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Fu T, Wang X, Zhao X, Jiang Y, Liu X, Zhang H, Ren Y, Li Z, Hu X. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of decidual immune cell landscape in the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:213. [PMID: 38730500 PMCID: PMC11088043 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06266-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in early pregnancy. Previous studies have illustrated the landscape of decidual immune cells. However, the landscape of decidual immune cells in the maternal-fetal microenvironment during T. gondii infection remains unknown. METHODS In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the changes in human decidual immune cells following T. gondii infection. The results of scRNA-seq were further validated with flow cytometry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Our results showed that the proportion of 17 decidual immune cell clusters and the expression levels of 21 genes were changed after T. gondii infection. Differential gene analysis demonstrated that T. gondii infection induced the differential expression of 279, 312, and 380 genes in decidual NK cells (dNK), decidual macrophages (dMφ), and decidual T cells (dT), respectively. Our results revealed for the first time that several previously unknown molecules in decidual immune cells changed following infection. This result revealed that the function of maternal-fetal immune tolerance declined, whereas the killing ability of decidual immune cells enhanced, eventually contributing to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable resource for uncovering several novel molecules that play an important role in the occurrence of abnormal pregnancy outcomes induced by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Fu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medial University, Yantai, 264100, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Xiang Z, Yin X, Wei L, Peng M, Zhu Q, Lu X, Guo J, Zhang J, Li X, Zou Y. LILRB4 Checkpoint for Immunotherapy: Structure, Mechanism and Disease Targets. Biomolecules 2024; 14:187. [PMID: 38397424 PMCID: PMC10887124 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
LILRB4, a myeloid inhibitory receptor belonging to the family of leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors (LILRs/LIRs), plays a pivotal role in the regulation of immune tolerance. LILRB4 primarily mediates suppressive immune responses by transmitting inhibitory signals through immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs). This immune checkpoint molecule has gained considerable attention due to its potent regulatory functions. Its ability to induce effector T cell dysfunction and promote T suppressor cell differentiation has been demonstrated, indicating the therapeutic potential of LILRB4 for modulating excessive immune responses, particularly in autoimmune diseases or the induction of transplant tolerance. Additionally, through intervening with LILRB4 molecules, immune system responsiveness can be adjusted, representing significant value in areas such as cancer treatment. Thus, LILRB4 has emerged as a key player in addressing autoimmune diseases, transplant tolerance induction, and other medical issues. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of LILRB4, encompassing its structure, expression, and ligand molecules as well as its role as a tolerance receptor. By exploring the involvement of LILRB4 in various diseases, its significance in disease progression is emphasized. Furthermore, we propose that the manipulation of LILRB4 represents a promising immunotherapeutic strategy and highlight its potential in disease prevention, treatment and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yizhou Zou
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (Z.X.); (X.Y.); (L.W.); (M.P.); (Q.Z.); (X.L.); (J.G.); (J.Z.); (X.L.)
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Gualdoni GS, Barril C, Jacobo PV, Pacheco Rodríguez LN, Cebral E. Involvement of metalloproteinase and nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide mechanisms in early decidual angiogenesis-vascularization of normal and experimental pathological mouse placenta related to maternal alcohol exposure. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1207671. [PMID: 37670932 PMCID: PMC10476144 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1207671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful pregnancy for optimal fetal growth requires adequate early angiogenesis and remodeling of decidual spiral arterioles during placentation. Prior to the initiation of invasion and endothelial replacement by trophoblasts, interactions between decidual stromal cells and maternal leukocytes, such as uterine natural killer cells and macrophages, play crucial roles in the processes of early maternal vascularization, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, differentiation, and matrix and vessel remodeling. These placental angiogenic events are highly dependent on the coordination of several mechanisms at the early maternal-fetal interface, and one of them is the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (NOSs). Inadequate balances of MMPs and nitric oxide (NO) are involved in several placentopathies and pregnancy complications. Since alcohol consumption during gestation can affect fetal growth associated with abnormal placental development, recently, we showed, in a mouse model, that perigestational alcohol consumption up to organogenesis induces fetal malformations related to deficient growth and vascular morphogenesis of the placenta at term. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the early processes of maternal vascularization that lead to the formation of the definitive placenta and the roles of angiogenic MMP and NOS/NO mechanisms during normal and altered early gestation in mice. Then, we propose hypothetical defective decidual cellular and MMP and NOS/NO mechanisms involved in abnormal decidual vascularization induced by perigestational alcohol consumption in an experimental mouse model. This review highlights the important roles of decidual cells and their MMP and NOS balances in the physiological and pathophysiological early maternal angiogenesis-vascularization during placentation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elisa Cebral
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Fisiología Materno-Embrionaria, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Li Y, Guo J, Zhang H, Li Z, Ren Y, Jiang Y, Liu X, Hu X. LILRB4 regulates the function of decidual MDSCs via the SHP-2/STAT6 pathway during Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:237. [PMID: 37461040 PMCID: PMC10353217 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05856-4] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as recurrent abortion, fetal growth restriction and infants with malformations, among others. Decidual myeloid-derived suppressor cells (dMDSCs) are a novel immunosuppressive cell type at the fetal-maternal interface which play an important role in sustaining normal pregnancy that is related to their high expression of the inhibitory molecule leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4). It has been reported that the expression of LILRB4 is downregulated on decidual macrophages after T. gondii infection, but it remains unknown whether T. gondii infection can induce dMDSC dysfunction resulting from the change in LILRB4 expression. METHODS LILRB4-deficient (LILRB4-/-) pregnant mice infected with T. gondii with associated adverse pregnancy outcomes, and anti-LILRB4 neutralized antibodies-treated infected human dMDSCs were used in vivo and in vitro experiments, respectively. The aim was to investigate the effect of LILRB4 expression on dMDSC dysfunction induced by T. gondii infection. RESULTS Toxoplasma gondii infection was observed to reduce STAT3 phosphorylation, resulting in decreased LILRB4 expression on dMDSCs. The levels of the main functional molecules (arginase-1 [Arg-1], interleukin-10 [IL-10]) and main signaling molecules (phosphorylated Src-homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase [p-SHP2], phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 [p-STAT6]) in dMDSCs were all significantly reduced in human and mouse dMDSCs due to the decrease of LILRB4 expression induced by T. gondii infection. SHP-2 was found to directly bind to STAT6 and STAT6 to bind to the promoter of the Arg-1 and IL-10 genes during T. gondii infection. CONCLUSIONS The downregulation of LILRB4 expression on dMDSCs induced by T. gondii infection could regulate the expression of Arg-1 and IL-10 via the SHP-2/STAT6 pathway, resulting in the dysfunction of dMDSCs, which might contribute to adverse outcomes during pregnancy by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuantao Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Lou Y, Fu Z, Tian Y, Hu M, Wang Q, Zhou Y, Wang N, Zhang Q, Jin F. Estrogen-sensitive activation of SGK1 induces M2 macrophages with anti-inflammatory properties and a Th2 response at the maternal-fetal interface. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:50. [PMID: 37226177 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidual macrophages participate in immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface. Abnormal M1/M2 polarization of decidual macrophages might predispose immune maladaptation in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, the mechanism of decidual macrophage polarization is unclear. We explored the role of Estradiol (E2)-sensitive serum-glucocorticoid regulated kinase (SGK) 1 in promoting macrophage polarization and suppressing inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. METHODS We assessed serum levels of E2 and progesterone during first trimester of pregnancy in women with or without threatened miscarriages (ended in live birth, n = 448; or early miscarriages, n = 68). For detection of SGK1 in decidual macrophages, we performed immunofluorescence labeling and western blot analysis applying decidual samples from RPL (n = 93) and early normal pregnancy (n = 66). Human monocytic THP-1 cells were differentiated into macrophages and treated with Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS), E2, inhibitors or siRNA for in vitro analysis. Flow cytometry analysis were conducted to detect macrophages polarization. We also applied ovariectomized (OVX) mice with hormones exploring the mechanisms underlying the regulation of SGK1 activation by E2 in the decidual macrophages in vivo. RESULTS SGK1 expression down regulation in the decidual macrophages of RPL was consistent with the lower concentration and slower increment of serum E2 from 4 to 12 weeks of gestation seen in these compromised pregnancies. LPS reduced SGK1 activities, but induced the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype of THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages and T helper (Th) 1 cytokines that favored pregnancy loss. E2 pretreatment promoted SGK1 activation in the decidual macrophages of OVX mice in vivo. E2 pretreatment amplified SGK1 activation in TLR4-stimulated THP-1 macrophages in vitro through the estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and PI3K pathway. E2-sensitive activation of SGK1 increased M2 macrophages and Th2 immune responses, which were beneficial to successful pregnancy, by inducing ARG1 and IRF4 transcription, which are implicated in normal pregnancy. The experiments on OVX mice have shown that pharmacological inhibition of E2 promoted nuclear translocation of NF-κB in the decidual macrophages. Further more, pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of SGK1 in TLR4-stimulated THP-1 macrophages activated NF-κB by promoting its nuclear translocation, leading to increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in pregnancy loss. CONCLUSION Our findings highlighted the immunomodulatory roles of E2-activated SGK1 in Th2 immune responses by priming anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface, resulting in a balanced immune microenvironment during pregnancy. Our results suggest new perspectives on future preventative strategies for RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Lou
- Department of Gynaecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310007, China.
| | - Zhujing Fu
- Department of Gynaecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
- Medical Department, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua, 321000, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Medical School, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Yangtze River Delta Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection of National Medical Products Administration, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Minhao Hu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qijing Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Reproductive Healthy Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
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Faral-Tello P, Pagotto R, Bollati-Fogolín M, Francia ME. Modeling the human placental barrier to understand Toxoplasma gondii´s vertical transmission. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1130901. [PMID: 36968102 PMCID: PMC10034043 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1130901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite that can infect virtually any warm-blooded animal. Acquired infection during pregnancy and the placental breach, is at the core of the most devastating consequences of toxoplasmosis. T. gondii can severely impact the pregnancy’s outcome causing miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, babies with hydrocephalus, microcephaly or intellectual disability, and other later onset neurological, ophthalmological or auditory diseases. To tackle T. gondii’s vertical transmission, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions at the maternal-fetal interface. Nonetheless, the complexity of the human placenta and the ethical concerns associated with its study, have narrowed the modeling of parasite vertical transmission to animal models, encompassing several unavoidable experimental limitations. Some of these difficulties have been overcome by the development of different human cell lines and a variety of primary cultures obtained from human placentas. These cellular models, though extremely valuable, have limited ability to recreate what happens in vivo. During the last decades, the development of new biomaterials and the increase in stem cell knowledge have led to the generation of more physiologically relevant in vitro models. These cell cultures incorporate new dimensions and cellular diversity, emerging as promising tools for unraveling the poorly understood T. gondii´s infection mechanisms during pregnancy. Herein, we review the state of the art of 2D and 3D cultures to approach the biology of T. gondii pertaining to vertical transmission, highlighting the challenges and experimental opportunities of these up-and-coming experimental platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Faral-Tello
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Pagotto
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Maria E. Francia
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Maria E. Francia,
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Wang J, Zhao SJ, Wang LL, Lin XX, Mor G, Liao AH. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B: A novel immune checkpoint molecule at the maternal-fetal interface. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 155:103764. [PMID: 36434938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Due to their crucial roles in embryo implantation, maternal-fetal tolerance induction, and pregnancy progression, immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs), such as programmed cell death-1, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4, and T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3, are considered potential targets for clinical intervention in pregnancy complications. Despite the considerable progress on these molecules, our understanding of ICMs at the maternal-fetal interface is still limited. Identification of alternative and novel ICMs and the combination of multiple ICMs is urgently needed for deeply understanding the mechanism of maternal-fetal tolerance and to discover the causes of pregnancy complications. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B (LILRB) is a novel class of ICMs with strong negative regulatory effects on the immune response. Recent studies have revealed that LILRB is enriched in decidual immune cells and stromal cells at the maternal-fetal interface, which can modulate the biological behavior of immune cells and promote immune tolerance. In this review, we introduce the structural features, expression profiles, ligands, and orthologs of LILRB. In addition, the potential mechanisms and functions mediated by LILRB for sustaining the maternal-fetal tolerance microenvironment, remodeling the uterine spiral artery, and induction of pregnancy immune memory are summarized. We have also provided new suggestions for further understanding the roles of LILRB and potential therapeutic strategies for pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Si-Jia Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Li-Ling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xin-Xiu Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
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Effect of B7-H4 downregulation induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection on dysfunction of decidual macrophages contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:464. [PMID: 36514159 PMCID: PMC9746109 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05560-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy can lead to fetal defect(s) or congenital complications. The inhibitory molecule B7-H4 expressed on decidual macrophages (dMφ) plays an important role in maternal-fetal tolerance. However, the effect of B7-H4 on the function of dMφ during T. gondii infection remains unclear. METHODS Changes in B7-H4 expression on dMφ after T. gondii infection were explored both in vivo and in vitro. B7-H4-/- pregnant mice (pregnant mice with B7-H4 gene knockout) and purified primary human dMφ treated with B7-H4 neutralizing antibody were used to explore the role of B7-H4 signaling on regulating the membrane molecules, synthesis of arginine metabolic enzymes and cytokine production by dMφ with T. gondii infection. Also, adoptive transfer of dMφ from wild-type (WT) pregnant mice or B7-H4-/- pregnant mice to infected B7-H4-/- pregnant mice was used to examine the effect of B7-H4 on adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by T. gondii infection. RESULTS The results illustrated that B7-H4-/- pregnant mice infected by T. gondii had poorer pregnancy outcomes than their wild-type counterparts. The expression of B7-H4 on dMφ significantly decreased after T. gondii infection, which resulted in the polarization of dMφ from the M2 toward the M1 phenotype by changing the expression of membrane molecules (CD80, CD86, CD163, CD206), synthesis of arginine metabolic enzymes (Arg-1, iNOS) and production of cytokines (IL-10, TNF-α) production. Also, we found that the B7-H4 downregulation after T. gondii infection increased iNOS and TNF-α expression mediated through the JAK2/STAT1 signaling pathway. In addition, adoptive transfer of dMφ from a WT pregnant mouse donor rather than from a B7-H4-/- pregnant mouse donor was able to improve adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by T. gondii infection. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated that the downregulation of B7-H4 induced by T. gondii infection led to the dysfunction of decidual macrophages and contributed to abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, adoptive transfer of B7-H4+ dMφ could improve adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by T. gondii infection.
