1
|
Javandoust Gharehbagh F, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Yousefzadeh Y. Immunological mechanisms in preeclampsia: A narrative review. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104282. [PMID: 38901108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Maternal immunologic mechanisms for tolerance are essential for a successful pregnancy because they prevent maladaptive immune responses to the placenta and semi-allogeneic fetus and promote fetal growth. Preeclampsia is a major global cause of fetal mortality and morbidity. It is characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria that occurs at twenty weeks of pregnancy or later. Preeclampsia is defined by a rise in cytokines that are pro-inflammatory and antiangiogenic components in the fetoplacental unit and the vascular endothelium of pregnant women, as well as an excessive and increasing stimulation of the immune system. Crucially, inflammation can result in low birth weight and inadequate placental perfusion in neonates. Preeclampsia, which is ultimately connected to inflammatory responses, can be impacted by several immunological mechanisms. Our goal in this work was to compile the most recent research on the pathoimmunology of preeclampsia, including studies on angiogenic variables and, in particular, immunological components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Soltani-Zangbar
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gu B, Le GH, Herrera S, Blair SJ, Meissner TB, Strominger JL. HLA-C expression in extravillous trophoblasts is determined by an ELF3-NLRP2/NLRP7 regulatory axis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2404229121. [PMID: 39052836 PMCID: PMC11295039 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2404229121] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The distinct human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression pattern of human extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) endows them with unique tolerogenic properties that enable successful pregnancy. Nevertheless, how this process is elaborately regulated remains elusive. Previously, E74 like ETS transcription factor 3 (ELF3) was identified to govern high-level HLA-C expression in EVT. In the present study, ELF3 is found to bind to the enhancer region of two adjacent NOD-like receptor (NLR) genes, NLR family pyrin domain-containing 2 and 7 (NLRP2, NLRP7). Notably, our analysis of ELF3-deficient JEG-3 cells, a human choriocarcinoma cell line widely used to study EVT biology, suggests that ELF3 transactivates NLRP7 while suppressing the expression of NLRP2. Moreover, we find that NLRP2 and NLRP7 have opposing effects on HLA-C expression, thus implicating them in immune evasion at the maternal-fetal interface. We confirmed that NLRP2 suppresses HLA-C levels and described a unique role for NLRP7 in promoting HLA-C expression in JEG-3. These results suggest that these two NLR genes, which arose via gene duplication in primates, are fine-tuned by ELF3 yet have acquired divergent functions to enable proper expression levels of HLA-C in EVT, presumably through modulating the degradation kinetics of IkBα. Targeting the ELF3-NLRP2/NLRP7-HLA-C axis may hold therapeutic potential for managing pregnancy-related disorders, such as recurrent hydatidiform moles and fetal growth restriction, and thus improve placental development and pregnancy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Gu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Gia-Han Le
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Sebastian Herrera
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Steven J. Blair
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Torsten B. Meissner
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Jack L. Strominger
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang J, Han T, Zhu X. Role of maternal-fetal immune tolerance in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1399-1406. [PMID: 38724467 PMCID: PMC11188918 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Normal pregnancy is a contradictory and complicated physiological process. Although the fetus carries the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) inherited from the paternal line, it does not cause maternal immune rejection. As the only exception to immunological principles, maternal-fetal immune tolerance has been a reproductive immunology focus. In early pregnancy, fetal extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) invade decidual tissues and come into direct contact with maternal decidual immune cells (DICs) and decidual stromal cells (DSCs) to establish a sophisticated maternal-fetal crosstalk. This study reviews previous research results and focuses on the establishment and maintenance mechanism of maternal-fetal tolerance based on maternal-fetal crosstalk. Insights into maternal-fetal tolerance will not only improve understanding of normal pregnancy but will also contribute to novel therapeutic strategies for recurrent spontaneous abortion, pre-eclampsia, and premature birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710038, China
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Hainan Branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan 572013, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710038, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hainan Branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan 572013, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Froehlich F, Landerholm K, Neeb J, Meß AK, Seiler DL, Tilburgs T, Karsten CM. Emerging role of C5aR2: novel insights into the regulation of uterine immune cells during pregnancy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1411315. [PMID: 38979410 PMCID: PMC11229525 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1411315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a fascinating immunological phenomenon because it allows allogeneic fetal and placental tissues to survive inside the mother. As a component of innate immunity with high inflammatory potential, the complement system must be tightly regulated during pregnancy. Dysregulation of the complement system plays a role in pregnancy complications including pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Complement components are also used as biomarkers for pregnancy complications. However, the mechanisms of detrimental role of complement in pregnancy is poorly understood. C5a is the most potent anaphylatoxin and generates multiple immune reactions via two transmembrane receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2. C5aR1 is pro-inflammatory, but the role of C5aR2 remains largely elusive. Interestingly, murine NK cells have been shown to express C5aR2 without the usual co-expression of C5aR1. Furthermore, C5aR2 appears to regulate IFN-γ production by NK cells in vitro. As IFN-γ produced by uterine NK cells is one of the major factors for the successful development of a vital pregnancy, we investigated the role anaphylatoxin C5a and its receptors in the establishment of pregnancy and the regulation of uterine NK cells by examinations of murine C5ar2-/- pregnancies and human placental samples. C5ar2-/- mice have significantly reduced numbers of implantation sites and a maternal C5aR2 deficiency results in increased IL-12, IL-18 and IFN-γ mRNA expression as well as reduced uNK cell infiltration at the maternal-fetal interface. Human decidual leukocytes have similar C5a receptor expression patterns showing clinical relevance. In conclusion, this study identifies C5aR2 as a key contributor to dNK infiltration and pregnancy success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenna Froehlich
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Konstanze Landerholm
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Johanna Neeb
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Meß
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Daniel Leonard Seiler
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Tamara Tilburgs
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Odendaal J, Black N, Bennett PR, Brosens J, Quenby S, MacIntyre DA. The endometrial microbiota and early pregnancy loss. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:638-646. [PMID: 38195891 PMCID: PMC10988105 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is a dynamic entity that plays a pivotal role in mediating the complex interplay between the mother and developing embryo. Endometrial disruption can lead to pregnancy loss, impacting both maternal physical and psychological health. Recent research suggests that the endometrial microbiota may play a role in this, although the exact mechanisms are still being explored, aided by recent technological advancements and our growing understanding of host immune responses. Suboptimal or dysbiotic vaginal microbiota, characterized by increased microbial diversity and reduced Lactobacillus dominance, has been associated with various adverse reproductive events, including miscarriage. However, the mechanisms linking the lower reproductive tract microbiota with pregnancy loss remain unclear. Recent observational studies implicate a potential microbial continuum between the vaginal and endometrial niche in patients with pregnancy loss; however, transcervical sampling of the low biomass endometrium is highly prone to cross-contamination, which is often not controlled for. In this review, we explore emerging evidence supporting the theory that a dysbiotic endometrial microbiota may modulate key inflammatory pathways required for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy development. We also highlight that a greater understanding of the endometrial microbiota, its relationship with the local endometrial microenvironment, and potential interventions remain a focus for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Odendaal
