defensin family: Expression and regulation in the endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in pigs. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 139:104596. [PMID: 36442607 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104596] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Members of the β-defensin (DEFB) family, which are antimicrobial peptides and humoral components of the innate immune system, protect the surfaces of various host tissues by killing a broad range of microorganisms and are involved in immunomodulatory actions. The expression of these DEFB members changed during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in a stage-specific manner. The expression of DEFBs was also detected in conceptus and chorioallantoic tissues during pregnancy. DEFB1 and DEFB3 proteins and DEFB2 mRNA were localized primarily to endometrial epithelial cells during early pregnancy. Increasing doses of progesterone upregulated DEFB2 and EP2C expression in endometrial explant tissues. These results showed that members of the DEFB family were expressed stage-specifically at the maternal-conceptus interface in pigs, suggesting that the DEFB family plays important roles at the maternal-conceptus interface in regulation of innate immunity by protection of the maternal endometrial and conceptus tissues from pathogens to preserve fertility in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyung Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Inkyu Yoo
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Yugyeong Cheon
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsun Hong
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Young Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Hakhyun Ka
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Smith MS, Hickman-Brown KJ, McAnally BE, Oliveira Filho RV, de Melo GD, Pohler KG, Poole RK. Reproductive microbiome and cytokine profiles associated with fertility outcomes of postpartum beef cows. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad219. [PMID: 37354343 PMCID: PMC10362934 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad219] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Shifts from commensal bacteria (for example, Lactobacillus in the phylum Firmicutes) within the reproductive tract have been associated with changes in local reproductive immune responses and decreased fertility in humans. The objective of this study was to characterize the microbiome and cytokine concentrations before artificial insemination (AI) in vaginal and uterine flushes from postpartum beef cows. Twenty Bos indicus-influenced beef cows (approximately 60 d postpartum and free of reproductive, health, or physical issues) were enrolled. The B. indicus prostaglandin (PG) 5-d + controlled intervaginal drug-releasing estrus synchronization protocol was initiated on day -8 of the study with timed AI on d0. Blood samples were collected on days -3, -1, and 28 via coccygeal venipuncture. Vaginal and uterine flushes were collected on days -3 and -1. Based on days 28 pregnancy status determined by transrectal ultrasonography, cows were identified as either Open (n = 13) or Pregnant (n = 7). Bacterial community analyses were conducted targeting the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. Cytokine analyses were performed using the RayBiotech Quantibody Bovine Cytokine Array Q1 and MyBioSource ELISA kits per the manufacturer's instructions. Statistical analyses for bacteria relative abundance were conducted using PROC NPAR1WAY and for cytokine concentrations using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4. Uterine concentrations of interferon γ, interleukin (IL)1α, and IL21 were greater in Open than in Pregnant cows (P < 0.05). Regardless of pregnancy status, uterine IL13 increased from days -3 to -1 (9.76 vs. 39.48 ± 9.28 pg/mL, respectively; P < 0.05). Uterine relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes decreased from days -3 to -1 in Open cows (60.4% ± 0.9% vs. 48.5% ± 3.2%; P = 0.004). In Open cows, the genus Blautia decreased in relative abundance within the uterus from days -3 to -1 (2.1% ± 0.2% vs. 0.9% ± 0.1%; P = 0.002). Uterine relative abundance of the phylum Tenericutes increased from days -3 to -1 in Pregnant cows (1.0% ± 0.1% vs. 7.6% ± 4.1%; P = 0.002). In Pregnant cows, the genus Ureaplasma tended to increase within the uterus from days -3 to -1 (0.08% ± 0.06% vs. 7.3% ± 4.1%; P = 0.054). These findings suggest a distinct difference in the reproductive microbiome and cytokine profiles before AI for resulting Open vs. Pregnant cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly S Smith
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Kyle J Hickman-Brown
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Brooke E McAnally
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | | | | | - Ky G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Rebecca K Poole
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
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10
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Sugiyama M, Machida N, Yasunaga A, Terai N, Fukasawa H, Ono HK, Kobayashi R, Nishiyama K, Hashimoto O, Kurusu S, Yoshioka K. Vaginal mucus in mice: developmental and gene expression features of epithelial mucous cells during pregnancy†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1272-1282. [PMID: 34416757 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The vagina is the site of copulation and serves as the birth canal. It also provides protection against external pathogens. In mice, due to the absence of cervical glands, the vaginal epithelium is the main producer of vaginal mucus. The development and differentiation of vaginal epithelium-constituting cells and the molecular characteristics of vaginal mucus have not been thoroughly examined. Here, we characterized vaginal mucous cell development and the expression of mucus-related factors in pregnant mice. The vaginal mucous epithelium layer thickened and became multilayered after Day 12 of pregnancy and secreted increasing amounts of mucus until early postpartum. Using histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy, we found supra-basal mucous cells as probable candidates for precursor cells. In vaginal mucous cells, the expression of TFF1, a stabilizer of mucus, was high, and some members of mucins and antimicrobial peptides (MUC5B and DEFB1) were expressed in a stage-dependent manner. In summary, this study presents the partial characterization of vaginal epithelial mucous cell lineage and expression of genes encoding several peptide substances that may affect vaginal tissue homeostasis and mucosal immunity during pregnancy and parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Sugiyama
