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Zhong J, Li J, Burton GJ, Koistinen H, Cheung KW, Ng EHY, Yao Y, Yeung WSB, Lee CL, Chiu PCN. The functional roles of protein glycosylation in human maternal-fetal crosstalk. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:81-108. [PMID: 37699855 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad024] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The establishment of maternal-fetal crosstalk is vital to a successful pregnancy. Glycosylation is a post-translational modification in which glycans (monosaccharide chains) are attached to an organic molecule. Glycans are involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Human endometrial epithelium, endometrial gland secretions, decidual immune cells, and trophoblasts are highly enriched with glycoconjugates and glycan-binding molecules important for a healthy pregnancy. Aberrant glycosylation in the placenta and uterus has been linked to repeated implantation failure and various pregnancy complications, but there is no recent review summarizing the functional roles of glycosylation at the maternal-fetal interface and their associations with pathological processes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize recent findings on glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, and glycan-binding receptors at the maternal-fetal interface, and their involvement in regulating the biology and pathological conditions associated with endometrial receptivity, placentation and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Current knowledge limitations and future insights into the study of glycobiology in reproduction are discussed. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using the following keywords: glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, glycan-binding proteins, endometrium, trophoblasts, maternal-fetal immunotolerance, siglec, selectin, galectin, repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss, recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Relevant reports published between 1980 and 2023 and studies related to these reports were retrieved and reviewed. Only publications written in English were included. OUTCOMES The application of ultrasensitive mass spectrometry tools and lectin-based glycan profiling has enabled characterization of glycans present at the maternal-fetal interface and in maternal serum. The endometrial luminal epithelium is covered with highly glycosylated mucin that regulates blastocyst adhesion during implantation. In the placenta, fucose and sialic acid residues are abundantly presented on the villous membrane and are essential for proper placentation and establishment of maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Glycan-binding receptors, including selectins, sialic-acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (siglecs) and galectins, also modulate implantation, trophoblast functions and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Aberrant glycosylation is associated with repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss and various pregnancy complications. The current limitation in the field is that most glycobiological research relies on association studies, with few studies revealing the specific functions of glycans. Technological advancements in analytic, synthetic and functional glycobiology have laid the groundwork for further exploration of glycans in reproductive biology under both physiological and pathological conditions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A deep understanding of the functions of glycan structures would provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying their involvement in the physiological and pathological regulation of early pregnancy. Glycans may also potentially serve as novel early predictive markers and therapeutic targets for repeated implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and other pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangming Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianlin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Graham J Burton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Shardina KY, Timganova VP, Bochkova MS, Khramtsov PV, Rayev MB, Zamorina SA. The Role of Recombinant Glycodelin in the Differentiation of Regulatory T-Lymphocytes. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2022; 506:137-140. [PMID: 36301420 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496622050131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The effect of recombinant glycodelin (GdA) on the number of T-regulatory lymphocytes (Treg) in a culture of activated CD4+ lymphocytes was investigated, while simultaneously assessing the proliferative status of the cells. Recombinant GdA from E. coli and from HEK293 cells were used in the study at concentrations of 0.2; 2 and 10 µg/mL. It was found that only a low concentration (0.2 μg/mL) of recombinant GdA of bacterial origin reduced the number of proliferating CD4+ lymphocytes as well as the number of Treg (CD4+CD25highCD127-/low) in the experimental system in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yu Shardina
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Branch of the PFRC, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 614081, Perm, Russia
| | - V P Timganova
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Branch of the PFRC, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 614081, Perm, Russia
| | - M S Bochkova
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Branch of the PFRC, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 614081, Perm, Russia
- Perm State National Research University, 614068, Perm, Russia
| | - P V Khramtsov
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Branch of the PFRC, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 614081, Perm, Russia
- Perm State National Research University, 614068, Perm, Russia
| | - M B Rayev
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Branch of the PFRC, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 614081, Perm, Russia
- Perm State National Research University, 614068, Perm, Russia
| | - S A Zamorina
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Branch of the PFRC, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 614081, Perm, Russia.
- Perm State National Research University, 614068, Perm, Russia.