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Xie H, Li Z, Zheng G, Yang C, Liu X, Xu X, Ren Y, Wang C, Hu X. Tim-3 downregulation by Toxoplasma gondii infection contributes to decidual dendritic cell dysfunction. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:393. [PMID: 36303229 PMCID: PMC9615254 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women in early pregnancy infected by Toxoplasma gondii may have severe adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as spontaneous abortion and fetal malformation. The inhibitory molecule T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) is highly expressed on decidual dendritic cells (dDCs) and plays an important role in maintaining immune tolerance. However, whether T. gondii infection can cause dDC dysfunction by influencing the expression of Tim-3 and further participate in adverse pregnancy outcomes is still unclear. Methods An abnormal pregnancy model in Tim-3-deficient mice and primary human dDCs treated with Tim-3 neutralizing antibodies were used to examine the effect of Tim-3 expression on dDC dysfunction after T. gondii infection. Results Following T. gondii infection, the expression of Tim-3 on dDCs was downregulated, those of the pro-inflammatory functional molecules CD80, CD86, MHC-II, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) were increased, while those of the tolerant molecules indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were significantly reduced. Tim-3 downregulation by T. gondii infection was closely associated with an increase in proinflammatory molecules and a decrease in tolerant molecules, which further resulted in dDC dysfunction. Moreover, the changes in Tim-3 induced by T. gondii infection further reduced the secretion of the cytokine IL-10 via the SRC-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway, which ultimately contributed to abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions Toxoplasma gondii infection can significantly downregulate the expression of Tim-3 and cause the aberrant expression of functional molecules in dDCs. This leads to dDC dysfunction, which can ultimately contribute to abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Further, the expression of the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-10 was significantly decreased by Tim-3 downregulation, which was mediated by the SRC-STAT3 signaling pathway in dDCs after T. gondii infection. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05506-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbing Xie
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangmei Zheng
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- Department of Oral Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Guimarães Gois PS, Franco PS, Cota Teixeira S, Guirelli PM, de Araújo TE, da Fonseca Batistão DW, de Oliveira FC, Lícia Santos Ferreira G, de Oliveira Gomes A, Favoreto S, Mineo JR, de Freitas Barbosa B, Ferro EAV. Polarisation of human macrophages towards an M1 subtype triggered by an atypical Brazilian strain of Toxoplasma gondii results in a reduction in parasite burden. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2022; 69. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2022.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Bai RX, Chen XZ, Ren JF, Hu L, Li H, Wang H, He C. Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry protein (TgROP18) enhances the expression of pro-inflammatory factor in LPS/IFN-γ-induced murine BV2 microglia cells via NF-κB signal pathway. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106650. [PMID: 35963313 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an opportunistic pathogenic protozoan, exhibits a strong predilection to infect the brain, causing severe neurological diseases, such as toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE), in immunocompromised patients. Microglia, the resident immune cells in the brain, is reported to play important roles in regulating the neuroinflammation mediated by T. gondii infection. Here we demonstrated that the tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain could significantly upregulate the expression levels of microglial M1 phenotype markers including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS and IL18 in activated murine BV2 microglia cells, which were regulated by T. gondii rhoptry protein 18 (TgROP18). Moreover, we found that TgROP18 could enhance the expression of M1 phenotype markers in activated murine BV2 microglia cells via activating NF-κB signal pathway. Additionally, TgROP18 was suggested to interact with the host p65 in activated murine BV2 microglia cells and induce the phosphorylation of p65 at S536. In summary, the present study demonstrated that TgROP18 could promote the activated microglia to polarize to M1 phenotype and enhanced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors via activating NF-κB signal pathway, which could contribute to elucidating the mechanism underlying the neuroinflammation mediated by activated microglia in the brain with T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Xue Bai
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Xin-Zhu Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Jin-Feng Ren
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Lang Hu
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China.
| | - Cheng He
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China.
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12
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Abstract
Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4) is an inhibitory receptor in the LILR family mainly expressed on normal and malignant human cells of myeloid origin. By binding to ligands, LILRB4 is activated and subsequently recruits adaptors to cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine inhibitory motifs to initiate different signaling cascades, thus playing an important role in physiological and pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases, microbial infections, and cancers. In normal myeloid cells, LILRB4 regulates intrinsic cell activation and differentiation. In disease-associated or malignant myeloid cells, LILRB4 is significantly correlated with disease severity or patient survival and suppresses T cells, thereby participating in the pathogenesis of various diseases. In summary, LILRB4 functions as an immune checkpoint on myeloid cells and may be a promising therapeutic target for various human immune diseases, especially for cancer immunotherapy.