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Japan
| | - Nao Machida
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Japan
| | - Arata Yasunaga
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Japan.,Department of Animal Science, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Japan
| | - Nanako Terai
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Japan
| | - Hanae Fukasawa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Japan
| | - Hisaya K Ono
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biological Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Keita Nishiyama
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Hashimoto
- Faculty of Bio-Science, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Japan
| | - Shiro Kurusu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Japan
| | - Kazuki Yoshioka
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Japan
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11
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Menzies FM, Oldham RS, Waddell C, Nelson SM, Nibbs RJB. A Comprehensive Profile of Chemokine Gene Expression in the Tissues of the Female Reproductive Tract in Mice. Immunol Invest 2019; 49:264-286. [PMID: 31429329 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2019.1655573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Homeostatic leukocyte trafficking into and within the female reproductive tract (FRT) contributes to fertility and reproductive health. It is unclear how this process is regulated in the anatomically distinct reproductive tissues, or whether the genes involved are affected by cyclical changes in reproductive hormones. In tissues such as skin and intestine, mouse studies have defined evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanisms for tissue-specific homing, interstitial positioning, and leukocyte egress. Chemokine family members are invariably involved, with the chemokine expression profile of a tissue regulating leukocyte content. Reproductive tissues (ovary, vagina, cervix, uterine horn) of 8 week old virgin female C57BL/6 mice (n = 20) were collected, and expression of mRNA for leukocyte markers and chemokines conducted by qPCR. Lymphocytic and myeloid cell populations within the uterus, cervix, bone marrow and PALN from virgin C57BL/6 mice were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Variation in leukocyte content between reproductive tissues is evident, with the uterus and cervix containing complex mixtures of lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Twenty-six chemokine genes are expressed in the FRT, many by several component tissues, some preferentially by one. Most striking are Xcl1 and Ccl28, which are restricted to the uterus. Ccl20 and genes encoding CXCR2 ligands are primarily transcribed in cervix and vagina. Ovary shows the lowest expression of most chemokine genes, with the notable exception of Ccl21 and Ccl27. We also identify eight chemokines in the vagina whose expression fluctuates substantially across the oestrous cycle. These data reveal complex chemokine networks within the FRT, and provide a framework for future studies of homeostatic leukocyte trafficking into and within these tissues.Abbreviations: BM: bone marrow; DC: dendritic cell; DN: double negative; FRT: female reproductive tract; FSC: forward scatter; NK: natural killer; PALN: para-aortic lymph node; SSC: side scatter; Tregs: regulatory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M Menzies
- School of Health & Life Science, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK.,Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rachel S Oldham
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Carolann Waddell
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Scott M Nelson
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Robert J B Nibbs
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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12
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Tsyglakova M, McDaniel D, Hodes GE. Immune mechanisms of stress susceptibility and resilience: Lessons from animal models. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 54:100771. [PMID: 31325456 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stress has an impact on the brain and the body. A growing literature demonstrates that feedback between the peripheral immune system and the brain contributes to individual differences in the behavioral response to stress. Here we examine preclinical literature to demonstrate a holistic vision of risk and resilience to stress. We identify a variety of cellular, cytokine and molecular mechanisms in adult animals that act in concert to produce a stress susceptible individual response. We discuss how cross talk between immune cells in the brain and in the periphery act together to increase permeability across the blood brain barrier or block it, resulting in susceptible or stress resilient phenotype. These preclinical studies have importance for understanding how individual differences in the immune response to stress may be contributing to mood related disorders such as depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Tsyglakova
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Dylan McDaniel
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Georgia E Hodes
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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13
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Salinas-Muñoz L, Campos-Fernández R, Olivera-Valle I, Mercader E, Fernandez-Pacheco C, Lasarte S, Pérez-Martín L, Navarro-González MT, Sánchez-Mateos P, Samaniego R, Relloso M. Estradiol impairs epithelial CXCL1 gradient in the cervix to delay neutrophil transepithelial migration during insemination. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 132:9-15. [PMID: 30807979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Female reproductive mucosa must allow allogenic sperm survival whereas at the same time, avoid pathogen infection. To preserve sperm from neutrophil attack, neutrophils disappear from the vagina during the ovulatory phase (high estradiol); although the mechanisms that regulate neutrophil influx to the vagina during insemination remain controversial. We investigated the sex hormone regulation of the neutrophil migration through the cervix during insemination and revealed that ovulatory estradiol dose fades the CXCL1 epithelial expression in the ectocervix and fornix; hence, retarding neutrophil migration and retaining them in the epithelium. These mechanisms spare sperm from neutrophil attack to preserve reproduction, but might compromise immunity. However, luteal progesterone dose promotes the CXCL1 gradient expression to restore neutrophil migration, to eliminate sperm and prevent sperm associated pathogen dissemination. Surprisingly, these mechanisms are hormone dependent and independent of the insemination. Thus, sex hormones orchestrate tolerance and immunity in the vaginal lumen by regulating neutrophil transepithelial migration in the fornix and ectocervix.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Salinas-Muñoz
