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Kalantar-Zadeh K, Susic D, Hyett J. Vaginal Sensors. ACS Sens 2024; 9:3810-3827. [PMID: 39024191 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00567] [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] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The development and market emergence of vaginal sensors have begun to demonstrate their impact on women's healthcare. Until recently, in limited cases, these sensors have exhibited their capabilities in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the vaginal tract during different stages of women's lives. This Perspective is a compilation of what has been accomplished so far in the landscape of vaginal sensors. The text explores the diverse types of vaginal sensor technologies, their applications, and their potential impact on women's healthcare. The review introduces the anatomy of the vagina and cervix and categorizes vaginal sensors that have been developed, highlighting the technologies and potential applications. The paper covers biomarkers of the vaginal tract and discusses their importance in maintaining the overall characteristics of the vaginal system. The text also explores the clinical implications of vaginal sensors in pregnancy monitoring, disease detection, and sexual health management. In the final step, the manuscript provides future perspectives and possibilities that can be incorporated in the emerging field of vaginal sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW 2008, Australia
| | - Daniella Susic
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Women's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Jon Hyett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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2
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Joo H, Gu C, Wiest M, Duluc D, Fernandez E, Nyarige V, Yi J, Oh S. Differential expression of nuclear hormone receptors by dendritic cell subsets in human vaginal mucosa and skin. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1063343. [PMID: 36713394 PMCID: PMC9880315 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1063343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) expressed by dendritic cells (DCs), the major immune inducers and regulators, could play important roles in host immunity. Assessment of NHRs expressed by DCs in the vaginal mucosa (VM), in comparison with those expressed by DCs in other tissues, will thus help us understand the immunology of human vagina. This study identified 16 NHR transcripts that are differentially expressed among 8 different antigen-presenting cell (APC) subsets isolated from human VM, skin, and blood. The expression profiles of NHRs were largely tissue specific. VM APCs expressed increased levels of LXRA, RXRA, ESRRA, ESRRAP2, and PPARG, whereas skin and blood APCs expressed increased levels of NURR1, NOR1 and RARA. Of interest, female sex hormone receptors, ESR1 and PGR, were found to be mainly expressed by non-APC cell types in the VM; ESR1 by HLA-DR+CD34+ and PGR by HLA-DR- cells. ERα and PR were expressed by vimentin+ cells in the VM, but not in human skin. ERα, but not PR, was also expressed in CD10+ cells in the lamina propria of VM. In conclusion, NHR expression by APC subsets is tissue- and cell type-specific. Future studies on the roles of individual NHRs expressed by different cell types, including DC subsets, in the human VM are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- HyeMee Joo
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Chao Gu
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Matthew Wiest
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Dorothee Duluc
- Immunoconcept, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 5164, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Emyly Fernandez
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Verah Nyarige
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Johnny Yi
- Department of Medical and Surgery Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - SangKon Oh
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States,*Correspondence: SangKon Oh,
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3
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Eder J, Zijlstra-Willems E, Koen G, Kootstra NA, Wolthers KC, Geijtenbeek TB. Transmission of Zika virus by dendritic cell subsets in skin and vaginal mucosa. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1125565. [PMID: 36949942 PMCID: PMC10025456 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family that has caused recent outbreaks associated with neurological malformations. Transmission of Zika virus occurs primarily via mosquito bite but also via sexual contact. Dendritic cells (DCs) and Langerhans cells (LCs) are important antigen presenting cells in skin and vaginal mucosa and paramount to induce antiviral immunity. To date, little is known about the first cells targeted by Zika virus in these tissues as well as subsequent dissemination of the virus to other target cells. We therefore investigated the role of DCs and LCs in Zika virus infection. Human monocyte derived DCs (moDCs) were isolated from blood and primary immature LCs were obtained from human skin and vaginal explants. Zika virus exposure to moDCs but not skin and vaginal LCs induced Type I Interferon responses. Zika virus efficiently infected moDCs but neither epidermal nor vaginal LCs became infected. Infection of a human full skin model showed that DC-SIGN expressing dermal DCs are preferentially infected over langerin+ LCs. Notably, not only moDCs but also skin and vaginal LCs efficiently transmitted Zika virus to target cells. Transmission by LCs was independent of direct infection of LCs. These data suggest that DCs and LCs are among the first target cells for Zika virus not only in the skin but also the genital tract. The role of vaginal LCs in dissemination of Zika virus from the vaginal mucosa further emphasizes the threat of sexual transmission and supports the investigation of prophylaxes that go beyond mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Eder
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Zijlstra-Willems
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Koen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Neeltje A. Kootstra
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katja C. Wolthers
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Teunis B. Geijtenbeek
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Teunis B. Geijtenbeek,
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4