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13
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Wei CY, Li MQ, Zhu XY, Li DJ. Immune status of decidual macrophages is dependent on the CCL2/CCR2/JAK2 pathway during early pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13480. [PMID: 34191381 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Decidual macrophages (dMφ ) play an important role in the formation of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. However, factors that influence the immune status of dMφ and the related potential mechanisms have not been elucidated to date. METHOD OF STUDY The gene transcription in dMφ , decidual stromal cells (DSCs), extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), and peripheral monocytes (pMo) from human samples were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Monocyte-DSC co-culture was established to explore whether DSCs influenced dMφ polarization via C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2)-C-C chemokine receptor (CCR2) binding using flow cytometry. In vivo, changes in dMφ percentage and M1 and M2 marker expression after treatment with CCR2 or Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor were detected with flow cytometry. Embryo resorption percentages in the above groups were also analyzed. RESULTS We found that dMφ were an M1/M2 mixed status at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy. CCL2 influenced the immune status of dMφ in an autocrine and paracrine manner. As a downstream regulator of CCR2 and triggers the Stat3 pathway, JAK2 was found to be essential for dMφ homeostasis in vivo. JAK2 inhibitor decreased the dMφ proportion and attenuated Ki67, CD36, CD86, CD206, TNF, and IL-10 expression in dMφ at E8.5 d. Moreover, CCR2-JAK2 pathway inhibition decreased the width of the placental labyrinth layer, further influencing the pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSION The M1/M2 mixed immune status of dMφ was regulated by DSCs via CCR2, and the CCL2/CCR2/JAK2 pathway was essential for the immune status of dMφ and the outcome of early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yan Wei
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital and Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital and Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital and Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital and Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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14
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Ikeda R, Ushio N, Abdou AM, Furuoka H, Nishikawa Y. Toll-Like Receptor 2 is Involved in Abnormal Pregnancy in Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii During Late Pregnancy. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:741104. [PMID: 34675905 PMCID: PMC8524087 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.741104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy causes failure of pregnancy maintenance, resulting in fetal death, abortion, stillbirth, or premature birth, but the mechanism of disease onset remains unclear. Although Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is expressed on antigen-presenting cells and trophoblasts, the role of TLR2 in T. gondii infection during pregnancy is unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR2 in congenital toxoplasmosis using TLR2-deficient (TLR2−/−) mice. T. gondii infection on gestational day 12.5 (Gd12.5) induced more abnormal pregnancy, including premature birth and stillbirth, in wild-type mice than in TLR2−/− mice. Multiple calcifications were observed in the placentas of the infected wild-type mice. At Gd18.5 (6days postinfection), the parasite numbers in the placenta and uterus and the histological changes did not differ significantly between the wild-type and TLR2−/− mice. However, T. gondii infection reduced the mRNA expression of interleukin-12p40 (IL-12p40) and increased IL-4 and IL-10 mRNAs in the placentas of the wild-type mice. In contrast, the placentas of the TLR2−/− mice showed no changes in the expression of these cytokines, including IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α, in response to T. gondii infection. Serum interferon-γ levels were significantly lower in the infected TLR2−/− mice than in the infected wild-type mice on Gd18.5. Thus, the TLR2−/− mice were less susceptible to the induction of immune responses by T. gondii infection during late pregnancy. Therefore, TLR2 signaling may play a role in the development of disease states during pregnancy, specifically placental hypofunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Ikeda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Nanako Ushio
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Ahmed M Abdou
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.,Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Hidefumi Furuoka
- Division of Pathobiological Science, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
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15
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Mitsune A, Yamada M, Fujino N, Numakura T, Ichikawa T, Suzuki A, Matsumoto S, Mitsuhashi Y, Itakura K, Makiguchi T, Koarai A, Tamada T, Endo S, Takai T, Okada Y, Suzuki S, Ichinose M, Sugiura H. Upregulation of leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 on interstitial macrophages in COPD; their possible protective role against emphysema formation. Respir Res 2021; 22:232. [PMID: 34425800 PMCID: PMC8383377 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01828-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4) is one of the inhibitory receptors in various types of immune cells including macrophages. Previous reports suggested that LILRB4 could be involved in a negative feedback system to prevent excessive inflammatory responses. However, its role has been unclear in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in which macrophages play a crucial role in the pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to examine the changes of LILRB4 on macrophages both in the lung specimens of COPD patients and the lungs of a mouse emphysema model. We then tried to compare the differences in both inflammation and emphysematous changes of the model between wild-type and LILRB4-deficient mice in order to elucidate the role of LILRB4 in the pathogenesis of COPD. Methods We prepared single-cell suspensions of resected lung specimens of never-smokers (n = 21), non-COPD smokers (n = 16), and COPD patients (n = 14). The identification of LILRB4-expressing cells and the level of LILRB4 expression were evaluated by flow cytometry. We analyzed the relationships between the LILRB4 expression and clinical characteristics including respiratory function. In the experiments using an elastase-induced mouse model of emphysema, we also analyzed the LILRB4 expression on lung macrophages. We compared inflammatory cell accumulation and emphysematous changes induced by elastase instillation between wild-type and LILRB4-deficient mice. Results The levels of surface expression of LILRB4 are relatively high on monocyte linage cells including macrophages in the human lungs. The percentage of LILRB4+ cells in lung interstitial macrophages was increased in COPD patients compared to non-COPD smokers (p = 0.018) and correlated with the severity of emphysematous lesions detected by CT scan (rs = 0.559, p < 0.001), whereas the amount of smoking showed no correlation with LILRB4 expression. Increased LILRB4 on interstitial macrophages was also observed in elastase-treated mice (p = 0.008). LILRB4-deficient mice showed severer emphysematous lesions with increased MMP-12 expression in the model. Conclusions LILRB4 on interstitial macrophages was upregulated both in human COPD lungs and in a mouse model of emphysema. This upregulated LILRB4 may have a protective effect against emphysema formation, possibly through decreasing MMP-12 expression in the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Mitsune
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Yamada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan.