- Laboratorio de InmunoFisiología, Grupo Fisiopatología de la mujer, del embarazo, parto y puerperio. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Campos-Fernández
- Laboratorio de InmunoFisiología, Grupo Fisiopatología de la mujer, del embarazo, parto y puerperio. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - I Olivera-Valle
- Laboratorio de InmunoFisiología, Grupo Fisiopatología de la mujer, del embarazo, parto y puerperio. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Mercader
- Laboratorio de InmunoFisiología, Grupo Fisiopatología de la mujer, del embarazo, parto y puerperio. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Cirugía General, Sección Cirugía Endocrino-Metabólica, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Fernandez-Pacheco
- Laboratorio de InmunoFisiología, Grupo Fisiopatología de la mujer, del embarazo, parto y puerperio. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Animalario, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Lasarte
- Laboratorio de InmunoFisiología, Grupo Fisiopatología de la mujer, del embarazo, parto y puerperio. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Pérez-Martín
- Laboratorio de InmunoFisiología, Grupo Fisiopatología de la mujer, del embarazo, parto y puerperio. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Ginecología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Spain
| | - M T Navarro-González
- Laboratorio de InmunoFisiología, Grupo Fisiopatología de la mujer, del embarazo, parto y puerperio. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Ginecología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Spain
| | - P Sánchez-Mateos
- Laboratorio de Inmuno-oncología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Samaniego
- Unidad de Microscopía Confocal, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Relloso
- Laboratorio de InmunoFisiología, Grupo Fisiopatología de la mujer, del embarazo, parto y puerperio. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Meade KG, O'Farrelly C. β-Defensins: Farming the Microbiome for Homeostasis and Health. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3072. [PMID: 30761155 PMCID: PMC6362941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse commensal populations are now regarded as key to physiological homeostasis and protection against disease. Although bacteria are the most abundant component of microbiomes, and the most intensively studied, the microbiome also consists of viral, fungal, archael, and protozoan communities, about which comparatively little is known. Host-defense peptides (HDPs), originally described as antimicrobial, now have renewed significance as curators of the pervasive microbial loads required to maintain homeostasis and manage microbiome diversity. Harnessing HDP biology to transition away from non-selective, antibiotic-mediated treatments for clearance of microbes is a new paradigm, particularly in veterinary medicine. One family of evolutionarily conserved HDPs, β-defensins which are produced in diverse combinations by epithelial and immune cell populations, are multifunctional cationic peptides which manage the cross-talk between host and microbes and maintain a healthy yet dynamic equilibrium across mucosal systems. They are therefore key gatekeepers to the oral, respiratory, reproductive and enteric tissues, preventing pathogen-associated inflammation and disease and maintaining physiological normality. Expansions in the number of genes encoding these natural antibiotics have been described in the genomes of some species, the functional significance of which has only recently being appreciated. β-defensin expression has been documented pre-birth and disruptions in their regulation may play a role in maladaptive neonatal immune programming, thereby contributing to subsequent disease susceptibility. Here we review recent evidence supporting a critical role for β-defensins as farmers of the pervasive and complex prokaryotic ecosystems that occupy all body surfaces and cavities. We also share some new perspectives on the role of β-defensins as sensors of homeostasis and the immune vanguard particularly at sites of immunological privilege where inflammation is attenuated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran G. Meade
- Animal and Bioscience Research Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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15
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Estrogen Action in the Epithelial Cells of the Mouse Vagina Regulates Neutrophil Infiltration and Vaginal Tissue Integrity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11247. [PMID: 30050124 PMCID: PMC6062573 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29423-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the female reproductive tract, the innate immune system is modulated by two sex steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone. A cyclical wave of neutrophils in the vaginal lumen is triggered by chemokines and correlates with circulating estrogen levels. Classical estrogen signaling in the female reproductive tract is activated through estrogen receptor α (encoded by the Esr1 gene). To study the role of estrogen action in the vagina, we used a mouse model in which Esr1 was conditionally ablated from the epithelial cells (Wnt7acre/+; Esr1f/f). Histological evidence showed that in response to a physical stress, the lack of ESR1 caused the vaginal epithelium to deteriorate due to the absence of a protective cornified layer and a reduction in keratin production. In the absence of ESR1 in the vaginal epithelial tissue, we also observed an excess of neutrophil infiltration, regardless of the estrous cycle stage. The histological presence of neutrophils was found to correlate with persistent enzymatic activity in the cervical-vaginal fluid. Together, these findings suggest that ESR1 activity in the vaginal epithelial cells is required to maintain proper structural integrity of the vagina and immune response, both of which are necessary for protecting the vagina against physical damage and resetting the vaginal environment.