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Dai W, Gui L, Du H, Li S, Wu R. The association of cervicovaginal Langerhans cells with clearance of human papillomavirus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918190. [PMID: 36311788 PMCID: PMC9596771 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance is important in eliminating cervical cancer which contributes to high morbidity and mortality in women. Nevertheless, it remains largely unknown about key players in clearing pre-existing HPV infections. HPV antigens can be detected by the most important cervical antigen-presenting cells (Langerhans cells, LCs), of which the activities can be affected by cervicovaginal microbiota. In this review, we first introduce persistent HPV infections and then describe HPV-suppressed LCs activities, including but not limited to antigen uptake and presentation. Given specific transcriptional profiling of LCs in cervical epithelium, we also discuss the impact of cervicovaginal microbiota on LCs activation as well as the promise of exploring key microbial players in activating LCs and HPV-specific cellular immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkui Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liming Gui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuaicheng Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ruifang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Ruifang Wu,
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5
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Gu C, Duluc D, Wiest M, Xue Y, Yi J, Gorvel JP, Joo H, Oh S. Cell type-specific expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the human vaginal mucosa. Clin Immunol 2021; 232:108874. [PMID: 34740841 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Female sex hormones affect the immune response in the lower female genital tract. To understand their mechanisms of action, it is essential to define cell types expressing estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) in the human vaginal mucosa (VM). Here, we report that none of the dendritic cell (DC) subsets in the human VM expressed ERα or PR in situ. However, they were capable of expressing ERα, but not PR, after in vitro culture of the whole VM tissues. Similarly, ERα and/or PR expression by T cells in the VM tissues was also inducible rather than constitutive. In contrast, ERα and/or PR were constitutively expressed in HLA-DR- non-immune cell types (vimentin+, desmin+, or CD10+). These new findings will help us understand the mechanisms of action of female sex hormones in the modulation of immune response in the human VM and lower female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gu
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Dorothee Duluc
- Immunoconcept, CNRS UMR 5164, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Matthew Wiest
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Yaming Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Johnny Yi
- Department of Medical and Surgery Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Gorvel
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, CIML, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - HyeMee Joo
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
| | - SangKon Oh
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
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6
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Li Y, Yu T, Yan H, Li D, Yu T, Yuan T, Rahaman A, Ali S, Abbas F, Dian Z, Wu X, Baloch Z. Vaginal Microbiota and HPV Infection: Novel Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Strategies. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:1213-1220. [PMID: 32431522 PMCID: PMC7198448 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s210615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a global public health concern. The complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors is critical for the progress of cervical cancer. Growing evidence suggests that microbes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and the immune system interact closely with each other to govern homeostasis of the vaginal environment and the health of the lower genital tract of females. Certain vaginal microbial strains may play either a protective or a pathogenic role in carcinogenesis of the cervix after HPV persistent infection. Probiotics can therefore present a putative therapeutic approach for cervical cancer. However, work in this field remains limited. Recent technological developments have allowed us to identify microbes and their products using culture-independent molecular detection techniques. In this review, we discuss the composition of the vaginal bacterial community, its commensal flora and the protective impact this has on the health of the female genital tract. This review will also describe critical immune factors in lower genital tract health and summarize the role of the vaginal microbiota in cervical carcinogenesis. Knowledge in this field has provided researchers with the clues and tools to propose the use of probiotics as a potential line of treatment for cervical cancer and has provided valuable insights into host–pathogen interaction dynamics within the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyue Li
- Department of Gynaecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Gynaecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huang Yan
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Duanduan Li
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Tang Yu
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yuan
- Department of Gynaecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Abdul Rahaman
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shahid Ali
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Farhat Abbas
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqin Dian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Wu
- Department of Gynaecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zulqarnain Baloch
- Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, People's Republic of China
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7
