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Mercnik MH, Wadsack C, Schliefsteiner C. Unlocking the secrets of Hofbauer cells in placental (patho-) physiology: Isolation and quality assessment in human term placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00299-6. [PMID: 39004544 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are macrophages of fetal origin that reside in the villous tissue. They are the only immune cells within healthy villi. While HBCs perform innate immune functions such as phagocytosis and antigen presentation, they are increasingly recognized for their diverse roles in placental physiology e.g. vascular functionality, tissue homeostasis, tolerance. Consequently, HBCs are of utmost interest in a variety of non-physiological placental conditions. ISOLATION Villous tissue is collected freshly after delivery and finely minced. The resulting tissue is digested in a two-step process, using Trypsin/DNase to separate cytotrophoblasts and collagenase/DNase to penetrate deeper into the villous stroma, containing HBCs, and obtain a single cell suspension. After a density gradient centrifugation, the corresponding cell layer is collected and subjected to negative immune selection of HBCs, yielding unaffected cells that have not been activated during the isolation process. QUALITY CONTROL In addition to a classical immunocytochemistry (ICC) approach including macrophage markers, and markers for potentially contaminating cell types (e.g. fibroblasts, muscle, mesenchymal cells), we have developed a multi-color flow cytometry (FC) panel. This panel assesses Hofbauer cell purity and polarization states more accurately and comprehensively than qualitative ICC, using percentage analysis of parent cells to estimate the expression levels of specific markers. DISCUSSION The presented protocol allows us to isolate HBCs in significant numbers and high purity, even from placentae compromised by preeclampsia (PE) with limited placental volume. We have successfully developed and implemented this protocol to study healthy, diabetic and PE macrophages, aiding a better understanding of the underlying placental pathophysiology at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Horvat Mercnik
- Medical University of Graz, Austria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit, Austria
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Medical University of Graz, Austria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Carolin Schliefsteiner
- Medical University of Graz, Austria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit, Austria
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2
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Bezemer RE, Faas MM, van Goor H, Gordijn SJ, Prins JR. Decidual macrophages and Hofbauer cells in fetal growth restriction. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379537. [PMID: 39007150 PMCID: PMC11239338 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental macrophages, which include maternal decidual macrophages and fetal Hofbauer cells, display a high degree of phenotypical and functional plasticity. This provides these macrophages with a key role in immunologically driven events in pregnancy like host defense, establishing and maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance. Moreover, placental macrophages have an important role in placental development, including implantation of the conceptus and remodeling of the intrauterine vasculature. To facilitate these processes, it is crucial that placental macrophages adapt accordingly to the needs of each phase of pregnancy. Dysregulated functionalities of placental macrophages are related to placental malfunctioning and have been associated with several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although fetal growth restriction is specifically associated with placental insufficiency, knowledge on the role of macrophages in fetal growth restriction remains limited. This review provides an overview of the distinct functionalities of decidual macrophages and Hofbauer cells in each trimester of a healthy pregnancy and aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which placental macrophages could be involved in the pathogenesis of fetal growth restriction. Additionally, potential immune targeted therapies for fetal growth restriction are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Elisa Bezemer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Marijke M Faas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Sanne Jehanne Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Hoo R, Ruiz-Morales ER, Kelava I, Rawat M, Mazzeo CI, Tuck E, Sancho-Serra C, Chelaghma S, Predeus AV, Murray S, Fernandez-Antoran D, Waller RF, Álvarez-Errico D, Lee MCS, Vento-Tormo R. Acute response to pathogens in the early human placenta at single-cell resolution. Cell Syst 2024; 15:425-444.e9. [PMID: 38703772 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The placenta is a selective maternal-fetal barrier that provides nourishment and protection from infections. However, certain pathogens can attach to and even cross the placenta, causing pregnancy complications with potential lifelong impacts on the child's health. Here, we profiled at the single-cell level the placental responses to three pathogens associated with intrauterine complications-Plasmodium falciparum, Listeria monocytogenes, and Toxoplasma gondii. We found that upon exposure to the pathogens, all placental lineages trigger inflammatory responses that may compromise placental function. Additionally, we characterized the responses of fetal macrophages known as Hofbauer cells (HBCs) to each pathogen and propose that they are the probable niche for T. gondii. Finally, we revealed how P. falciparum adapts to the placental microenvironment by modulating protein export into the host erythrocyte and nutrient uptake pathways. Altogether, we have defined the cellular networks and signaling pathways mediating acute placental inflammatory responses that could contribute to pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hoo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Iva Kelava
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mukul Rawat
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sara Chelaghma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - David Fernandez-Antoran
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marcus C S Lee