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16
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Miró MS, Rodríguez E, Vigezzi C, Icely PA, García LN, Peinetti N, Maldonado CA, Riera FO, Caeiro JP, Sotomayor CE. Contribution of TLR2 pathway in the pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Pathog Dis 2018; 75:4098498. [PMID: 28911197 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the prevalent etiological agent in acute vulvovaginal infection and the most severe chronic condition known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). A critical role of local innate immunity in defense and pathogenesis of vaginal infection by Candida is proposed. The fungal recognition by the innate immune receptor is an essential step for the induction of local responses including cytokines and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) production for host protection. Using TLR2-deficient mice, we characterized the early innate immune response during VVC. Intravaginal challenge of TLR2-/- mice with C. albicans demonstrated that in response to the initial massive penetration, a strong local inflammatory reaction with recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils was developed. Both interleukin 1β (IL1β)-regarded as the hallmark of VVC immunopathogenesis-and IL6 were increased in vaginal lavage. Murine beta defensin 1 (mBD1), a constitutive AMP with fungicidal and chemotactic activity, was significantly upregulated in wild type (WT) animals in response to infection. Interestingly, in the absence of TLR2 recognition, levels of mBD1 RNA more than twice higher than those in WT infected animals were observed. Interestingly, our results demonstrate that TLR2 signaling is important to control the fungal burden in the vaginal tract. These finding provide new evidence about the role of this innate receptor during VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Soledad Miró
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity to Fungal Pathogens, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Center for Research in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, CIBICI-CONICET, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Emilse Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity to Fungal Pathogens, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Center for Research in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, CIBICI-CONICET, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Vigezzi
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity to Fungal Pathogens, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Center for Research in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, CIBICI-CONICET, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Paula Alejandra Icely
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity to Fungal Pathogens, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Center for Research in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, CIBICI-CONICET, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Luciana N García
- Institute of Health Sciences Research, INICSA-CONICET and Electronic Microscopy Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Cordoba, Enrique Barros esq. Enfermera Gordillo, Ciudad Universitaria, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Nahuel Peinetti
- Institute of Health Sciences Research, INICSA-CONICET and Electronic Microscopy Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Cordoba, Enrique Barros esq. Enfermera Gordillo, Ciudad Universitaria, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cristina A Maldonado
- Institute of Health Sciences Research, INICSA-CONICET and Electronic Microscopy Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Cordoba, Enrique Barros esq. Enfermera Gordillo, Ciudad Universitaria, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fernando Oscar Riera
- Infectology Department, Allende Sanatorium, Pedro Simon Laplace 5749, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Caeiro
- Infectology Department, Privado Hospital, Av. Naciones Unidas 346, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Claudia Elena Sotomayor
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity to Fungal Pathogens, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Center for Research in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, CIBICI-CONICET, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
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17
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Alan E, Liman N. Toll-like receptor expression patterns in the rat uterus during post partum involution. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 30:330-348. [PMID: 28701256 DOI: 10.1071/rd16431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) belong to a family of pathogen recognition receptors and play critical roles in detecting and responding to invading pathogens. TLR expression could be significant because, in the uterus, the reproductive tract is an important site of exposure to and infection by pathogens during the post partum involution period. To clarify the expression and localisation patterns of TLRs in the rat uterus on Days 1, 3, 5 and 10 post partum (PP1, PP3, PP5 and PP10 respectively), immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to analyse TLR1-7, TLR9 and TLR10. The immunohistochemistry results indicated that TLR1-7, TLR9 and TLR10 were localised in both the cytoplasm and nuclei of luminal and glandular epithelium, stromal fibroblasts and myometrial cells in the rat uterus. In the luminal epithelium, TLR4-7 were also found in lateral membranes, whereas TLR10 was present in apical membranes. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of TLR proteins increased with the number of days post partum, reaching a maximum on PP10, although levels did not differ significantly from those on PP1 (P>0.05). These findings confirm that TLR1-7, TLR9 and TLR10 are constitutively expressed in uterine cells and that localisation pattern of TLRs in the endometrium varies with structural changes in the uterus on different days of involution. These results suggest that TLRs may play a role in uterine repair and remodelling during physiological involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emel Alan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Narin Liman
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
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18
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Karimi H, Mahdavi P, Fakhari S, Faryabi MR, Esmaeili P, Banafshi O, Mohammadi E, Fathi F, Mokarizadeh A. Altered helper T cell-mediated immune responses in male mice conceived through in vitro fertilization. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 69:196-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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S. Lashkari B, Anumba DOC. Estradiol alters the immune-responsiveness of cervical epithelial cells stimulated with ligands of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173646. [PMID: 28296959 PMCID: PMC5351915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mucosa of the female reproductive tract plays a pivotal role in host defence. Pregnancy must alter immunological mechanisms at this interface to protect the conceptus. We sought to determine how estradiol (E2) alters the immune-responsiveness of cervical epithelial cells to ligand stimulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and -4. Human ectocervical epithelial cells (HECECs) were cultured and co-incubated with two concentrations of E2 and peptidoglycan (PGN) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) over durations that ranged between 10 minutes and 18 hours. Cytometric Bead Array was performed to quantify eight cytokines in the supernatant fluid. In response to PGN, HECECs co-incubated with E2 released lesser quantities of IL-1ß and IFNγ, higher levels of RANTES, and variable levels of IL-6 and IL-8 than those not exposed to E2. In contrast, HECECs co-incubated with LPS and E2 secreted increased levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and IFNγ at 2 and 18 hours than HECECs not exposed to E2, and reduced levels of RANTES at same study time-points. Estradiol alters the immune-responsiveness of cultured HECECs to TLR2 and TLR4 ligands in a complex fashion that appears to vary with bacterial ligand, TLR subtype, and duration of exposure. Our observations are consistent with the functional complexity that this mucosal interface requires for its immunological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnia S. Lashkari