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Naomi Black
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jan Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - David A MacIntyre
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Harding J, Vintersten-Nagy K, Yang H, Tang JK, Shutova M, Jong ED, Lee JH, Massumi M, Oussenko T, Izadifar Z, Zhang P, Rogers IM, Wheeler MB, Lye SJ, Sung HK, Li C, Izadifar M, Nagy A. Immune-privileged tissues formed from immunologically cloaked mouse embryonic stem cells survive long term in allogeneic hosts. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:427-442. [PMID: 37996616 PMCID: PMC11087263 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01133-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The immunogenicity of transplanted allogeneic cells and tissues is a major hurdle to the advancement of cell therapies. Here we show that the overexpression of eight immunomodulatory transgenes (Pdl1, Cd200, Cd47, H2-M3, Fasl, Serpinb9, Ccl21 and Mfge8) in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) is sufficient to immunologically 'cloak' the cells as well as tissues derived from them, allowing their survival for months in outbred and allogeneic inbred recipients. Overexpression of the human orthologues of these genes in human ESCs abolished the activation of allogeneic human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and their inflammatory responses. Moreover, by using the previously reported FailSafe transgene system, which transcriptionally links a gene essential for cell division with an inducible and cell-proliferation-dependent kill switch, we generated cloaked tissues from mESCs that served as immune-privileged subcutaneous sites that protected uncloaked allogeneic and xenogeneic cells from rejection in immune-competent hosts. The combination of cloaking and FailSafe technologies may allow for the generation of safe and allogeneically accepted cell lines and off-the-shelf cell products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Harding
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristina Vintersten-Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Huijuan Yang
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean Kit Tang
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Shutova
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric D Jong
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ju Hee Lee
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Massumi
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tatiana Oussenko
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zohreh Izadifar
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Puzheng Zhang
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian M Rogers
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael B Wheeler
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen J Lye
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hoon-Ki Sung
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - ChengJin Li
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Izadifar
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nakashima A, Furuta A, Yoshida-Kawaguchi M, Yamada K, Nunomura H, Morita K, Yasuda I, Yoneda S, Yamaki-Ushijima A, Shima T, Tsuda S. Immunological regulation and the role of autophagy in preeclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13835. [PMID: 38467995 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13835] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a bulk degradation system that maintains cellular homeostasis by producing energy and/or recycling excess proteins. During early placentation, extravillous trophoblasts invade the decidua and uterine myometrium, facing maternal immune cells, which participate in the immune suppression of paternal and fetal antigens. Regulatory T cells will likely increase in response to a specific antigen before and during early pregnancy. Insufficient expansion of antigen-specific Treg cells, which possess the same T cell receptor, is associated with the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, suggesting sterile systemic inflammation. Autophagy is involved in reducing inflammation through the degradation of inflammasomes and in the differentiation and function of regulatory T cells. Autophagy dysregulation induces protein aggregation in trophoblasts, resulting in placental dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the role of regulatory T cells in normal pregnancies. In addition, we discuss the association between autophagy and regulatory T cells in the development of preeclampsia based on reports on the role of autophagy in autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Furuta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Mihoko Yoshida-Kawaguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Haruka Nunomura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Keiko Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ippei Yasuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yoneda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Akemi Yamaki-Ushijima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Sayaka Tsuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
O'Brien CL, Summers KM, Martin NM, Carter-Cusack D, Yang Y, Barua R, Dixit OVA, Hume DA, Pavli P. The relationship between extreme inter-individual variation in macrophage gene expression and genetic susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease. Hum Genet 2024; 143:233-261. [PMID: 38421405 PMCID: PMC11043138 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-024-02642-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The differentiation of resident intestinal macrophages from blood monocytes depends upon signals from the macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (CSF1R). Analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) indicates that dysregulation of macrophage differentiation and response to microorganisms contributes to susceptibility to chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we analyzed transcriptomic variation in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from affected and unaffected sib pairs/trios from 22 IBD families and 6 healthy controls. Transcriptional network analysis of the data revealed no overall or inter-sib distinction between affected and unaffected individuals in basal gene expression or the temporal response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, the basal or LPS-inducible expression of individual genes varied independently by as much as 100-fold between subjects. Extreme independent variation in the expression of pairs of HLA-associated transcripts (HLA-B/C, HLA-A/F and HLA-DRB1/DRB5) in macrophages was associated with HLA genotype. Correlation analysis indicated the downstream impacts of variation in the immediate early response to LPS. For example, variation in early expression of IL1B was significantly associated with local SNV genotype and with subsequent peak expression of target genes including IL23A, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL8 and NLRP3. Similarly, variation in early IFNB1 expression was correlated with subsequent expression of IFN target genes. Our results support the view that gene-specific dysregulation in macrophage adaptation to the intestinal milieu is associated with genetic susceptibility to IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire L O'Brien
- Centre for Research in Therapeutics Solutions, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kim M Summers
- Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Natalia M Martin
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Dylan Carter-Cusack
- Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yuanhao Yang
- Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rasel Barua
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ojas V A Dixit
- Centre for Research in Therapeutics Solutions, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - David A Hume
- Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Paul Pavli
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
- School of Medicine and Psychology, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khairy M, Harb H, Eapen A, Melo P, Kazem R, Rajkhowa M, Ndukuwe G, Coomarasamy A. The use of immunomodulation therapy in women with recurrent implantation failure undergoing assisted conception: A multicentre cohort study. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13819. [PMID: 38348954 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after multiple embryo transfers remains a vexing problem and immunomodulators have been used with conflicting results. This study aims to assess the effect of immunomodulation therapy on live birth rate (LBR) in women with RIF undergoing assisted reproduction treatment (ART). METHOD OF STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study in multicentre network of private assisted conception units in the UK. The study included women who had at least two failed attempts of embryo transfers at CARE fertility network in the period from 1997 to 2018. Women in the treatment group had immunomodulator drugs in the form of corticosteroids, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and intravenous intralipid (IVIL) infusions, either separately or in combination, after immunological testing, in addition to standard ART whilst women in the control group had only ART without immunomodulators. The primary outcome was LBR per cycle. Secondary outcomes included the rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR), cumulative live birth (CLBR), and miscarriage. RESULTS A total of 27 163 ART cycles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 5083 had immunomodulation treatment in addition to standard ART treatment, and 22 080 had standard ART treatment alone. Women in the treatment group were significantly older (mean age 38.5 vs. 37.1 years, p < .001), and had a higher number of previous failed ART cycles (mean 4.3 vs. 3.8, p < .01). There was a higher LBR in women who received immunomodulation therapy when compared with the control group (20.9% vs. 15.8%, odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-1.53, p < .001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that immunomodulation treatment was a significant independent predictor of live birth after adjusting for other confounders (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.54, p < .001). Survival analysis showed a higher CLBR in the treatment group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.78, 95% CI 1.62-1.94, p < .001). CONCLUSION(S) This study provides evidence of a potential beneficial effect of immunomodulation therapy in women with RIF after immunological testing. There remains a need for high quality, adequately powered multicentre RCTs to robustly address the role of immunomodulation in women with RIF. There is also an urgent need for standardised screening tests for immune disorders that could preclude implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hoda Harb