| | - Naoya Fujino
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Tadahisa Numakura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ichikawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Ayumi Suzuki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Shuichiro Matsumoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Mitsuhashi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Koji Itakura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Tomonori Makiguchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Akira Koarai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Tamada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
| | - Shota Endo
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808575, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takai
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808575, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Okada
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808575, Japan
| | - Satoshi Suzuki
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Ishinomaki Hospital, Ishinomaki, Miyagi, 9868522, Japan
| | - Masakazu Ichinose
- Academic Center, Osaki Citizen Hospital, Osaki, Miyagi, 9896183, Japan
| | - Hisatoshi Sugiura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
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16
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Fan C, Dai Y, Zhang L, Rui C, Wang X, Luan T, Fan Y, Dong Z, Hou W, Li P, Liao Q, Zeng X. Aerobic Vaginitis Induced by Escherichia coli Infection During Pregnancy Can Result in Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Through the IL-4/JAK-1/STAT-6 Pathway. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:651426. [PMID: 33897665 PMCID: PMC8058192 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.651426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerobic vaginitis (AV) can occur if normal vaginal microflora are dominated by aerobic bacteria, seriously affects not only female health, but also fetal health while they are pregnant. Besides, pregnant status also aggravates the symptoms and consequences of the infection. Here, we infected pregnant BALB/c mice with Escherichia coli on embryonic day 4.5 (E4.5) (study group), and administered an equivalent volume of phosphate-buffered saline in another cohort of pregnant mice (control group). We recorded the weight of pregnant mice and their fetuses. The maternal and fetal weight of the study group decreased in comparison with that of the control group, whereas the weight of placenta increased in the study group. Then, five genes with significant upregulation and 15 genes with downregulation were screened. Expression of interleukin 4 (IL-4) mRNA in the study group decreased to 18.5%. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed IL-4 expression in mouse plasma declined in the study group at E11.5 and E18.5. mRNA expression of chemokine (c-c motif) ligand (CCL)-17, CCL-22, CCL-24, IL-4, Janus Kinase (JAK)-1, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-6, and GATA-3 showed significant downregulation in placental and uterine tissues. Flow cytometry of primary decidual macrophages (DMs) revealed more M1-like macrophages in the study group. And after addition of IL-4 to DMs, more M1 macrophages polarized to M2 type macrophages. We did not discover bacteria existed in mouse placentas. Our study affords a feasible method for exploring and managing AV during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Fan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Youjin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Model Animal Research, Animal Core Facility of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Can Rui
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Luan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuru Fan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyong Dong
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenwen Hou
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qinping Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
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17
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Li T, Cui L, Xu X, Zhang H, Jiang Y, Ren L, Yang C, Liu X, Hu X. The Role of Tim-3 on dNK Cells Dysfunction During Abnormal Pregnancy With Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:587150. [PMID: 33718261 PMCID: PMC7953497 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.587150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection during gestation can result in severe complications such as abortion, congenital malformation, fetal teratogenesis, etc. Immune inhibitory molecule Tim-3 was discovered to be expressed on some decidual immune cells and participates in the maintenance of maternal-fetal tolerance. Dysregulation of Tim-3 expression on decidual NK (dNK) cells was observed in several cases of pregnancy complications, whereas the role of Tim-3 on dNK cells during T. gondii infection remains unclear. In the present study, T. gondii infected Tim-3-/- pregnant mice, and anti-Tim-3 neutralizing antibody treated and infected human dNK cells were successfully established to explore the role of Tim-3 in dysfunction of dNK cells during abnormal pregnancy. Our results illustrated that Tim-3-/- pregnant mice displayed more worse pregnancy outcomes with T. gondii infection compared to infected WT pregnant mice. Also, it demonstrated that Tim-3 expression on dNK cells was significantly down-regulated following T. gondii infection. Data suggested a remarkable activation of dNK cells in Tim-3-/- mice and anti-Tim-3 neutralizing antibody treated and infected groups, with higher ratios of activating receptor NKG2D to inhibitory receptor NKG2A or KIR2DL4, IFN-γ/IL-10, and increased granule production compared with that of the infected group. Mechanism analysis proved that T. gondii-induced Tim-3 down-regulation significantly activated the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT and JAK-STAT signaling pathway, by which the GranzymeB, Perforin, IFN-γ, and IL-10 production were further up-regulated. Our research demonstrated that the decrease of Tim-3 on dNK cells caused by T. gondii infection further led to dNK cells function disorder, which finally contributed to the development of abnormal pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Lijun Cui
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Liqin Ren
- Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- School of Stomatology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
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18
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Deng M, Chen H, Liu X, Huang R, He Y, Yoo B, Xie J, John S, Zhang N, An Z, Zhang CC. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B: therapeutic targets in cancer. Antib Ther 2021; 4:16-33. [PMID: 33928233 PMCID: PMC7944505 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors (LILRBs 1–5) transduce signals via intracellular immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs that recruit phosphatases to negatively regulate immune activation. The activation of LILRB signaling in immune cells may contribute to immune evasion. In addition, the expression and signaling of LILRBs in cancer cells especially in certain hematologic malignant cells directly support cancer development. Certain LILRBs thus have dual roles in cancer biology—as immune checkpoint molecules and tumor-supporting factors. Here, we review the expression, ligands, signaling, and functions of LILRBs, as well as therapeutic development targeting them. LILRBs may represent attractive targets for cancer treatment, and antagonizing LILRB signaling may prove to be effective anti-cancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Deng
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Heyu Chen
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaoye Liu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ryan Huang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yubo He
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Byounggyu Yoo
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jingjing Xie
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Samuel John
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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19
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Chambers M, Rees A, Cronin JG, Nair M, Jones N, Thornton CA. Macrophage Plasticity in Reproduction and Environmental Influences on Their Function. Front Immunol 2021; 11:607328. [PMID: 33519817 PMCID: PMC7840613 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.607328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are key components of the innate immune system and exhibit extensive plasticity and heterogeneity. They play a significant role in the non-pregnant cycling uterus and throughout gestation they contribute to various processes underpinning reproductive success including implantation, placentation and parturition. Macrophages are also present in breast milk and impart immunomodulatory benefits to the infant. For a healthy pregnancy, the maternal immune system must adapt to prevent fetal rejection and support development of the semi-allogenic fetus without compromising host defense. These functions are dependent on macrophage polarization which is governed by the local tissue microenvironmental milieu. Disruption of this microenvironment, possibly by environmental factors of infectious and non-infectious origin, can affect macrophage phenotype and function and is linked to adverse obstetric outcomes, e.g. spontaneous miscarriage and preterm birth. Determining environmental influences on cellular and molecular mechanisms that control macrophage polarization at the maternal-fetal interface and the role of this in pregnancy complications could support approaches to alleviating adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Chambers
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - April Rees
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - James G Cronin
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Manju Nair
- Maternity and Child Health, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Jones
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine A Thornton
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
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20
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Li J, Gao A, Zhang F, Wang S, Wang J, Wang J, Han S, Yang Z, Chen X, Fang Y, Jiang G, Sun Y. ILT3 promotes tumor cell motility and angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 501:263-276. [PMID: 33152402 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT) 3 is an immunosuppressive molecule that negatively regulates myeloid cell activation. ILT3 overexpression in tumor cells induces immune escape of solid tumors and facilitates invasion of monocytic acute myeloid leukemia cells. However, the expression and function of ILT3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells remain elusive. Herein, we found that ILT3 was enriched in human NSCLC cells, and predicted advanced disease and poor overall survival. ILT3 overexpression enhanced the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells and tubule formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by upregulating and interacting with its ligand apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in vitro. Mechanistically, ILT3 recruited SHP2 and SHIP1, and subsequently activated ERK1/2 signaling mediating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A expression in NSCLC cells, which are responsible for tumor cell motility and angiogenesis, respectively. Using murine metastasis models, we further confirmed ILT3 promoted NSCLC metastasis and explored the exact correlation of ILT3 with ApoE, EMT, and VEGF-A in vivo. These results unraveled novel mechanisms for ILT3-induced tumor progression and proposed ILT3 as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, PR China
| | - Aiqin Gao
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, PR China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, PR China
| | - Shuyun Wang
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, PR China
| | - Jingnan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, PR China
| | - Shuyi Han
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, PR China
| | - Zijiang Yang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Xiaozheng Chen
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Yuying Fang
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, PR China
| | - Guosheng Jiang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 256600, PR China
| | - Yuping Sun
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, PR China; Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, PR China.