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Jessop Wing, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Dilly O. C. Anumba
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Jessop Wing, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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20
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Kay S, Madan T. Fertility defects in Surfactant associated protein D knockout female mice: altered ovarian hormone profile. Mol Immunol 2016; 71:87-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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21
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Höfs S, Mogavero S, Hube B. Interaction of Candida albicans with host cells: virulence factors, host defense, escape strategies, and the microbiota. J Microbiol 2016; 54:149-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-016-5514-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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22
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Lee SE, Hong SH, Verma V, Lee YS, Duong TMN, Jeong K, Uthaman S, Sung YC, Lee JT, Park IK, Min JJ, Rhee JH. Flagellin is a strong vaginal adjuvant of a therapeutic vaccine for genital cancer. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1081328. [PMID: 27057462 PMCID: PMC4801456 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1081328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a high-incidence female cancer most commonly caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection of the genital mucosa. Immunotherapy targeting HPV-derived tumor antigens (TAs) has been widely studied in animal models and in patients. Because the female genital tract is a portal for the entry of HPV and a highly compartmentalized system, the development of topical vaginal immunotherapy in an orthotopic cancer model would provide an ideal therapeutic. Thus, we examined whether flagellin, a potent mucosal immunomodulator, could be used as an adjuvant for a topical therapeutic vaccine for female genital cancer. Intravaginal (IVAG) co-administration of the E6/E7 peptides with flagellin resulted in tumor suppression and long-term survival of tumor-bearing mice. In contrast to IVAG vaccination, intranasal (IN) or subcutaneous (SC) immunization did not induce significant tumor suppression in the same model. The vaginal adjuvant effect of the flagellin was completely abolished in Toll-like receptor-5 (TLR5) knock-out mice. IVAG immunization with the E6/E7 peptides plus flagellin induced the accumulation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells and the expression of T cell activation-related genes in the draining genital lymph nodes (gLNs). The co-administered flagellin elicited antigen-specific IFNγ production in the gLNs and spleen. The intravaginally administered flagellin was found in association with CD11c+ cells in the gLNs. Moreover, after immunization with a flagellin and the E6/E7 peptides, the TLR5 expression in gLN cells was significantly upregulated. These results suggest that flagellin serves as a potent vaginal adjuvant for a therapeutic peptide cancer vaccine through the activation of TLR5 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shee Eun Lee
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seol Hee Hong
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Vivek Verma
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Suhk Lee
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Tra-My Nu Duong
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangjoon Jeong
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Saji Uthaman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School , Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH , Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Tae Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine , Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Kyu Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School, Chonnam National University , Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Min
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School , Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Haeng Rhee
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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Lasarte S, Samaniego R, Salinas-Muñoz L, Guia-Gonzalez MA, Weiss LA, Mercader E, Ceballos-García E, Navarro-González T, Moreno-Ochoa L, Perez-Millan F, Pion M, Sanchez-Mateos P, Hidalgo A, Muñoz-Fernandez MA, Relloso M. Sex Hormones Coordinate Neutrophil Immunity in the Vagina by Controlling Chemokine Gradients. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:476-84. [PMID: 26238687 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol-based contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy predispose women to Candida albicans infections. Moreover, during the ovulatory phase (high estradiol), neutrophil numbers decrease in the vaginal lumen and increase during the luteal phase (high progesterone). Vaginal secretions contain chemokines that drive neutrophil migration into the lumen. However, their expression during the ovarian cycle or in response to hormonal treatments are controversial and their role in vaginal defense remains unknown.To investigate the transepithelial migration of neutrophils, we used adoptive transfer of Cxcr2(-/-) neutrophils and chemokine immunofluorescence quantitative analysis in response to C. albicans vaginal infection in the presence of hormones.Our data show that the Cxcl1/Cxcr2 axis drives neutrophil transepithelial migration into the vagina. Progesterone promotes the Cxcl1 gradient to favor neutrophil migration. Estradiol disrupts the Cxcl1 gradient and favors neutrophil arrest in the vaginal stroma; as a result, the vagina becomes more vulnerable to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Lasarte
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada
| | - Rafael Samaniego
- Unidad de Microscopía Confocal, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)
| | | | | | - Linnea A Weiss
- Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC)
| | - Enrique Mercader
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada
| | - Elena Ceballos-García
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada Servicio de Ginecología
| | | | | | | | | | - Paloma Sanchez-Mateos
- Laboratorio de Inmuno-oncología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid
| | - Andres Hidalgo
- Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC)
| | - Maria A Muñoz-Fernandez
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Miguel Relloso
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada
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Marth CD, Young ND, Glenton LY, Noden DM, Browning GF, Krekeler N. Effect of ovarian hormones on the healthy equine uterus: a global gene expression analysis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD14513. [PMID: 25989818 DOI: 10.1071/rd14513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological changes associated with the varying hormonal environment throughout the oestrous cycle are linked to the different functions the uterus needs to fulfil. The aim of the present study was to generate global gene expression profiles for the equine uterus during oestrus and Day 5 of dioestrus. To achieve this, samples were collected from five horses during oestrus (follicle >35 mm in diameter) and dioestrus (5 days after ovulation) and analysed using high-throughput RNA sequencing techniques (RNA-Seq). Differentially expressed genes between the two cycle stages were further investigated using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. The expression of 1577 genes was found to be significantly upregulated during oestrus, whereas 1864 genes were expressed at significantly higher levels in dioestrus. Most genes upregulated during oestrus were associated with the extracellular matrix, signal interaction and transduction, cell communication or immune function, whereas genes expressed at higher levels in early dioestrus were most commonly associated with metabolic or transport functions, correlating well with the physiological functions of the uterus. These results allow for a more complete understanding of the hormonal influence on gene expression in the equine uterus by functional analysis of up- and downregulated genes in oestrus and dioestrus, respectively. In addition, a valuable baseline is provided for further research, including analyses of changes associated with uterine inflammation.