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Abey Eapen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Pedro Melo
- CARE Fertility Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | | | | | | | - Arri Coomarasamy
- CARE Fertility Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lee DH, Imran M, Choi JH, Park YJ, Kim YH, Min S, Park TJ, Choi YW. CDK4/6 inhibitors induce breast cancer senescence with enhanced anti-tumor immunogenic properties compared with DNA-damaging agents. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:216-232. [PMID: 37854019 PMCID: PMC10766199 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13541] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Since therapy-induced senescence (TIS) can either support or inhibit cancer progression, identifying which types of chemotherapeutic agents can produce the strongest anti-tumor TIS is an important issue. Here, cyclin-dependent kinase4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i)-induced senescence was compared to the TIS induced by conventional DNA-damaging agents. Despite both types of agents eliciting a similar degree of senescence, we observed increased expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and ligands related to pro-tumor immunity (IL6, CXCL8, TGFβ, CD274, and CEACAM1) and angiogenesis (VEGFA) mainly in TIS induced by DNA-damaging agents rather than by CDK4/6i. Additionally, although all agents increased the expression of anti-tumor immunomodulatory proteins related to antigen presentation (MHC-I, B2M) and T cell chemokines (CXCL9, 10, 11), CDK4/6i-induced senescent cells still maintained this expression at a similar or even higher intensity than cells treated with DNA-damaging agents, despite the absence of nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) and p53 activation. These data suggest that in contrast with DNA-damaging agents, which augment the pro-tumorigenic microenvironment via pro-inflammatory SASP, CDK4/6i can generate TIS only with antitumor immunomodulatory proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hyun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonKorea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonKorea
- Inflamm‐Aging Translational Research CenterAjou University Medical CenterSuwonKorea
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonKorea
- Inflamm‐Aging Translational Research CenterAjou University Medical CenterSuwonKorea
| | - Jae Ho Choi
- Inflamm‐Aging Translational Research CenterAjou University Medical CenterSuwonKorea
- Department of Hematology‐OncologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonKorea
| | - Yoo Jung Park
- Department of Hematology‐OncologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonKorea
| | - Young Hwa Kim
- Inflamm‐Aging Translational Research CenterAjou University Medical CenterSuwonKorea
| | - Sunwoo Min
- Department of Biological SciencesKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)DaejeonKorea
| | - Tae Jun Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonKorea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonKorea
- Inflamm‐Aging Translational Research CenterAjou University Medical CenterSuwonKorea
| | - Yong Won Choi
- Inflamm‐Aging Translational Research CenterAjou University Medical CenterSuwonKorea
- Department of Hematology‐OncologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonKorea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Akilla MA, Nchor IAA, Banyeh M, Amidu N. Immune checkpoint molecules B7-1 and B7-H1 as predictive markers of pre-eclampsia: A case-control study in a Ghana. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1142. [PMID: 38270323 PMCID: PMC10777883 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Immune tolerance in the fetal-maternal junction is maintained by a balance in the Th1/Th2 system. Th1-type immunity is associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) such as B7-H1, while Th2-type immunity is characterized by anti-inflammatory cytokines and ICMs such as B7-1. Any imbalance in the Th1/Th2 immune system may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-eclampsia (PE). Hitherto, the potential of serum B7-1 and B7-H1 proteins as early markers of PE has not been explored in the Ghanaian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a case-control study from May 2020 to April 2022 at the War Memorial and the Upper East Regional Hospitals. The study involved 291 women, including 180 (61.9%) with normotensive pregnancy and 111 (38.1%) with PE. Venous blood samples were collected and assayed for blood cell count, serum interleukins (ILs)-4, -6, -12, -18, and TNF-α as well as serum B7-1 and B7-H1 proteins. RESULTS The monocyte count (p = .007), the serum levels of IL-18 (p = .035), TNF-α (p = .001), and B7-H1 (p = .006) were significantly higher in PE than in normotensive pregnancy. In addition, the monocyte count (p = .002), the serum levels of IL-12 (p = .029), TNF-α (p = .016), and B7-1 (p = .009) levels were significantly higher in the third trimester than the second trimester PE. In predicting PE, the area under the curve of cytokines and ICMs ranged from 0.51 for IL-6 to 0.62 for TNF-α. CONCLUSION PE may be characterized by a dominant Th1-type immunity with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and B7-H1 proteins, but these variables may not be suitable for predicting PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Awe Akilla
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health SciencesUniversity for Development StudiesTamaleGhana
| | | | - Moses Banyeh
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health SciencesUniversity for Development StudiesTamaleGhana
| | - Nafiu Amidu
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health SciencesUniversity for Development StudiesTamaleGhana
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wasilewska A, Grabowska M, Moskalik-Kierat D, Brzoza M, Laudański P, Garley M. Immunological Aspects of Infertility-The Role of KIR Receptors and HLA-C Antigen. Cells 2023; 13:59. [PMID: 38201263 PMCID: PMC10778566 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of immune tolerance of a mother against an antigenically foreign fetus without a concomitant loss of defense capabilities against pathogens are the factors underlying the success of a pregnancy. A significant role in human defense is played by killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) receptors, which regulate the function of the natural killer (NK) cells capable of destroying antigenically foreign cells, virus-infected cells, or tumor-lesioned cells. A special subpopulation of NK cells called uterine NK cells (uNK) is found in the uterus. Disruption of the tolerance process or overactivity of immune-competent cells can lead to immune infertility, a situation in which a woman's immune system attacks her own reproductive cells, making it impossible to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Since the prominent role of the inflammatory response in infertility, including KIR receptors and NK cells, has been postulated, the process of antigen presentation involving major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (HLA) appears to be crucial for a successful pregnancy. Proper interactions between KIR receptors on female uNK cells and HLA class I molecules, with a predominant role for HLA-C, found on the surface of germ cells, are strategically important during embryo implantation. In addition, maintaining a functional balance between activating and inhibitory KIR receptors is essential for proper placenta formation and embryo implantation in the uterus. A disruption of this balance can lead to complications during pregnancy. The discovery of links between KIR and HLA-C has provided valuable information about the complexity of maternal-fetal immune interactions that determine the success of a pregnancy. The great diversity of maternal KIR and fetal HLA-C ligands is associated with the occurrence of KIR/HLA-C combinations that are more or less favorable for reproductive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wasilewska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Marcelina Grabowska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Dominika Moskalik-Kierat
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Martyna Brzoza
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.)