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Dang D, Taheri S, Das S, Ghosh P, Prince LS, Sahoo D. Computational Approach to Identifying Universal Macrophage Biomarkers. Front Physiol 2020; 11:275. [PMID: 32322218 PMCID: PMC7156600 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages engulf and digest microbes, cellular debris, and various disease-associated cells throughout the body. Understanding the dynamics of macrophage gene expression is crucial for studying human diseases. As both bulk RNAseq and single cell RNAseq datasets become more numerous and complex, identifying a universal and reliable marker of macrophage cell becomes paramount. Traditional approaches have relied upon tissue specific expression patterns. To identify universal biomarkers of macrophage, we used a previously published computational approach called BECC (Boolean Equivalent Correlated Clusters) that was originally used to identify conserved cell cycle genes. We performed BECC analysis using the known macrophage marker CD14 as a seed gene. The main idea behind BECC is that it uses massive database of public gene expression dataset to establish robust co-expression patterns identified using a combination of correlation, linear regression and Boolean equivalences. Our analysis identified and validated FCER1G and TYROBP as novel universal biomarkers for macrophages in human and mouse tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharanidhar Dang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Sahar Taheri
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Soumita Das
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Departments of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.,Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Lawrence S Prince
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Debashis Sahoo
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.,Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, CA, United States
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8
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Monin L, Whettlock EM, Male V. Immune responses in the human female reproductive tract. Immunology 2019; 160:106-115. [PMID: 31630394 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal surfaces are key interfaces between the host and its environment, but also constitute ports of entry for numerous pathogens. The gut and lung mucosae act as points of nutrient and gas exchange, respectively, but the physiological purpose of the female reproductive tract (FRT) is to allow implantation and development of the fetus. Our understanding of immune responses in the FRT has traditionally lagged behind our grasp of the situation at other mucosal sites, but recently reproductive immunologists have begun to make rapid progress in this challenging area. Here, we review current knowledge of immune responses in the human FRT and their heterogeneity within and between compartments. In the commensal-rich vagina, the immune system must allow the growth of beneficial microbes, whereas the key challenge in the uterus is allowing the growth of the semi-allogeneic fetus. In both compartments, these objectives must be balanced with the need to eliminate pathogens. Our developing understanding of immune responses in the FRT will help us develop interventions to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and to improve outcomes of pregnancy for mothers and babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Monin
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Emily M Whettlock
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Male
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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9
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Abstract
Cervicovaginal microbiota play a critical role in women's health and reproductive outcomes. Despite being one of the simplest commensal bacterial communities in the human body, we are only beginning to appreciate its complex dynamic nature and important role in host immune modulation. In this review, we discuss the "optimal" cervicovaginal bacterial community composition, the impact of microbiota on gynecologic and obstetric outcomes, and the hurdles to developing a deeper mechanistic understanding of the function of the cervicovaginal microbiome. We then describe efforts to durably alter microbial composition in this compartment by promotion of Lactobacillus colonization with probiotics, modulation of vaginal pH, hormonal administration, and the eradication of pathogenic bacteria with antibiotics. Finally, we draw on lessons learned from the deeply investigated gut microbiome to suggest future avenues of research into host-pathogen interactions in the female genital tract.
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10
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Cantero J, Genescà M. Maximizing the immunological output of the cervicovaginal explant model. J Immunol Methods 2018; 460:26-35. [PMID: 29894750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the field of sexually transmitted infections (STI), the cervicovaginal explant (CVEx) model, not only provides the opportunity to study the different immunological arms present in these tissues under steady state conditions, but also their response against ex vivo infection with relevant pathogens. The methodology associated to the establishment of the HIV infection model in the cervicovaginal tissue was described in detail by Grivel et al. earlier (Grivel and Margolis, 2009). With this model as a foundation, we illustrate different approaches to obtain a large number of immunological readouts from a single piece of tissue, thus maximizing the immunological output obtained. Additionally, we discuss several ideas to study some of the immunological subsets present in this mucosal tissue by enriching them with the addition of distinct chemokines or specifically inducing their activation. Importantly, most of the methodology and concepts proposed here can be applied to study the immune subsets resident in other tissues. In the field of mucosal immunology, the possibility of studying resident immune subsets from tissue explants offers a great opportunity to understand the real players against invading pathogens and localized pathologies. Furthermore, this model allows for addressing the therapeutic benefit of modulating the activity of certain molecules and immune subsets against invading pathogens, which may infer their contribution to pathogen control and direct novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Cantero
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), 119-129 Passeig Vall d'Hebrón, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Mucosal Immunology Unit, Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Can Ruti Campus, Carretera de Can Ruti, camí de les escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Genescà