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Wira CR, Rodriguez-Garcia M, Patel MV, Biswas N, Fahey JV. Endocrine Regulation of the Mucosal Immune System in the Female Reproductive Tract. Mucosal Immunol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415847-4.00110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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McGowan I, Janocko L, Burneisen S, Bhat A, Richardson-Harman N. Variability of cytokine gene expression in intestinal tissue and the impact of normalization with the use of reference genes. Cytokine 2015; 71:81-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Racicot K, Kwon JY, Aldo P, Silasi M, Mor G. Understanding the complexity of the immune system during pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:107-16. [PMID: 24995526 PMCID: PMC6800182 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in our understanding of the role of the maternal immune system during healthy pregnancy will help us better understand the role of the immune system in adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we discuss our present understanding of the 'immunity of pregnancy' in the context of the response to cervical and placental infections and how these responses affect both the mother and the fetus. We discuss novel and challenging concepts that help explain the immunological aspects of pregnancy and how the mother and fetus respond to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Racicot
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Haddad SN, Wira CR. Estradiol regulation of constitutive and keratinocyte growth factor-induced CCL20 and CXCL1 secretion by mouse uterine epithelial cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:34-44. [PMID: 24807244 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Estradiol can directly affect epithelial cells or indirectly affect epithelial cells via stromal fibroblast secretion of growth factors, such as keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether estradiol regulates constitutive as well as KGF-induced uterine epithelial cell secretion of CCL20 and CXCL1. METHOD OF STUDY Freshly isolated and polarized uterine epithelial cells from Balb/c mice were cultured with estradiol in the presence or absence of KGF. CCL20 and CXCL1 were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Estradiol inhibited CCL20 secretion by freshly isolated and polarized uterine epithelial cells in the presence or absence of KGF. Unexpectedly, it enhanced KGF-induced CXCL1 secretion beyond that seen with KGF alone. Estradiol increased CXCL1 secretion at 24 hr and inhibited CCL20 at 48 hr. The effects of estradiol are specific in that progesterone, cortisol, dihydrotestosterone, and aldosterone had no effect on either CCL20 or CXCL1 secretion. The inhibitory effect of estradiol on CCL20 secretion was reversed with ICI 182,780, an estrogen receptor antagonist, indicating that this effect is estrogen receptor mediated. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that estradiol is important in regulating the effects of KGF on mouse uterine epithelial cell secretion of CCL20 and CXCL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severina N Haddad
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Patel MV, Ghosh M, Fahey JV, Ochsenbauer C, Rossoll RM, Wira CR. Innate immunity in the vagina (Part II): Anti-HIV activity and antiviral content of human vaginal secretions. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:22-33. [PMID: 24806967 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Whether the concentrations of antiviral proteins, and anti-HIV activity, within human vaginal secretions change across the menstrual cycle is unknown. METHOD OF STUDY Using a menstrual cup, vaginal secretions from pre-menopausal women were recovered at the proliferative (d6-8), mid-cycle (d13-15), and secretory (d21-23) stages of the menstrual cycle. Antiviral protein concentration was determined by ELISA, and anti-HIV activity assessed using the TZM-bl reporter cell line. RESULTS CCL20, RANTES, elafin, HBD2, SDF-1α, and IL-8 levels were detectable in the secretions. Vaginal secretions had anti-HIV activity against specific clade B strains of HIV, with significant inhibition of IIIB and increased infectivity of transmitted/founder CH077.t. No significant differences in either antiviral protein concentration or anti-HIV activity with respect to menstrual cycle stage were measured, but marked differences were observed in both parameters over the course of the cycle between different women and in consecutive cycles from the same woman. CONCLUSION The vagina contains a complement of antiviral proteins. The variation in anti-HIV activity demonstrates that immune protection in the vagina is not constant. Intra- and interindividual variations suggest that factors in addition to sex hormones influence antiviral protection. Lastly, the menstrual cup is a new model for recovering undiluted vaginal secretions from women throughout their reproductive life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickey V Patel
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Serine 216 phosphorylation of estrogen receptor α in neutrophils: migration and infiltration into the mouse uterus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84462. [PMID: 24386386 PMCID: PMC3873424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Whereas estrogen receptors are present in immune cells, it is not known if they are phosphorylated to regulate immune cell functions. Here we determined the phosphorylation status of estrogen receptor α (ERα) at residue serine 216 in mouse neutrophils and examined its role in migration and infiltration. Serine 216 is the conserved phosphorylation site within the DNA binding domains found in the majority of nuclear receptors. Methodology/Principal Findings A phospho-peptide antibody specific to phosphorylated serine 216 and ERα KO mice were utilized in immunohistochemistry, double immuno-staining or Western blot to detect phosphorylation of ERα in peripheral blood as well as infiltrating neutrophils