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Eskandar S, Bezemer RE, Eggen BJL, Prins JR. Cold Mechanical Isolation of Placental Macrophages as a Method to Limit Procedure-Induced Activation of Macrophages. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1868-1876. [PMID: 37909834 PMCID: PMC10694029 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Isolation of placental macrophages using enzymatic digestion at warm temperatures is widely used for in vitro studies. However, studies in brain and kidney tissue show that this method activates immune cells, immediate early genes, and heat shock proteins. Isolating placental macrophages while preserving their tissue-specific characteristics as much as possible is pivotal to reliably studying their functions. We therefore developed a mechanical dissociation protocol at low temperatures and compared this to enzymatic digestion at high temperatures. Decidual and villous macrophages were isolated from term human placentas. A cell suspension was generated by mechanical dissociation using a gentleMACS. For warm enzymatic digestion, Accutase was added, followed by incubation at 37°C. Macrophages were isolated after Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. Cell types were analyzed with flow cytometry (CD45, CD14, CD80, CD86, CD163, and CD206) and their activation status with real-time PCR (FOS, JUN, HSP27, HSP70, IL1β, TNFα, IL10, and TGFβ) after cell sorting. A higher proportion of leukocytes and macrophages was obtained from the villi with cold mechanical dissociation (p < 0.05). Compared to warm enzymatic digestion, cold mechanical dissociation resulted in a higher expression of CD163 in villous and decidual macrophages (p < 0.05). Warm enzymatic digestion showed higher levels of TNFα, IL1β, and IL10 in decidual and villous macrophages, and HSP70 in villous macrophages. Our data show that mechanical dissociation of placental tissue at low temperatures is associated with less activation of placental macrophages. This suggests that cold mechanical dissociation is a preferred method, resulting in macrophages that more closely resemble their in-tissue state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Eskandar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Romy E. Bezemer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bart J. L. Eggen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jelmer R. Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Thomas JR, Appios A, Calderbank EF, Yoshida N, Zhao X, Hamilton RS, Moffett A, Sharkey A, Laurenti E, Hanna CW, McGovern N. Primitive haematopoiesis in the human placenta gives rise to macrophages with epigenetically silenced HLA-DR. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1764. [PMID: 36997537 PMCID: PMC10063560 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37383-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The earliest macrophages are generated during embryonic development from erythro-myeloid progenitors (EMPs) via primitive haematopoiesis. Although this process is thought to be spatially restricted to the yolk sac in the mouse, in humans, it remains poorly understood. Human foetal placental macrophages, or Hofbauer cells (HBC), arise during the primitive haematopoietic wave ~18 days post conception and lack expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II. Here, we identify a population of placental erythro-myeloid progenitors (PEMPs) in the early human placenta that have conserved features of primitive yolk sac EMPs, including the lack of HLF expression. Using in vitro culture experiments we demonstrate that PEMP generate HBC-like cells lacking HLA-DR expression. We find the absence of HLA-DR in primitive macrophages is mediated via epigenetic silencing of class II transactivator, CIITA, the master regulator of HLA class II gene expression. These findings establish the human placenta as an additional site of primitive haematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake R Thomas
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Appios
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily F Calderbank
- Department of Haematology and Wellcome and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nagisa Yoshida
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Ashley Moffett
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Sharkey
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elisa Laurenti
- Department of Haematology and Wellcome and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Courtney W Hanna
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Naomi McGovern
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Pantazi P, Kaforou M, Tang Z, Abrahams VM, McArdle A, Guller S, Holder B. Placental macrophage responses to viral and bacterial ligands and the influence of fetal sex. iScience 2022; 25:105653. [PMID: 36505933 PMCID: PMC9732417 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and viral infections of the placenta are associated with inflammation and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal-origin macrophages in the placenta, proposed to protect the fetus from vertical pathogen transmission. We performed quantitative proteomics on term HBCs under resting conditions and following exposure to bacterial and viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and investigated the contribution of fetal sex. Resting HBCs expressed proteins pertinent to macrophage function, including chemokines, cytokines, Toll-like receptors, and major histocompatibility complex class I and II molecules. HBCs mounted divergent responses to bacterial versus viral PAMPs but exhibited protein expression changes suggestive of a more pro-inflammatory phenotype. A comparison between male and female HBCs showed that the latter mounted a stronger and wider response. Here, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the sex-dependent responses of placental macrophages to infectious triggers, which were primarily associated with lipid metabolism in males and cytoskeleton organization in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalia Pantazi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Myrsini Kaforou
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Vikki M. Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Andrew McArdle
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Beth Holder
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK
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Thomas JR, Naidu P, Appios A, McGovern N. The Ontogeny and Function of Placental Macrophages. Front Immunol 2021; 12:771054. [PMID: 34745147 PMCID: PMC8566952 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.771054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a fetal-derived organ whose function is crucial for both maternal and fetal health. The human placenta contains a population of fetal macrophages termed Hofbauer cells. These macrophages play diverse roles, aiding in placental development, function and defence. The outer layer of the human placenta is formed by syncytiotrophoblast cells, that fuse to form the syncytium. Adhered to the syncytium at sites of damage, on the maternal side of the placenta, is a population of macrophages termed placenta associated maternal macrophages (PAMM1a). Here we discuss recent developments that have led to renewed insight into our understanding of the ontogeny, phenotype and function of placental macrophages. Finally, we discuss how the application of new technologies within placental research are helping us to further understand these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Naomi McGovern
- Department of Pathology and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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