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Shah NM, Lai PF, Imami N, Johnson MR. Progesterone-Related Immune Modulation of Pregnancy and Labor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:198. [PMID: 30984115 PMCID: PMC6449726 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy involves a complex interplay between maternal neuroendocrine and immunological systems in order to establish and sustain a growing fetus. It is thought that the uterus at pregnancy transitions from quiescent to laboring state in response to interactions between maternal and fetal systems at least partly via altered neuroendocrine signaling. Progesterone (P4) is a vital hormone in maternal reproductive tissues and immune cells during pregnancy. As such, P4 is widely used in clinical interventions to improve the chance of embryo implantation, as well as reduce the risk of miscarriage and premature labor. Here we review research to date that focus on the pathways through which P4 mediates its actions on both the maternal reproductive and immune system. We will dissect the role of P4 as a modulator of inflammation, both systemic and intrinsic to the uterus, during human pregnancy and labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishel M. Shah
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pei F. Lai
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nesrina Imami
- Department of Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R. Johnson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Alvites-Misajel K, García-Gutiérrez M, Miranda-Rodríguez C, Ramos-Escudero F. Organically vs conventionally-grown dark and white chia seeds ( Salvia hispanica L.): fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity and techno-functional properties. GRASAS Y ACEITES 2019. [DOI: 10.3989/gya.0462181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The effects of organic and conventional crop systems on chemical composition, antioxidant activity and functional properties were evaluated in white and dark chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds. The organic system reduced the total protein content, and increased the total carbohydrates but did not change polyunsaturated fatty acids, total phenolic or flavonoids. Organic white chia seeds showed the best techno-functional properties. The antioxidant capacity of chia extracts varied in relation to the chemical complexity and differential rate kinetics of different assays. Extractable total phenolic acids and antioxidant capacity were better in organic white chia seeds. In this first approach, we have demonstrated that the organic white chia seed has a better total antioxidant capacity measured by direct quencher approaches than its conventionally-grown counterpart. To summarize, we conclude that the organic white chia seed could be a dietary source of antioxidants with a potential to promote health benefits in systemic functions and/or microbiota and the use of its techno-functional properties for the food industry.
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Sørensen S, Myrhøj V, Nguyen TH, Aaslo P, Hansen YB. Affinity purification of native glycodelin from amniotic fluid for biological investigations and development of a glycodelin ELISA for clinical studies. Protein Expr Purif 2016; 130:73-80. [PMID: 27713060 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glycodelin is a glycoprotein with different oligosaccharides that are responsible for its diverse biological functions in contraception and immunosuppression. Therefore, it is necessary to have access to adequate amounts of glycodelin with retained carbohydrate structure for functional studies because the carbohydrate part can be lacking or be insufficient in recombinant glycodelin from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell systems. METHODS AND RESULTS Native glycodelin was purified from amniotic fluid by a series of affinity chromatography steps and had many glycosylated forms verified by mass spectrometry. About 7.5 mg glycodelin was obtained from 1.5 L amniotic fluid. No high molecular mass forms of glycodelin were found in amniotic fluid. Aliquots of the purified glycodelin were used as an immunogen in rabbits for antibody production against glycodelin and a calibrator in a highly sensitive glycodelin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a detection limit of about 1 μg/L. CONCLUSIONS Native glycodelin was purified from amniotic fluid and used as an immunogen for raising a rabbit antibody against glycodelin and a calibrator in a highly sensitive glycodelin ELISA. We found no high molecular mass forms of glycodelin in amniotic fluid. Aliquots of the purified glycodelin were set aside for functional studies which are in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steen Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark.