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21
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Heaster TM, Humayun M, Yu J, Beebe DJ, Skala MC. Autofluorescence Imaging of 3D Tumor-Macrophage Microscale Cultures Resolves Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Macrophage Metabolism. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5408-5423. [PMID: 33093167 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit a spectrum of protumor and antitumor functions, yet it is unclear how the TME regulates this macrophage heterogeneity. Standard methods to measure macrophage heterogeneity require destructive processing, limiting spatiotemporal studies of function within the live, intact 3D TME. Here, we demonstrate two-photon autofluorescence imaging of NAD(P)H and FAD to nondestructively resolve spatiotemporal metabolic heterogeneity of individual macrophages within 3D microscale TME models. Fluorescence lifetimes and intensities of NAD(P)H and FAD were acquired at 24, 48, and 72 hours poststimulation for mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) stimulated with IFNγ or IL4 plus IL13 in 2D culture, confirming that autofluorescence measurements capture known metabolic phenotypes. To quantify metabolic dynamics of macrophages within the TME, mouse macrophages or human monocytes (RAW264.7 or THP-1) were cultured alone or with breast cancer cells (mouse polyoma-middle T virus or primary human IDC) in 3D microfluidic platforms. Human monocytes and mouse macrophages in tumor cocultures exhibited significantly different FAD mean lifetimes and greater migration than monocultures at 24, 48, and 72 hours postseeding. In cocultures with primary human cancer cells, actively migrating monocyte-derived macrophages had greater redox ratios [NAD(P)H/FAD intensity] compared with passively migrating monocytes at 24 and 48 hours postseeding, reflecting metabolic heterogeneity in this subpopulation of monocytes. Genetic analyses further confirmed this metabolic heterogeneity. These results establish label-free autofluorescence imaging to quantify dynamic metabolism, polarization, and migration of macrophages at single-cell resolution within 3D microscale models. This combined culture and imaging system provides unique insights into spatiotemporal tumor-immune cross-talk within the 3D TME. SIGNIFICANCE: Label-free metabolic imaging and microscale culture technologies enable monitoring of single-cell macrophage metabolism, migration, and function in the 3D tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany M Heaster
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jiaquan Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Massachusetts Institute of Technology Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Melissa C Skala
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin. .,Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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22
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Yang J, Lai Y, Chen J, Lin B, Zhou B, Han X. Changes in alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and macrophage polarization state participate in the regulation of cervical remodeling in pregnant rats†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:950-960. [PMID: 31342065 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that changes in alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) expression on macrophages and macrophage polarization participate in cervical remodeling during normal pregnancy, pregnant rats from gestational days (GDs) 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 were used in the present study. The expression of α7nAChR on macrophages and the numbers of M1 and M2 macrophages were detected by double immunofluorescence staining. The levels of α7nAChR and collagens were detected by western blotting. M1 markers (inducible nitric oxide synthase and inflammatory cytokines) and M2 markers (arginase 1, anti-inflammatory cytokines) were detected to evaluate the macrophage polarization state by immunohistochemistry staining, western blotting, and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression was determined by immunohistochemistry staining and western blotting. We found that the α7nAChR expression on macrophages significantly decreased on GD22 compared to GDs 14, 16, 18, and 20. There was an increased number of M1 macrophages and decreased number of M2 macrophages in late pregnancy. The expression of M1 macrophage biomarkers was much higher on GDs 20 and 22 than on GDs 14, 16, and 18, but expression of M2 biomarkers decreased on GDs 20 and 22 compared to GDs 14, 16, and 18. MMP-9 expression was higher on GD22 than on GDs 14, 16, 18, and 20, and collagen expression significantly decreased on GDs 18, 20, and 22 compared to GD14. Our results indicated that the decreased expression of α7nAChR and increased number of M1 macrophages are associated with cervical remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yumian Lai
- Department of Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juanhua Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baohua Lin
- Department of Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinjia Han
- Department of Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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23
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Liu J, Wu Q, Shi J, Guo W, Jiang X, Zhou B, Ren C. LILRB4, from the immune system to the disease target. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:3149-3166. [PMID: 32774691 PMCID: PMC7407714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Leukocyte immunoglobulin (Ig)-like receptor B4 (LILRB4) is a member of leukocyte Ig-like receptors (LILRs), which associate with membrane adaptors to signal through multiple cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs). Under physiological conditions, LILRB4 plays a very important role in the function of the immune system through its expression on various immune cells, such as T cells and plasma cells. Under pathological conditions, LILRB4 affects the processes of various diseases, such as the transformation and infiltration of tumors and leukemias, through various signaling pathways. Differential expression of LILRB4 is present in a variety of immune system diseases, such as Kawasaki disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and sepsis. Recent studies have shown that LILRB4 also plays a role in mental illness. The important role of LILRB4 in the immune system and its differential expression in a variety of diseases make LILRB4 a potential prophylactic and therapeutic target for a variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qiwen Wu
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Weihua Guo
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xingjun Jiang
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Bolun Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Caiping Ren
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, Hunan, China
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24
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Winkler CW, Evans AB, Carmody AB, Peterson KE. Placental Myeloid Cells Protect against Zika Virus Vertical Transmission in a Rag1-Deficient Mouse Model. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2020; 205:143-152. [PMID: 32493813 PMCID: PMC8328348 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The ability of Zika virus (ZIKV) to cross the placenta and infect the fetus is a key mechanism by which ZIKV causes microcephaly. How the virus crosses the placenta and the role of the immune response in this process remain unclear. In the current study, we examined how ZIKV infection affected innate immune cells within the placenta and fetus and whether these cells influenced virus vertical transmission (VTx). We found myeloid cells were elevated in the placenta of pregnant ZIKV-infected Rag1-/- mice treated with an anti-IFNAR Ab, primarily at the end of pregnancy as well as transiently in the fetus several days before birth. These cells, which included maternal monocyte/macrophages, neutrophils, and fetal myeloid cells contained viral RNA and infectious virus, suggesting they may be infected and contributing to viral replication and VTx. However, depletion of monocyte/macrophage myeloid cells from the dam during ZIKV infection resulted in increased ZIKV infection in the fetus. Myeloid cells in the fetus were not depleted in this experiment, likely because of an inability of liposome particles containing the cytotoxic drug to cross the placenta. Thus, the increased virus infection in the fetus was not the result of an impaired fetal myeloid response or breakdown of the placental barrier. Collectively, these data suggest that monocyte/macrophage myeloid cells in the placenta play a significant role in inhibiting ZIKV VTx to the fetus, possibly through phagocytosis of virus or virus-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clayton W Winkler
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840; and
| | - Alyssa B Evans
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840; and
| | - Aaron B Carmody
- Research Technologies Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840
| | - Karin E Peterson
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840; and
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25