| | - Piotr Laudański
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Calisia University, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
- OVIklinika Infertility Center, 01-377 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Garley
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Białystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, You Y, Terzieva A, Dimitrova V, Mor G, Dimova T. Validation of the Sw71-spheroid model with primary trophoblast cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13800. [PMID: 38009060 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13800] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Human implantation is a limiting factor for the success of natural and IVF reproduction since about 60% of pregnancy losses occur in the peri-implantation period. The in vitro modeling of human implantation challenges the researchers in accurate recreation of the complex in vivo differentiation and function of human blastocyst in the peri-implantation period. In previous studies, we constructed Sw71-spheroid models, which like human blastocyst undergo compactization, attaches to the endometrial epithelium, invade, and migrate. The aim of this study was to validate the trophoblast Sw71-spheroid model with primary trophoblast cells, derived from healthy women in early pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY We performed a direct comparison of Sw71-spheroid model with placenta-derived primary trophoblasts regarding their hybrid phenotype and HLA status, as well as the ability to generate spheroids able to migrate and invade. From the primary trophoblast cells, isolated by mild enzymatic treatment and Percoll gradient separation, were generated long-lived clones, which phenotype was assessed by FACS and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS Our results showed that cultured primary trophoblasts have the EVT phenotype (Vim+/CK7+/HLA-C+/HLA-G+), like Sw71 cells. In both 3D culture settings, we obtained stable, round-shaped, multilayered spheroids. Although constructed from the same number of cells, the primary trophoblast spheroids were smaller. The primary trophoblast spheroids migrate successfully, and in term of invasion are equally potent but less stable as compared to Sw71 spheroids. CONCLUSIONS The Sw71 cell line and cultured native trophoblast cells are interchangeable regarding their EVT phenotype (HLA-C+/HLA-G+/Vim+/CK7+). The blastocyst-like spheroids sourced by both types of cells differentiate in the same time frame and function similarly. We strongly advise the use of Sw71 spheroids as blastocyst surrogate for observation on trophectoderm differentiation and function during early human implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Yuan You
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Antonia Terzieva
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Violeta Dimitrova
- Fetal medicine clinic, Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Stefańska K, Kurkowiak M, Piekarska K, Chruściel E, Zamkowska D, Jassem-Bobowicz J, Adamski P, Świątkowska-Stodulska R, Abacjew-Chmyłko A, Leszczyńska K, Zieliński M, Preis K, Zielińska H, Tymoniuk B, Trzonkowski P, Marek-Trzonkowska NM. High maternal-fetal HLA eplet compatibility is associated with severe manifestation of preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1272021. [PMID: 38022600 PMCID: PMC10655094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1272021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Preeclampsia is responsible for more than 70 000 and 500 000 maternal and fetal deaths, respectively each year. Incomplete remodelling of the spiral arteries in placenta is the most accepted theory of preeclampsia pathogenesis. However, the process is complexed with immunological background, as pregnancy resembles allograft transplantation. Fetus expresses human leukocyte antigens (HLA) inherited from both parents, thus is semiallogeneic to the maternal immune system. Therefore, induction of fetal tolerance is crucial for physiological outcome of pregnancy. Noteworthy, the immunogenicity of discordant HLA antigens is determined by functional epitopes called eplets, which are continuous and discontinuous short sequences of amino acids. This way various HLA molecules may express the same eplet and some HLA incompatibilities can be more immunogenic due to different eplet combination. Therefore, we hypothesized that maternal- fetal HLA incompatibility may be involved in the pathogenesis of gestational hypertension and its progression to preeclampsia. We also aimed to test if particular maternal-fetal eplet mismatches are more prone for induction of anti- fetal HLA antibodies in gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Methods High resolution next-generation sequencing of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DQB1 and -DRB1 antigens was performed in mothers and children from physiological pregnancies (12 pairs) and from pregnancies complicated with gestational hypertension (22 pairs) and preeclampsia (27 pairs). In the next step HLA eplet identification and analysis of HLA eplet incompatibilities was performed with in silico approach HLAMatchmaker algorithm. Simultaneously maternal sera were screened for anti-fetal HLA class I, class II and anti-MICA antibodies with Luminex, and data were analyzed with HLA-Fusion software. Results We observed that high HLA-C, -B, and DQB1 maternal-fetal eplet compatibility was associated with severe preeclampsia (PE) manifestation. Both quantity and quality of HLA epletmismatches affected the severity of PE. Mismatches in HLA-B eplets: 65QIA+76ESN, 70IAO, 180E, HLA-C eplets: 193PL3, 267QE, and HLA-DRB1 eplet: 16Y were associated with a mild outcome of preeclampsia if the complication occurred. Conclusions High HLA-C, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-B eplet compatibility between mother and child is associated with severe manifestation of preeclampsia. Both quantity and quality of maternal-fetal HLA eplet mismatches affects severity of preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Stefańska
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kurkowiak
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Karolina Piekarska
- Laboratory of Immunology and Clinical Transplantology, University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Chruściel
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dorota Zamkowska
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Przemysław Adamski
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Anna Abacjew-Chmyłko
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Leszczyńska
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Maciej Zieliński
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Preis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Hanna Zielińska
- Laboratory of Immunology and Clinical Transplantology, University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Bogusław Tymoniuk
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Piotr Trzonkowski
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Natalia Maria Marek-Trzonkowska
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tian X, Goemaere NNT, van der Meeren L, Yang J, Kapsenberg JM, Lashley LEELO, Eikmans M, van der Hoorn MLP. Inflammatory placental lesions are specifically observed in healthy oocyte donation pregnancies with extreme fetal-maternal incompatibility. Placenta 2023; 143:100-109. [PMID: 37866320 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oocyte donation (OD) pregnancy is a risk factor for pre-eclampsia (PE). Due to a higher extent of fetal-maternal human leukocyte antigens (HLA) mismatching in OD pregnancies compared to naturally conceived (NC) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies, the immune response in OD placentas is probably divergent and affects clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that placental pathology varies among diverse pregnancy conditions and is related to fetal-maternal HLA incompatibility. METHODS Placental lesions were scored in four patient groups: OD-PE (n = 16), OD-healthy (n = 37), NC-PE (n = 45), and IVF-healthy (n = 17). All combinations were genotyped for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR, and -DQ to calculate fetal-maternal HLA mismatches. Placentas showing chronic deciduitis with plasma cells were immunofluorescently stained with CD138 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). RESULTS The distribution and severity of placental lesions varied among groups. The OD-healthy group had the highest inflammation score and greatest extent of chronic deciduitis with plasma cells (p < 0.05). However, the majority of CD138+ plasma cells (90%) in OD-healthy group expressed IL-10, in contrast to the OD-PE group (58%). The OD-healthy group was separated into semi-allogeneic (≤5 HLA mismatches) and fully allogeneic (>5 mismatches) subgroups. The elevated inflammatory pathology score and chronic deciduitis with plasma cells were found more often in the HLA-class-I fully allogeneic OD-healthy group than the IVF-healthy group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION Placental inflammatory lesions are most often present in uncomplicated OD pregnancies. Immune cells that infiltrate these lesions might play an immunosuppressive role to protect OD pregnancies from complications when facing a higher extent of fetal-maternal HLA mismatching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuezi Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Lotte van der Meeren
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jiayi Yang
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna M Kapsenberg
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa E E L O Lashley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Eikmans