| | - Vibeke Myrhøj
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
| | | | | | - Young Bae Hansen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
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Lee CL, Lam KKW, Vijayan M, Koistinen H, Seppala M, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Chiu PCN. The Pleiotropic Effect of Glycodelin-A in Early Pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:290-7. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong
- Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital; Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - Kevin K. W. Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital; Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - Madhavi Vijayan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Markku Seppala
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Ernest H. Y. Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong
- Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital; Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong
- Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital; Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong
- Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital; Hong Kong Hong Kong
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Park J, Kim M, Kang SG, Jannasch AH, Cooper B, Patterson J, Kim CH. Short-chain fatty acids induce both effector and regulatory T cells by suppression of histone deacetylases and regulation of the mTOR-S6K pathway. Mucosal Immunol 2015; 8:80-93. [PMID: 24917457 PMCID: PMC4263689 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2014.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 733] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), are highly produced in the intestine and potentially regulate the immune system. We studied the function of SCFAs in the regulation of T-cell differentiation into effector and regulatory T cells. We report that SCFAs can directly promote T-cell differentiation into T cells producing interleukin-17 (IL-17), interferon-γ, and/or IL-10 depending on cytokine milieu. This effect of SCFAs on T cells is independent of GPR41 or GPR43, but dependent on direct histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor activity. Inhibition of HDACs in T cells by SCFAs increased the acetylation of p70 S6 kinase and phosphorylation rS6, regulating the mTOR pathway required for generation of Th17 (T helper type 17), Th1, and IL-10(+) T cells. Acetate (C2) administration enhanced the induction of Th1 and Th17 cells during Citrobacter rodentium infection, but decreased anti-CD3-induced inflammation in an IL-10-dependent manner. Our results indicate that SCFAs promote T-cell differentiation into both effector and regulatory T cells to promote either immunity or immune tolerance depending on immunological milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongho Park
- Laboratory of Immunology and Hematopoiesis, Department of Comparative Pathobiology; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A.
| | - Myunghoo Kim
- Laboratory of Immunology and Hematopoiesis, Department of Comparative Pathobiology; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A.
| | - Seung G. Kang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Hematopoiesis, Department of Comparative Pathobiology; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A.
| | - Amber Hopf Jannasch
- Metabolite Profiling Facility, Bindley Bioscience Center; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A.
| | - Bruce Cooper
- Metabolite Profiling Facility, Bindley Bioscience Center; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A.
| | - John Patterson
- Department of Animal Science; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A.
| | - Chang H. Kim
- Laboratory of Immunology and Hematopoiesis, Department of Comparative Pathobiology; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A.
,Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A.
,Purdue Center for Cancer Research; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A.
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TH17 cells in human recurrent pregnancy loss and pre-eclampsia. Cell Mol Immunol 2014; 11:564-70. [PMID: 25027967 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2014.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T helper 17 (TH17) cells have been identified as a new lineage of helper T cells and have been shown to be important in host defense against extracellular infectious agents, autoimmune disease and chronic inflammatory diseases. Recently, TH17 cells have also been shown to participate in successful pregnancy, as well as in the pathogenesis of diseases of pregnancy, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and pre-eclampsia (PE). Here, we review our current knowledge of TH17 cells in human RSA and PE. We also discuss how the local uterine microenvironment affects the differentiation of TH17 cells and the mechanisms that regulate TH17 cells during pregnancy. Research into TH17 cells will not only advance our understanding of TH17-related pregnancy complications, but will also facilitate the design of novel therapies for reproductive diseases.
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Saito S, Nakashima A, Ito M, Shima T. Clinical implication of recent advances in our understanding of IL-17 and reproductive immunology. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 7:649-57. [DOI: 10.1586/eci.11.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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An integrative view on the physiology of human early placental villi. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 114:33-48. [PMID: 24291663 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is an indispensable organ for intrauterine protection, development and growth of the embryo and fetus. It provides tight contact between mother and conceptus, enabling the exchange of gas, nutrients and waste products. The human placenta is discoidal in shape, and bears a hemo-monochorial interface as well as villous materno-fetal interdigitations. Since Peter Medawar's astonishment to the paradoxical nature of the mother-fetus relationship in 1953, substantial knowledge in the domain of placental physiology has been gathered. In the present essay, an attempt has been made to build an integrated understanding of morphological dynamics, cell biology, and functional aspects of genomic and proteomic expression of human early placental villous trophoblast cells followed by a commentary on the future directions of research in this field.