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Cui W, Wang C, Luo Q, Xing T, Shen J, Wang W. Toxoplasma gondii ROP16 I Deletion: The Exacerbated Impact on Adverse Pregnant Outcomes in Mice. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3151. [PMID: 32082272 PMCID: PMC7005636 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Imbalance of Th1 and Th2 response at the maternal-fetal interface is considered as a radical event in the pathogenesis of immunity-related pregnant diseases. It has been demonstrated that the ROP16I, a rhoptry protein of Toxoplasma gondii, and the viable parasite with ROP16I may induce M2 macrophage polarization in host innate immunity and may be involved in the adverse pregnant outcomes. However, the mechanisms by which T. gondii-derived effectors subvert the immune tolerance in the pathology of pregnancy remain unclear. Here, we constructed the RH strain with ROP16I deletion (RHΔrop16) to explore the pathogenesis of abnormal pregnancy. We found that C57BL/6 mice infected with RHΔrop16 exhibited the increased resorption of fetuses and more severe adverse pathology of placentae at the early phase of gestation, as compared to the mice infected with RH wild type (RH WT) parasite. Additionally, RHΔrop16 strain infection significantly promoted M1 macrophage phenotypes of CD80 and CD86, and decreased CD206 expression of M2 macrophages, with upregulation of the iNOS and downregulation of the Arg-1 expression in placental homogenates. Simultaneously, the pro-inflammatory cytokines of IL-12 and TNF-α were elevated whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokine of TGF-β1 was dampened. Moreover, the p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α MAPK) was notably phosphorylated in placental macrophages infected with both RHΔrop16 and RH WT strains compared with the control. Taken together, our findings indicated that ROP16I deletion of type I RH strain may cause exacerbated adverse pregnant outcomes, which is attributable to subversion of the maternal immune tolerance due to the increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pregnant animals. The results also suggest that ROP16I might be a protective factor and other T. gondii-derived molecules might be involved in the M1-Th1 biased pathological process in aberrant pregnancy at the early phase of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Cui
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses Anhui, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, China
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses Anhui, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tian Xing
- The Key Laboratory of Oral Disease Research of Anhui, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses Anhui, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses Anhui, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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26
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Mao K, Cong X, Feng L, Chen H, Wang J, Wu C, Liu K, Xiao C, Yang YG, Sun T. Intratumoral delivery of M-CSF by calcium crosslinked polymer micelles enhances cancer immunotherapy. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:2769-2776. [PMID: 31012882 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00226j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown promising results in multiple malignancies. However, there are still significant challenges in cancer immunotherapy including the powerful immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and adverse off-target side effects. Nanomaterials with defined physico-biochemical properties are versatile drug delivery platforms that may address these key technical challenges faced by cancer immunotherapy. Here, a tumor acidity-responsive biomacromolecule delivery system was designed to intratumorally deliver an immune-activating cytokine, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and attenuate the acidic microenvironment. This nanoparticle was prepared by introducing CaCO3 as a crosslinker to form an M-CSF-loaded stable micelle (NP/M-CSF/CaCO3). Administration of NP/M-CSF/CaCO3 significantly inhibited tumor growth by enhancing T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses and reversing the TAM-mediated immunosuppression. This study provides new avenues for cascade amplification of the antitumor effects by targeting the tumor microenvironment. This approach may also help avoid unwanted complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuirong Mao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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27
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Zhang D, Ren L, Zhao M, Yang C, Liu X, Zhang H, Jiang Y, Sun X, Li T, Cui L, Hu X. Role of Tim-3 in Decidual Macrophage Functional Polarization During Abnormal Pregnancy With Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1550. [PMID: 31354713 PMCID: PMC6637377 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) can lead to devastating consequences during gestation. Tim-3, a negative immune regulator, is constitutively expressed on decidual macrophages, but its specific role during T. gondii infection has not yet been explored. In the present study, we discovered that Tim-3 plays an important role in the abnormal pregnancy due to T. gondii infection using Tim-3−/− pregnant mice and anti-Tim-3 neutralizing antibody treated human decidual macrophages. The results showed that abnormal pregnancy outcomes were more prevalent in Tim-3−/− infected pregnant mice than in wild-type infected pregnant mice. Tim-3 expression in decidual macrophages was significantly down-regulated after T. gondii infection both in vitro and in vivo. Tim-3 down-regulation by T.gondii infection could strengthen M1 activation and weaken M2 tolerance by changing the M1 and M2 membrane molecule expression, arginine metabolic enzymes synthesis, and cytokine secretion profiles of decidual macrophages. Moreover, Tim-3 down-regulation by T.gondii infection led to PI3K-AKT phosphorylation inhibition, downstream transcription factor C/EBPβ expression, and SOCS1 activation, which resulted in enzymes synthesis regulation and cytokines secretion. Our study demonstrates that Tim-3 plays an indispensable role in the adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Liqin Ren
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Mingdong Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xinyue Sun
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Teng Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Lijun Cui
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
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28
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Jašić M, Štifter S, Sindičić Dessardo N, Rukavina KM, Mustać E, Belci D. The relationship between histologic chorioamnionitis and decidual macrophage polarization and their influence on outcomes of neonates born before the 32nd gestational week. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:1535-1544. [PMID: 31258026 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1638906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the relationship between histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) and decidual macrophage (DM) polarization and their influence on outcomes of neonates born before the 32nd gestational week. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-four neonates and their placentas were included in this retrospective case-control study and divided into two groups: with and without HCA present (HCA + and HCA-). Neonatal, maternal, and placental risk factors were explored and their influence on neonatal outcomes was examined. We used CD68 and iNOS as markers for polarized DMs type 1 (M1) and CD163, CD206 and arginase (Arg-1) for polarized DMs type 2 (M2). RESULTS HCA was present in 47 (56%) cases, and 37 (44%) cases were without the present HCA. There was no statistically significant difference in neonatal risk factors between the two groups (HCA + and HCA-). Higher rates of HCA (p = .042) were observed in mothers who received antepartum corticosteroid therapy. The frequency of vaginal deliveries in HCA + pregnancies was significantly higher than in HCA- pregnancies where deliveries by cesarean section were more frequently observed (p < .001). M2 DM were more abundant in the HCA + group (p = .035). Multiple regression model assessed the association between the presence of HCA, M1, and M2 DM with ROP stages. It has been observed that HCA is a risk factor for ROP stages (β coefficient = 0.34, rpartial = 0.246, p = .024). With the logistic regression model, the association between the presence of HCA, M1, and M2 DM with neonatal nCPAP respiratory support and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was assessed. The presence of M2 macrophages in decidua is an independent risk factor for neonatal nCPAP respiratory support (coefficient -0.07, OR = 0.928, 95% CI 0.87-0.99, p = .024) and the presence of M1 macrophages in decidua increases the risk for NEC (coefficient 0.010, OR = 1.0108, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, p = .032). CONCLUSIONS The significantly more abundant presence of M2 DM was detected in HCA + placentas and their association with the increased risk for neonatal nCPAP respiratory support was observed. On the contrary, the presence of M1 DM increases the risk for NEC. The presence of HCA is a risk factor for ROP stages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanja Štifter
- Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | | | - Elvira Mustać
- Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Dragan Belci
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Opca Bolnica Pula, Pula, Croatia
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29
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Li Q, Wei G, Tao T. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4) negatively mediates the pathological cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing fibrosis, inflammation and apoptosis via the activation of NF-κB signaling. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 509:16-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.11.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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30
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Borges M, Magalhães Silva T, Brito C, Teixeira N, Roberts CW. How does toxoplasmosis affect the maternal-foetal immune interface and pregnancy? Parasite Immunol 2018; 41:e12606. [PMID: 30471137 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite which, depending on the geographical location, can infect between 10% and 90% of humans. Infection during pregnancy may result in congenital toxoplasmosis. The effects on the foetus vary depending on the stage of gestation in which primary maternal infection arises. A large body of research has focused on understanding immune response to toxoplasmosis, although few studies have addressed how it is affected by pregnancy or the pathological consequences of infection at the maternal-foetal interface. There is a lack of knowledge about how maternal immune cells, specifically macrophages, are modulated during infection and the resulting consequences for parasite control and pathology. Herein, we discuss the potential of T. gondii infection to affect the maternal-foetal interface and the potential of pregnancy to disrupt maternal immunity to T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Borges
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia Magalhães Silva
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carina Brito
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Craig W Roberts
- Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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31
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Decidual macrophage M1 polarization contributes to adverse pregnancy induced by Toxoplasma gondii PRU strain infection. Microb Pathog 2018; 124:183-190. [PMID: 30142466 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface adapt to a phenotype characterized by alternative activation (M2 polarization) and exhibit immunosuppressive functions that favor the maintenance of pregnancy. The bias of M2 decidual macrophages toward M1 has been clinically linked to pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia and preterm delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Toxoplasma gondii PRU strain infection on the bias of decidual macrophage polarization and its contribution to adverse pregnancy outcomes. A mouse model with adverse pregnancy outcome was established by infection with T. gondii PRU strain and the expression levels of functional molecules in decidual macrophages of mice were measured. The results showed that T. gondii infection caused seriously adverse pregnancy outcome in mice. The placentae of infected mice showed obvious congestion and inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression of CD206, MHC-II, and arginase-1 considered as M2 markers was decreased in decidual macrophages after T. gondii infection, whereas the expression of CD80, CD86, iNOS, and cytokines TNF-α and IL-12 considered as M1 markers was increased. Furthermore, iNOS-positive expression was observed in the decidua basalis of infected mice. Our results indicated that T. gondii infection was responsible for the bias of M2 decidual macrophages toward M1, which changes the immunosuppressive microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface and contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Piao LX, Cheng JH, Aosai F, Zhao XD, Norose K, Jin XJ. Cellular immunopathogenesis in primary Toxoplasma gondii
infection during pregnancy. Parasite Immunol 2018; 40:e12570. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lian Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian University; Yanji China
| | - Jia Hui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian University; Yanji China
| | - Fumie Aosai
- Department of Infection and Host Defense; Graduate School of Medicine; Chiba University; Chiba Japan
- Department of Infection and Host Defense; Graduate School of Medicine; Shinshu University; Matsumoto Japan
| | - Xu Dong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian University; Yanji China
| | - Kazumi Norose
- Department of Infection and Host Defense; Graduate School of Medicine; Chiba University; Chiba Japan
| | - Xue Jun Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian University; Yanji China
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Zhang D, Sun X, Ren L, Yang C, Liu X, Zhang H, Jiang Y, Hu X. Proteomic profiling of human decidual immune proteins during Toxoplasma gondii infection. J Proteomics 2018; 186:28-37. [PMID: 30031066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy can result in spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, or congenital fetal defects. The decidual immune system plays a critical role in regulating the immune micro-environment and in the induction of immune tolerance. To better understand the factors that mediate the decidual immune response associated with the T. gondii infection, a large-scale study employing TMT proteomics was conducted to characterize the differential decidual immune proteomes from infected and uninfected human decidual immune cells samples. The decidual immune cells from 105 human voluntary abortion tissues were purified, and of the 5510 unique proteins identified, 181 proteins were found to be differentially abundant (>1.2-fold cutoff, p < 0.05) in the T. gondii-infected decidual immune cells. 11 proteins of 181 differentially expressed proteins associated with trophoblast invasion, placental development, intrauterine fetal growth, and immune tolerance were verified using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. This systematic analysis for the proteomics of decidual immune cells identified a broad range of immune factors in human decidual immune cells, shedding a new insight into the decidual immune molecular mechanism for abnormal pregnancy outcomes associated with T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Xinyue Sun
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Liqin Ren
- Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China.
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Zhan S, Zheng J, Zhang H, Zhao M, Liu X, Jiang Y, Yang C, Ren L, Liu Z, Hu X. LILRB4 Decrease on uDCs Exacerbate Abnormal Pregnancy Outcomes Following Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:588. [PMID: 29643846 PMCID: PMC5882840 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in early pregnancy can result in miscarriage, dead fetus, and other abnormalities. The LILRB4 is a central inhibitory receptor in uterine dendritic cells (uDCs) that plays essential immune-regulatory roles at the maternal–fetal interface. In this study, T. gondii-infected human primary uDCs and T. gondii-infected LILRB4-/- pregnant mice were utilized. The immune mechanisms underlying the role of LILRB4 on uDCs were explored in the development of abnormal pregnancy outcomes following T. gondii infection in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that the expression levels of LILRB4 on uDCs from normal pregnant mice were obviously higher than non-pregnant mice, and peaked in mid-gestation. The LILRB4 expression on uDC subsets, especially tolerogenic subsets, from mid-gestation was obviously down-regulated after T. gondii infection and LILRB4 decrease could further regulate the expression of functional molecules (CD80, CD86, and HLA-DR or MHC II) on uDCs, contributing to abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Our results will shed light on the molecular immune mechanisms of uDCs in abnormal pregnancy outcomes by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowei Zhan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Binzhou Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yantai Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Department of Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Mingdong Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Binzhou Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Department of Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Department of Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- Department of Immunology, Department of Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Liqin Ren
- Department of Immunology, Department of Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Binzhou Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Department of Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
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