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Suzuki T, Iizuka T, Kagami K, Matsumoto T, Yamazaki R, Daikoku T, Horie A, Ono M, Hattori A, Fujiwara H. Laeverin/aminopeptidase Q induces indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 in human monocytes. iScience 2023; 26:107692. [PMID: 37705960 PMCID: PMC10495628 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107692] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invades the maternal endometrium and reconstructs uterine spiral arteries cooperatively with maternal immune cells. Although EVT has allogeneic paternal antigens, the maternal immune system does not reject it. Here, we found that laeverin (LVRN), an EVT-specific cell surface peptidase, interacts with monocytes to produce indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1). LVRN-transfected Swan71 cells, a cytotrophoblast-derived cell line, and increased IDO1 expression in PBMC under cell-to-cell interacting conditions. Soluble recombinant LVRN (r-LVRN) interacted with CD14-positive monocytes and induced their IDO1 expression without the intervention of other immune cell populations. LVRN-induced IDO1 production was promoted in PMA-activated monocyte-like THP-1 cells. Furthermore, r-LVRN decreased the tryptophan level and increased the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio in the culture media of the PMA-treated THP-1 cells. These findings suggest that LVRN is one of the key molecules that mediate the interaction between EVT and monocytes/macrophages and creates an immunosuppressive environment at the maternal-fetal interface in the uterus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Iizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Kagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takeo Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Rena Yamazaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Animal Disease Model, Research Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Akihito Horie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Akira Hattori
- Department of System Chemotherapy and Molecular Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Baines KJ, West RC. Sex differences in innate and adaptive immunity impact fetal, placental, and maternal health†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:256-270. [PMID: 37418168 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The differences between males and females begin shortly after birth, continue throughout prenatal development, and eventually extend into childhood and adult life. Male embryos and fetuses prioritize proliferation and growth, often at the expense of the fetoplacental energy reserves. This singular focus on growth over adaptability leaves male fetuses and neonates vulnerable to adverse outcomes during pregnancy and birth and can have lasting impacts throughout life. Beyond this prioritization of growth, male placentas and fetuses also respond to infection and inflammation differently than female counterparts. Pregnancies carrying female fetuses have a more regulatory immune response, whereas pregnancies carrying male fetuses have a stronger inflammatory response. These differences can be seen as early as the innate immune response with differences in cytokine and chemokine signaling. The sexual dimorphism in immunity then continues into the adaptive immune response with differences in T-cell biology and antibody production and transfer. As it appears that these sex-specific differences are amplified in pathologic pregnancies, it stands to reason that differences in the placental, fetal, and maternal immune responses in pregnancy contribute to increased male perinatal morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will describe the genetic and hormonal contributions to the sexual dimorphism of fetal and placental immunity. We will also discuss current research efforts to describe the sex-specific differences of the maternal-fetal interface and how it impacts fetal and maternal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Baines
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rachel C West
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Silvestris E, Petracca EA, Mongelli M, Arezzo F, Loizzi V, Gaetani M, Nicolì P, Damiani GR, Cormio G. Pregnancy by Oocyte Donation: Reviewing Fetal-Maternal Risks and Complications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13945. [PMID: 37762248 PMCID: PMC10530596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte donation (OD) has greatly improved over the last three decades, becoming a preferred practice of assisted reproductive technology (ART) for infertile women wishing for motherhood. Through OD, indeed, it has become possible to overcome the physiological limitation due to the ovarian reserve (OR) exhaustion as well as the poor gamete reliability which parallels the increasing age of women. However, despite the great scientific contribution related to the success of OD in the field of infertility, this practice seems to be associated with a higher rate of major risky events during pregnancy as recurrent miscarriage, infections and placental diseases including gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and post-partum hemorrhage, as well as several maternal-fetal complications due to gametes manipulation and immune system interaction. Here, we will revisit this questioned topic since a number of studies in the medical literature focus on the successful aspects of the OD procedure in terms of pregnancy rate without, however, neglecting the risks and complications potentially linked to external manipulation or heterologous implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silvestris
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.A.P.); (V.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Easter Anna Petracca
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.A.P.); (V.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Michele Mongelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.G.); (P.N.); (G.R.D.)
| | - Francesca Arezzo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Vera Loizzi
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.A.P.); (V.L.); (G.C.)
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine—Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Gaetani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.G.); (P.N.); (G.R.D.)
| | - Pierpaolo Nicolì
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.G.); (P.N.); (G.R.D.)
| | - Gianluca Raffaello Damiani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.G.); (P.N.); (G.R.D.)
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.A.P.); (V.L.); (G.C.)
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine—Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mahajan S, Alexander A, Koenig Z, Saba N, Prasanphanich N, Hildeman DA, Chougnet CA, DeFranco E, Andorf S, Tilburgs T. Antigen-specific decidual CD8+ T cells include distinct effector memory and tissue-resident memory cells. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e171806. [PMID: 37681414 PMCID: PMC10544202 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171806] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal decidual CD8+ T cells must integrate the antithetical demands of providing immunity to infection while maintaining immune tolerance for fetal and placental antigens. Human decidual CD8+ T cells were shown to be highly differentiated memory T cells with mixed signatures of dysfunction, activation, and effector function. However, no information is present on how specificity for microbial or fetal antigens relates to their function or dysfunction. In addition, a key question, whether decidual CD8+ T cells include unique tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm) or also effector memory T cell (Tem) types shared with peripheral blood populations, is unknown. Here, high-dimensional flow cytometry of decidual and blood CD8+ T cells identified 2 Tem populations shared in blood and decidua and 9 functionally distinct Trm clusters uniquely found in decidua. Interestingly, fetus- and virus-specific decidual CD8+ Trm cells had similar features of inhibition and cytotoxicity, with no significant differences in their expression of activation, inhibitory, and cytotoxic molecules, suggesting that not all fetus-specific CD8+ T cell responses are suppressed at the maternal-fetal interface. Understanding how decidual CD8+ T cell specificity relates to their function and tissue residency is crucial in advancing understanding of their contribution to placental inflammation and control of congenital infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Mahajan
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Immunobiology
| | - Aria Alexander
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Immunobiology
| | - Zachary Koenig
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Immunobiology
| | | | - Nina Prasanphanich
- Division of Immunobiology
- Division of Infectious disease, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Emily DeFranco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sandra Andorf
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, and
- Department of Pediatrics, and
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, and
| | - Tamara Tilburgs
- Division of Immunobiology
- Department of Pediatrics, and
- Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shum IO, Merkert S, Malysheva S, Jahn K, Lachmann N, Verboom M, Frieling H, Hallensleben M, Martin U. An Improved Protocol for Targeted Differentiation of Primed Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into HLA-G-Expressing Trophoblasts to Enable the Modeling of Placenta-Related Disorders. Cells 2023; 12:2070. [PMID: 37626882 PMCID: PMC10453333 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities at any stage of trophoblast development may result in pregnancy-related complications. Many of these adverse outcomes are discovered later in pregnancy, but the underlying pathomechanisms are constituted during the first trimester. Acquiring developmentally relevant material to elucidate the disease mechanisms is difficult. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology can provide a renewable source of relevant cells. BMP4, A83-01, and PD173074 (BAP) treatment drives trophoblast commitment of hPSCs toward syncytiotrophoblast (STB), but lacks extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. EVTs mediate key functions during placentation, remodeling of uterine spiral arteries, and maintenance of immunological tolerance. We optimized the protocol for a more efficient generation of HLA-Gpos EVT-like trophoblasts from primed hiPSCs. Increasing the concentrations of A83-01 and PD173074, while decreasing bulk cell density resulted in an increase in HLA-G of up to 71%. Gene expression profiling supports the advancements of our treatment regarding the generation of trophoblast cells. The reported differentiation protocol will allow for an on-demand access to human trophoblast cells enriched for HLA-Gpos EVT-like cells, allowing for the elucidation of placenta-related disorders and investigating the immunological tolerance toward the fetus, overcoming the difficulties in obtaining primary EVTs without the need for a complex differentiation pathway via naïve pluripotent or trophoblast stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian O. Shum
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sylvia Merkert
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Svitlana Malysheva