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), 119-129 Passeig Vall d'Hebrón, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Mucosal Immunology Unit, Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Can Ruti Campus, Carretera de Can Ruti, camí de les escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
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11
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Zhou JZ, Way SS, Chen K. Immunology of Uterine and Vaginal Mucosae: (Trends in Immunology 39, 302-314, 2018). Trends Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29530651 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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12
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Zhou JZ, Way SS, Chen K. Immunology of the Uterine and Vaginal Mucosae. Trends Immunol 2018; 39:302-314. [PMID: 29433961 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Along with the maintenance of symbiotic mutualism with commensal microbes and protection against invasive infections common to all mucosal barrier tissues, female reproductive tissues have additional, unique tasks that include dynamic cyclic cellular turnover in menstruation and immunological tolerance to genetically foreign fetal antigens in pregnancy. Here we review current knowledge on distinct features of the immune cells in female reproductive tissue with regard to antimicrobial host defense and adaptations to accommodate the fetus during pregnancy. Outstanding areas for future research to obtain new functional insights on this enigmatic mucosal barrier are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Z Zhou
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Sing Sing Way
- Division of Infectious Disease, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Kang Chen
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Jiangsu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Mucosal Immunology Studies Team, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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13
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Clayton K, Vallejo AF, Davies J, Sirvent S, Polak ME. Langerhans Cells-Programmed by the Epidermis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1676. [PMID: 29238347 PMCID: PMC5712534 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Langerhans cells (LCs) reside in the epidermis as a dense network of immune system sentinels. These cells determine the appropriate adaptive immune response (inflammation or tolerance) by interpreting the microenvironmental context in which they encounter foreign substances. In a normal physiological, "non-dangerous" situation, LCs coordinate a continuous state of immune tolerance, preventing unnecessary and harmful immune activation. Conversely, when they sense a danger signal, for example during infection or when the physical integrity of skin has been compromised as a result of a trauma, they instruct T lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system to mount efficient effector responses. Recent advances investigating the molecular mechanisms underpinning the cross talk between LCs and the epidermal microenvironment reveal its importance for programming LC biology. This review summarizes the novel findings describing LC origin and function through the analysis of the transcriptomic programs and gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Review and meta-analysis of publicly available datasets clearly delineates LCs as distinct from both conventional dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, suggesting a primary role for the epidermal microenvironment in programming LC biology. This concept is further supported by the analysis of the effect of epidermal pro-inflammatory signals, regulating key GRNs in human and murine LCs. Applying whole transcriptome analyses and in silico analysis has advanced our understanding of how LCs receive, integrate, and process signals from the steady-state and diseased epidermis. Interestingly, in homeostasis and under immunological stress, the molecular network in LCs remains relatively stable, reflecting a key evolutionary need related to tissue localization. Importantly, to fulfill their key role in orchestrating antiviral adaptive immune responses, LC share specific transcriptomic modules with other DC types able to cross-present antigens to cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, pointing to a possible evolutionary convergence mechanism. With the development of more advanced technologies allowing delineation of the molecular networks at the level of chromatin organization, histone modifications, protein translation, and phosphorylation, future "omics" investigations will bring in-depth understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms underpinning human LC biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalum Clayton
- Systems Immmunology Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Andres F Vallejo
- Systems Immmunology Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - James Davies
- Systems Immmunology Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Sirvent
- Systems Immmunology Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Marta E Polak
- Systems Immmunology Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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14
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Durand M, Segura E. The known unknowns of the human dendritic cell network. Front Immunol 2015; 6:129. [PMID: 25852695 PMCID: PMC4369872 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) initiate and orient immune responses and comprise several subsets that display distinct phenotypes and properties. Most of our knowledge of DC subsets biology is based on mouse studies. In the past few years, the alignment of the human DC network with the mouse DC network has been the focus of much attention. Although comparative phenotypic and transcriptomic analysis have shown a high level of homology between mouse and human DC subsets, significant differences in phenotype and function have also been evidenced. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the human DC network and discuss some remaining gaps and future challenges of the human DC field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Durand
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Curie , Paris , France ; INSERM U932 , Paris , France
| | - Elodie Segura
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Curie , Paris , France ; INSERM U932 , Paris , France
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