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Zenclussen AC. Adaptive immune responses during pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 69:291-303. [PMID: 23418773 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It has long been believed that there is no immune interaction between mother and conceptus during pregnancy. This concept changed after evidence was provided that the maternal immune system is aware of the semiallogeneic conceptus and develops strategies to tolerate it. Since then, finely regulated mechanisms of active tolerance toward the fetus have been described. This Special Issue of the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology deals with these mechanisms. It begins with the description of minor histocompatibility antigens in the placenta; it further goes through adaptive immune responses toward paternal fetal antigens, mostly concentrating on regulatory T cells and molecules modulating the Th1/Th2 balance. The participation of antibody-producing B cells in normal and pathological pregnancies is also discussed. This introductory chapter resumes the concepts presented throughout the Issue and discusses the clinical applications raised from these concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Glycodelin-A modulates syncytialization of human BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line. Placenta 2012; 33:750-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Østensen M, Villiger PM, Förger F. Interaction of pregnancy and autoimmune rheumatic disease. Autoimmun Rev 2011; 11:A437-46. [PMID: 22154710 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2011.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the fetus represents a natural allograft that is not normally rejected. While the maternal immune system retains the ability to respond to foreign antigens, tolerance mechanisms are up-regulated to protect the fetus from immunologic attacks by the mother. The profound immunologic adaptations during and after pregnancy do influence maternal autoimmune rheumatic diseases in several ways. One is triggering the onset of a rheumatic disease in the post partum period, the other influencing disease activity of established rheumatic disease. The review will discuss the mechanisms of increased susceptibility of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the first year post partum with a specific emphasis on the role of fetal cells or antigens persisting in the maternal circulation (so called microchimerism). Furthermore, the different influences of pregnancy on established rheumatic diseases will be highlighted. A marked beneficial effect of pregnancy is observed on RA whereas several other rheumatic diseases as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) show either no particular effect or an aggravation of symptoms during pregnancy. Differences emerging in regard to modulation of disease symptoms during pregnancy seem related to response to hormones, the type of cytokine profile and immune response prevailing as well as further downstream interactions of molecular pathways that are important in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Østensen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
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Virtanen T, Kinnunen T, Rytkönen-Nissinen M. Mammalian lipocalin allergens--insights into their enigmatic allergenicity. Clin Exp Allergy 2011; 42:494-504. [PMID: 22093088 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03903.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Most of the important mammal-derived respiratory allergens, as well as a milk allergen and a few insect allergens, belong to the lipocalin protein family. As mammalian lipocalin allergens are found in dander, saliva and urine, they disperse effectively and are widely present in the indoor environments. Initially, lipocalins were characterized as transport proteins for small, principally hydrophobic molecules, but now they are known to be involved in many other biological functions. Although the amino acid identity between lipocalins is generally at the level of 20-30%, it can be considerably higher. Lipocalin allergens do not exhibit any known physicochemical, functional or structural property that would account for their allergenicity, that is, the capacity to induce T-helper type 2 immunity against them. A distinctive feature of mammalian lipocalin allergens is their poor capacity to stimulate the cellular arm of the human or murine immune system. Nevertheless, they induce IgE production in a large proportion of atopic individuals exposed to the allergen source. The poor capacity of mammalian lipocalin allergens to stimulate the cellular immune system does not appear to result from the function of regulatory T cells. Instead, the T cell epitopes of mammalian lipocalin allergens are few and those examined have proved to be suboptimal. Moreover, the frequency of mammalian lipocalin allergen-specific CD4(+) T cells is very low in the peripheral blood. Importantly, recent research suggests that the lipocalin allergen-specific T cell repertoires differ considerably between allergic and healthy subjects. These observations are compatible with our hypothesis that the way CD4(+) T-helper cells recognize the epitopes of mammalian lipocalin allergens may be implicated in their allergenicity. Indeed, as several lipocalins exhibit homologies of 40-60% over species, mammalian lipocalin allergens may be immunologically at the borderline of self and non-self, which would not allow a strong anti-allergenic immune response against them.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Virtanen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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Lee CL, Lam KK, Koistinen H, Seppala M, Kurpisz M, Fernandez N, Pang RT, Yeung WS, Chiu PC. Glycodelin-A as a paracrine regulator in early pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2011; 90:29-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2011.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2011] [Revised: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Fainboim L, Arruvito L. Mechanisms involved in the expansion of Tregs during pregnancy: role of IL-2/STAT5 signalling. J Reprod Immunol 2011; 88:93-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Revised: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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