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nico Lachmann
- REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Murielle Verboom
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Hallensleben
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Martin
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kanda T, Kagami K, Iizuka T, Kasama H, Matsumoto T, Sakai Y, Suzuki T, Yamamoto M, Matsuoka A, Yamazaki R, Hattori A, Horie A, Daikoku T, Ono M, Fujiwara H. Spheroid formation induces chemokine production in trophoblast-derived Swan71 cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13752. [PMID: 37491922 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM In the cell column of anchoring villi, the cytotrophoblast differentiates into extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and invades the endometrium in contact with maternal immune cells. Recently, chemokines were proposed to regulate the decidual immune response. To investigate the roles of chemokines around the anchoring villi, we examined the expression profiles of chemokines in the first-trimester trophoblast-derived Swan71 cells using a three-dimensional culture model. METHOD OF STUDY The gene expressions in the spheroid-formed Swan71 cells were examined by microarray and qPCR analyses. The protein expressions were examined by immunochemical staining. The chemoattractant effects of spheroid-formed Swan71 cells were examined by migration assay using monocyte-derived THP-1 cells. RESULTS The expressions of an EVT marker, laeverin, and matrix metalloproteases, MMP2 and MMP9, were increased in the spheroid-cultured Swan71 cells. Microarray and qPCR analysis revealed that mRNA expressions of various chemokines, CCL2, CCL7, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL8, and CXCL10, in the spheroid-cultured Swan71 cells were up-regulated as compared with those in the monolayer-cultured Swan71 cells. These expressions were significantly suppressed by hypoxia. Migration assay showed that culture media derived from the spheroid-formed Swan71 cells promoted THP-1 cell migration. CONCLUSION This study indicated that chemokine expressions in Swan71 cells increase under a spheroid-forming culture and the culture media have chemoattractant effects. Since three-dimensional cell assembling in the spheroid resembles the structure of the cell column, this study also suggests that chemokines play important roles in the interaction between EVT and immune cells in their early differentiation stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhito Kanda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Kagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Iizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Haruki Kasama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takeo Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yuya Sakai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takuma Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Ayumi Matsuoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Rena Yamazaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Akira Hattori
- Department of System Chemotherapy and Molecular Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihito Horie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Animal Disease Model, Research Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Menzies FM. Immunology of Pregnancy and Systemic Consequences. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:253-280. [PMID: 37695432 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is an immunological paradox, with renowned Nobel Prize winning transplantation biologist Sir Peter Brian Medawar being the first to introduce this concept back in 1953. This concept considers how the maternal immune system can tolerate the developing fetus, which is 50% antigenically foreign to the uterus. There have been significant advances in our understanding of the immune system in regulating fertility, pregnancy and in complications of these, and what was once considered a paradox can be seen as a highly evolved system. Indeed, the complexity of the maternal-fetal interface along with our ever-advancing knowledge of immune cells and mediators means that we have a better understanding of these interactions, with gaps still present. This chapter will summarise the key aspects of the role of the immune system at each stage of pregnancy and highlight the recent advances in our knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M Menzies
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu Z, Zhai M, Zhang Q, Yang T, Wan Z, Li J, Liu X, Xu B, Du L, Chan RWS, Zhang L, Yeung WSB, Cheung KW, Chiu PCN, Wang WJ, Lee CL, Gao Y. Resolving the gene expression maps of human first-trimester chorionic villi with spatial transcriptome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1060298. [PMID: 36561369 PMCID: PMC9763897 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1060298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is important for fetal development in mammals, and spatial transcriptomic profiling of placenta helps to resolve its structure and function. In this study, we described the landscape of spatial transcriptome of human placental villi obtained from two pregnant women at the first trimester using the modified Stereo-seq method applied for paraformaldehyde (PFA) fixation samples. The PFA fixation of human placenta villi was better than fresh villi embedded in optimum cutting temperature (OCT) compound, since it greatly improved tissue morphology and the specificity of RNA signals. The main cell types in chorionic villi such as syncytiotrophoblasts (SCT), villous cytotrophoblasts (VCT), fibroblasts (FB), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) were identified with the spatial transcriptome data, whereas the minor cell types of Hofbauer cells (HB) and endothelial cells (Endo) were spatially located by deconvolution of scRNA-seq data. We demonstrated that the Stereo-seq data of human villi could be used for sophisticated analyses such as spatial cell-communication and regulatory activity. We found that the SCT and VCT exhibited the most ligand-receptor pairs that could increase differentiation of the SCT, and that the spatial localization of specific regulons in different cell types was associated with the pathways related to hormones transport and secretion, regulation of mitotic cell cycle, and nutrient transport pathway in SCT. In EVT, regulatory pathways such as the epithelial to mesenchyme transition, epithelial development and differentiation, and extracellular matrix organization were identified. Finally, viral receptors and drug transporters were identified in villi according to the pathway analysis, which could help to explain the vertical transmission of several infectious diseases and drug metabolism efficacy. Our study provides a valuable resource for further investigation of the placenta development, physiology and pathology in a spatial context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingyu Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Screening, Shenzhen, China,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jianlin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Libei Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rachel W. S. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wen-Jing Wang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Wen-Jing Wang, ; Cheuk-Lun Lee, ; Ya Gao,
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Wen-Jing Wang, ; Cheuk-Lun Lee, ; Ya Gao,
| | - Ya Gao
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Screening, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Wen-Jing Wang, ; Cheuk-Lun Lee, ; Ya Gao,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang M, Li K, Qu S, Guo Z, Wang Y, Yang X, Zhou J, Ouyang G, Weng R, Li F, Wu Y, Yang X. Integrative analyses of maternal plasma cell-free DNA nucleosome footprint differences reveal chromosomal aneuploidy fetuses gene expression profile. J Transl Med 2022; 20:536. [PMID: 36401256 PMCID: PMC9673457 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03735-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chromosomal aneuploidy is the most common birth defect. However, the developmental mechanism and gene expression profile of fetuses with chromosomal aneuploidy are relatively unknown, and the maternal immune changes induced by fetal aneuploidy remain unclear. The inability to obtain the placenta multiple times in real-time is a bottleneck in research on aneuploid pregnancies. Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) carries the gene expression profile information of its source cells and may be used to evaluate the development of fetuses with aneuploidy and the immune changes induced in the mother owing to fetal aneuploidy. Methods Here, we carried out whole-genome sequencing of the plasma cfDNA of 101 pregnant women carrying a fetus with trisomy (trisomy 21, n = 42; trisomy 18, n = 28; trisomy 13, n = 31) based on non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) screening and 140 normal pregnant women to identify differential genes according to the cfDNA nucleosome profile in the region around the transcription start sites (TSSs). Results The plasma cfDNA promoter profiles were found to differ between aneuploid and euploid pregnancies. A total of 158 genes with significant differences were identified, of which 43 genes were upregulated and 98 genes were downregulated. Functional enrichment and signaling pathway analysis were performed based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases found that these signal pathways were mainly related to the coordination of developmental signals during embryonic development, the control of cell growth and development, regulation of neuronal survival, and immune regulation, such as the MAPK, Hippo, TGF-β, and Rap1 signaling pathways, which play important roles in the development of embryonic tissues and organs. Furthermore, based on the results of differential gene analysis, a total of 14 immune-related genes with significant differences from the ImmPort database were collected and analyzed. These significantly different immune genes were mainly associated with the maintenance of embryonic homeostasis and normal development. Conclusions These results suggest that the distribution characteristics of cfDNA nucleosomes in maternal plasma can be used to reflect the status of fetal development and changes of the immune responses in trisomic pregnancies. Overall, our findings may provide research ideas for non-invasive detection of the physiological and pathological states of other diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03735-7.