in the mouse uterus. Transwell assays were performed to examine migration of neutrophils. An anti-Ly6G antibody identified neutrophils. About 20% of neutrophils expressed phosphorylated ERα at serine 216 in peripheral white blood cells (WBC) from C3H/HeNCrIBR females. Phosphorylation was additively segregated between C3H/HeNCrIBR and C57BL/6 females. Only neutrophils that expressed phosphorylated ERα migrated in Transwell assays as well as infiltrated the mouse uterus during normal estrous cycles. Conclusions/Significance ERα was phosphorylated at serine 216 in about 20% of mouse peripheral blood neutrophils. Only those that express phosphorylated ERα migrate and infiltrate the mouse uterus. This phosphorylation was the first to be characterized in endogenous ERα found in normal tissues and cells. Phosphorylated ERα may have opened a novel research direction for biological roles of phosphorylation in ERα actions and can be developed as a drug target for treatment of immune-related diseases.
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Pettini E, Prota G, Ciabattini A, Boianelli A, Fiorino F, Pozzi G, Vicino A, Medaglini D. Vaginal immunization to elicit primary T-cell activation and dissemination. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80545. [PMID: 24349003 PMCID: PMC3857820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary T-cell activation at mucosal sites is of utmost importance for the development of vaccination strategies. T-cell priming after vaginal immunization, with ovalbumin and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide adjuvant as model vaccine formulation, was studied in vivo in hormone-synchronized mice and compared to the one induced by the nasal route. Twenty-four hours after both vaginal or nasal immunization, antigen-loaded dendritic cells were detected within the respective draining lymph nodes. Vaginal immunization elicited a strong recruitment of antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells into draining lymph nodes that was more rapid than the one observed following nasal immunization. T-cell clonal expansion was first detected in iliac lymph nodes, draining the genital tract, and proliferated T cells disseminated towards distal lymph nodes and spleen similarly to what observed following nasal immunization. T cells were indeed activated by the antigen encounter and acquired homing molecules essential to disseminate towards distal lymphoid organs as confirmed by the modulation of CD45RB, CD69, CD44 and CD62L marker expression. A multi-type Galton Watson branching process, previously used for in vitro analysis of T-cell proliferation, was applied to model in vivo CFSE proliferation data in draining lymph nodes 57 hours following immunization, in order to calculate the probabilistic decision of a cell to enter in division, rest in quiescence or migrate/die. The modelling analysis indicated that the probability of a cell to proliferate was higher following vaginal than nasal immunization. All together these data show that vaginal immunization, despite the absence of an organized mucosal associated inductive site in the genital tract, is very efficient in priming antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells and inducing their dissemination from draining lymph nodes towards distal lymphoid organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pettini
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Molecolare e Biotecnologia (LA.M.M.B.), Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gennaro Prota
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Molecolare e Biotecnologia (LA.M.M.B.), Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Ciabattini
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Molecolare e Biotecnologia (LA.M.M.B.), Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Boianelli
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione (DII), Centro per lo Studio dei Sistemi Complessi (CSC), Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabio Fiorino
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Molecolare e Biotecnologia (LA.M.M.B.), Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianni Pozzi
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Molecolare e Biotecnologia (LA.M.M.B.), Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Vicino
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione (DII), Centro per lo Studio dei Sistemi Complessi (CSC), Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Donata Medaglini
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Molecolare e Biotecnologia (LA.M.M.B.), Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Estrogenic action on innate defense mechanisms in the urinary tract. Maturitas 2013; 77:32-6. [PMID: 24296328 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Clinical data suggest an impact of estrogen on the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections (UTI). In particular, women after menopause often suffer from recurrent UTI, characterized by at least three acute UTI episodes within a year. Aside from bacterial factors promoting persistence within the urinary bladder, the low estrogen levels induce structural and chemical changes in the urogenital tract which facilitate UTI. Increased residual urine volume and changes in the vaginal microflora are well documented risk factors. Local supplementation with estrogen can at least partly reverse these changes. Treatment allows the re-establishment of a lactobacilli-dominated vaginal microflora and improves epithelial differentiation and integrity in the urogenital tract. This estrogenic effect on the epithelium is marked by an increased production of antimicrobial peptides and a tighter intercellular connection, preventing bacteria from reaching cells where they can hide and later emerge and cause a new infection. Estrogen in the dosages and applications used to date is considered safe for the endometrium in the majority of women. Based on the actions and safety of estrogen, local supplementation thus offers a treatment option for postmenopausal women suffering from recurrent UTI.