Collapse
|
25
|
Meissner TB, Schulze HS, Dale SM. Immune Editing: Overcoming Immune Barriers in Stem Cell Transplantation. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2022; 8:206-218. [PMID: 36406259 PMCID: PMC9643905 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-022-00221-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Human pluripotent stem cells have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of inborn and degenerative diseases, including aging and autoimmunity. A major barrier to their wider adoption in cell therapies is immune rejection. Genome editing allows for tinkering of the human genome in stem and progenitor cells and raises the prospect for overcoming the immune barriers to transplantation. Recent Findings Initial attempts have focused primarily on the major histocompatibility barrier that is formed by the human leukocyte antigens (HLA). More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-L1, CD47, or HLA-G, are being explored both, in the presence or absence of HLA, to mitigate immune rejection by the various cellular components of the immune system. Summary In this review, we discuss progress in surmounting immune barriers to cell transplantation, with a particular focus on genetic engineering of human pluripotent stem and progenitor cells and the therapeutic cell types derived from them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torsten B. Meissner
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Henrike S. Schulze
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Stanley M. Dale
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
ERAP/HLA-C and KIR Genetic Profile in Couples with Recurrent Implantation Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012518. [PMID: 36293373 PMCID: PMC9603896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper embryo implantation depends on the tolerance of the maternal immune system to the fetus and its foreign paternal antigens. During implantation and early pregnancy, the dominant leukocytes in the uterus are uterine NK cells, expressing killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). KIRs recognize human leukocyte antigens (HLA-C) on the human trophoblast inherited from the father and mother. The antigenic peptides presented by the HLA are formed via their cleavage by endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidases ERAP1 and ERAP2. The aim of this study was to assess the association of combined KIR genes and their HLA-C ligands, as well as ERAP1 and ERAP2 polymorphisms with recurrent implantation failure after in vitro fertilization (RIF). We tested 491 couples who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) and 322 fertile couples. Genotype CC rs27044 ERAP1 in female with a male’s HLA-C1C1 or HLA-C1C2 protected from RIF (p/pcorr. = 0.005/0.044, OR = 0.343; p/pcorr. = 0.003/0.027, OR = 0.442, respectively). Genotype TT rs30187 ERAP1 in female with a male’s HLA-C1C2 genotype increased the risk of RIF. Summarizing, in the combination of female ERAP1 and an HLA-C partner, the rs30187 C>T and rs27044 C>G polymorphisms play an important role in implantation failure.
Collapse
|
27
|
Smetanenko EA, Khonina NA, Leplina OY, Tikhonova MA, Batorov EV, Pasman NM, Chernykh ER. Expression of inhibitory receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, and Tim-3 by peripheral T cells during pregnancy. BULLETIN OF SIBERIAN MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.20538/1682-0363-2022-3-87-95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background. Inhibitory receptors and their ligands (also called checkpoint molecules) are important feedback regulators of the immune response. However, their role in immunological adaptation during pregnancy remains poorly understood.The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of checkpoint molecule (PD-1, CTLA-4, Tim-3) expression in peripheral T cells in pregnant women compared with fertile non-pregnant women.Materials and methods. The study included 36 women in the second half of pregnancy without pregnancy complications, 12 of whom had extragenital pathology. The control group consisted of 28 age-matched fertile non-pregnant women. The proportion of CD8+PD-1+, CD8+TIM-3+, CD8+PD-1+TIM-3+, CD4+PD-1+, CD4+TIM-3+, and CD4+PD-1+TIM-3+ was evaluated by flow cytometry using the corresponding monoclonal antibodies (BD Biosciences, USA).Results. The proportion of CD4+Tim-3+ and CD8+PD-1+ Т cells and CD4+ and CD8+ Т lymphocytes co-expressing PD-1 and Tim-3 in the peripheral blood of pregnant women was statistically significantly higher than in non-pregnant women. An increase in CD4+Tim-3+ and CD8+PD-1+ T cells was observed both in pregnant women with and without extragenital pathology. However, pregnant women with extragenital pathology were characterized by a higher CD8+PD-1+ count and a smaller number of CD8+Tim-3+ cells, as well as by a lack of an increase in PD-1+Tim-3+ T cells typical of pregnant women. The number of comorbidities was directly correlated with the proportion of CD8+PD-1+ lymphocytes and inversely correlated with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+ and CD4+ PD-1+Tim-3+ cells. In addition, the expression of checkpoint molecules was associated with gestational age (a direct correlation was found with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+, CD4+PD-1+Tim-3+, and CD8+PD-1+Tim-3+ cells) and to a lesser extent – with the age of pregnant women (an inverse relationship was found with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+ cells).Conclusion. Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy are characterized by increased expression of PD-1 and Tim-3 molecules in peripheral T cells. At the same time, concomitant extragenital pathology affects the expression of these molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - N. A. Khonina
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology; Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk National Research State University
| | - O. Yu. Leplina
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology
| | | | - E. V. Batorov
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology
| | - N. M. Pasman
- Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk National Research State University
| | - E. R. Chernykh
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang LQ, Fernandez-Boyano I, Robinson WP. Genetic variation in placental insufficiency: What have we learned over time? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1038358. [PMID: 36313546 PMCID: PMC9613937 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1038358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation shapes placental development and function, which has long been known to impact fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage or maternal pre-eclampsia. Early epidemiology studies provided evidence of a strong heritable component to these conditions with both maternal and fetal-placental genetic factors contributing. Subsequently, cytogenetic studies of the placenta and the advent of prenatal diagnosis to detect chromosomal abnormalities provided direct evidence of the importance of spontaneously arising genetic variation in the placenta, such as trisomy and uniparental disomy, drawing inferences that remain relevant to this day. Candidate gene approaches highlighted the role of genetic variation in genes influencing immune interactions at the maternal-fetal interface and angiogenic factors. More recently, the emergence of molecular techniques and in particular high-throughput technologies such as Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) arrays, has facilitated the discovery of copy number variation and study of SNP associations with conditions related to placental insufficiency. This review integrates past and more recent knowledge to provide important insights into the role of placental function on fetal and perinatal health, as well as into the mechanisms leading to genetic variation during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Qing Wang
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Icíar Fernandez-Boyano
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wendy P. Robinson
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Wendy P. Robinson,
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Silber M, Dekel N, Heusler I, Biron-Shental T, Amiel A, Kidron D, Weisz A, Benchetrit S, Zitman-Gal T. Inflammasome activation in preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13598. [PMID: 35976163 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13598] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are leading causes of perinatal complications, affecting 8%-10% of all pregnancies. Inflammasomes are suspected to be one of the mechanisms that lead to the process of term and preterm labors. This study evaluated the inflammasome-dependent inflammation processes in placental tissue of women with PE and IUGR. METHODS OF STUDY In this prospective cohort study, 14 women with PE, 15 with placental-related IUGR and 19 with normal pregnancy (NP) were recruited during admission for delivery. Maternal blood was obtained prior to delivery and neonatal cord blood and placental tissue were obtained after delivery. RESULTS NLRP7 and PYCARD protein expression were higher in placental PE and IUGR samples versus NP samples. Immunostaining revealed that NLRP7 and PYCARD were upregulated in PE and IUGR placental syncytiotrophoblast, stroma and endothelial cells. PYCARD serum levels were significantly higher in women with PE and IUGR. No significant changes were observed in neonatal cord blood. CONCLUSIONS NLRP7 and PYCARD are key inflammatory proteins that are significantly elevated in PE and IUGR. Better understanding their significance may enable them to become markers of prediction or progression of PE and IUGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Silber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nadav Dekel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Ishai Heusler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Biron-Shental