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Racicot K, Cardenas I, Wünsche V, Aldo P, Guller S, Means R, Romero R, Mor G. Viral infection of the pregnant cervix predisposes to ascending bacterial infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2013; 191:934-41. [PMID: 23752614 PMCID: PMC4153356 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth is the major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, and bacterial infections that ascend from the lower female reproductive tract are the most common route of uterine infection leading to preterm birth. The uterus and growing fetus are protected from ascending infection by the cervix, which controls and limits microbial access by the production of mucus, cytokines, and antimicrobial peptides. If this barrier is compromised, bacteria may enter the uterine cavity, leading to preterm birth. Using a mouse model, we demonstrate, to our knowledge for the first time, that viral infection of the cervix during pregnancy reduces the capacity of the female reproductive tract to prevent bacterial infection of the uterus. This is due to differences in susceptibility of the cervix to infection by virus during pregnancy and the associated changes in TLR and antimicrobial peptide expression and function. We suggest that preterm labor is a polymicrobial disease, which requires a multifactorial approach for its prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Racicot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Ingrid Cardenas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Tuffs University, Boston MA
| | - Vera Wünsche
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Paulomi Aldo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Robert Means
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, DHHS, Detroit
| | - Gil Mor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Patras KA, Wang NY, Fletcher EM, Cavaco CK, Jimenez A, Garg M, Fierer J, Sheen TR, Rajagopal L, Doran KS. Group B Streptococcus CovR regulation modulates host immune signalling pathways to promote vaginal colonization. Cell Microbiol 2013; 15:1154-67. [PMID: 23298320 PMCID: PMC3657335 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is a frequent commensal organism of the vaginal tract of healthy women. However, GBS can transition to a pathogen in susceptible hosts, but host and microbial factors that contribute to this conversion are not well understood. GBS CovR/S (CsrR/S) is a two component regulatory system that regulates key virulence elements including adherence and toxin production. We performed global transcription profiling of human vaginal epithelial cells exposed to WT, CovR deficient, and toxin deficient strains, and observed that insufficient regulation by CovR and subsequent increased toxin production results in a drastic increase in host inflammatory responses, particularly in cytokine signalling pathways promoted by IL-8 and CXCL2. Additionally, we observed that CovR regulation impacts epithelial cell attachment and intracellular invasion. In our mouse model of GBS vaginal colonization, we further demonstrated that CovR regulation promotes vaginal persistence, as infection with a CovR deficient strainresulted in a heightened host immune response as measured by cytokine production and neutrophil activation. Using CXCr2 KO mice, we determined that this immune alteration occurs, at least in part, via signalling through the CXCL2 receptor. Taken together, we conclude that CovR is an important regulator of GBS vaginal colonization and loss of this regulatory function may contribute to the inflammatory havoc seen during the course of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A. Patras
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Nai-Yu Wang
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Erin M. Fletcher
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Courtney K. Cavaco
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Alyssa Jimenez
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Mansi Garg
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Joshua Fierer
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Tamsin R. Sheen
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Lakshmi Rajagopal
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of 10 Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101
| | - Kelly S. Doran
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093
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Patel MV, Fahey JV, Rossoll RM, Wira CR. Innate immunity in the vagina (part I): estradiol inhibits HBD2 and elafin secretion by human vaginal epithelial cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 69:463-74. [PMID: 23398087 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Vaginal epithelial cells (VEC) are the first line of defense against incoming pathogens in the female reproductive tract. Their ability to produce the anti-HIV molecules elafin and HBD2 under hormonal stimulation is unknown. METHOD OF STUDY Vaginal epithelial cells were recovered using a menstrual cup and cultured overnight prior to treatment with estradiol (E₂), progesterone (P₄) or a panel of selective estrogen response modulators (SERMs). Conditioned media were recovered and analyzed for protein concentration and anti-HIV activity. RESULTS E₂ significantly decreased the secretion of HBD2 and elafin by VEC over 48 hrs, while P4 and the SERMs (tamoxifen, PHTTP, ICI or Y134) had no effect. VEC conditioned media from E₂ -treated cells had no anti-HIV activity, while that from E₂ /P₄ -treated cells significantly inhibited HIV-BaL infection. CONCLUSION The menstrual cup allows for effective recovery of primary VEC. Their production of HBD2 and elafin is sensitive to E₂, suggesting that innate immune protection varies in the vagina across the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickey V Patel
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
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