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Aliza Amiel
- School of Nursing, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Israel
| | - Debora Kidron
- Pathology Department, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Avivit Weisz
- Pathology Department, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Sydney Benchetrit
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Tali Zitman-Gal
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Arnaiz-Villena A, Suarez-Trujillo F, Juarez I, Rodríguez-Sainz C, Palacio-Gruber J, Vaquero-Yuste C, Molina-Alejandre M, Fernández-Cruz E, Martin-Villa JM. Evolution and molecular interactions of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-G, -E and -F genes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:464. [PMID: 35925520 PMCID: PMC9352621 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04491-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Classical HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) is the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in man. HLA genes and disease association has been studied at least since 1967 and no firm pathogenic mechanisms have been established yet. HLA-G immune modulation gene (and also -E and -F) are starting the same arduous way: statistics and allele association are the trending subjects with the same few results obtained by HLA classical genes, i.e., no pathogenesis may be discovered after many years of a great amount of researchers’ effort. Thus, we believe that it is necessary to follow different research methodologies: (1) to approach this problem, based on how evolution has worked maintaining together a cluster of immune-related genes (the MHC) in a relatively short chromosome area since amniotes to human at least, i.e., immune regulatory genes (MHC-G, -E and -F), adaptive immune classical class I and II genes, non-adaptive immune genes like (C2, C4 and Bf) (2); in addition to using new in vitro models which explain pathogenetics of HLA and disease associations. In fact, this evolution may be quite reliably studied during about 40 million years by analyzing the evolution of MHC-G, -E, -F, and their receptors (KIR—killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor, NKG2—natural killer group 2-, or TCR-T-cell receptor—among others) in the primate evolutionary lineage, where orthology of these molecules is apparently established, although cladistic studies show that MHC-G and MHC-B genes are the ancestral class I genes, and that New World apes MHC-G is paralogous and not orthologous to all other apes and man MHC-G genes. In the present review, we outline past and possible future research topics: co-evolution of adaptive MHC classical (class I and II), non-adaptive (i.e., complement) and modulation (i.e., non-classical class I) immune genes may imply that the study of full or part of MHC haplotypes involving several loci/alleles instead of single alleles is important for uncovering HLA and disease pathogenesis. It would mainly apply to starting research on HLA-G extended haplotypes and disease association and not only using single HLA-G genetic markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Arnaiz-Villena
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pabellón 5, planta 4. Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Fabio Suarez-Trujillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pabellón 5, planta 4. Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Juarez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pabellón 5, planta 4. Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Sainz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Gregorio Marañón, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Palacio-Gruber
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pabellón 5, planta 4. Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Vaquero-Yuste
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pabellón 5, planta 4. Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Molina-Alejandre
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pabellón 5, planta 4. Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Gregorio Marañón, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Martin-Villa
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pabellón 5, planta 4. Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sharif-zak M, Abbasi-Jorjandi M, Asadikaram G, Ghoreshi ZAS, Rezazadeh-Jabalbarzi M, Rashidinejad H. Influence of Disease Severity and Gender on HLA-C Methylation in COVID-19 Patients. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, TRANSACTIONS A: SCIENCE 2022; 46:1309-1316. [PMID: 35912367 PMCID: PMC9325662 DOI: 10.1007/s40995-022-01334-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In the pathophysiology of COVID-19, immunomodulatory factors play a vital role. Viruses have epigenetic effects on various genes, particularly methylation. Explaining the changes in immunological factor methylation levels during viral infections requires substantial consideration. HLA-C is a crucial determinant of immune function and NK cell activity and is primarily implicated in viral infections. This research focused on studying HLA-C methylation in COVID-19 patients with different severity. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 470 patients (235 men and 235 women) with RT-qPCR-confirmed COVID-19 test and classified into moderate, severe, and critical groups based on WHO criteria. Also, one hundred (50 men and 50 women) healthy subjects were selected as the control group. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used for DNA extraction, and the methylation-specific PCR (MSP) method and gel electrophoresis were used to determine the methylation status of the HLA-C. Significant statistical differences in HLA-C methylation were observed among cases and controls and various stages of the disease. HLA-C methylation in men and women has decreased in all stages (p < 0.05). In comparison with control, HLA-C methylation in both genders were as follows: moderate (women: 41.0%, men: 52.33%), severe (women: 43.42%, men: 64.86%), critical (women: 42.33%, men: 60.07%), and total patients (women: 45.52%, men: 56.97%). Furthermore, the methylation levels in men were higher than in women in all groups (p < 0.05). Significantly, among all groups, the severe group of men participants showed the highest methylation percentage (p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected for different disease severity in the women group (p > 0.1). This study found that HLA-C methylation was significantly lower in COVID-19 patients with different disease severity. There were also significant differences in HLA-C methylation between men and women patients with different severity. Therefore, during managing viral infections, particularly COVID-19, it is critical to consider patient gender and disease severity.
Collapse
|
32
|
Wei XW, Zhang YC, Wu F, Tian FJ, Lin Y. The role of extravillous trophoblasts and uterine NK cells in vascular remodeling during pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:951482. [PMID: 37408837 PMCID: PMC10319396 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.951482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful embryo implantation requires both a receptive endometrium and competent blastocysts. After implantation, the maternal decidua undergoes a series of changes, including uterine spiral artery (SA) remodeling to accommodate the fetus and provide nutrients and oxygen for the fetus to survive. Uterine spiral arteries transform from small-diameter, high-resistance arteries to large-diameter and low-resistance arteries during pregnancy. This transformation includes many changes, such as increased permeability and dilation of vessels, phenotypic switching and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), transient loss of endothelial cells (ECs), endovascular invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), and presence of intramural EVT, which are regulated by uterine NK (uNK) cells and EVTs. In this review, we mainly focus on the separate and combined roles of uNK cells and EVTs in uterine SA remodeling in establishing and maintaining pregnancy. New insight into related mechanisms will help us better understand the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications such as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and preeclampsia (PE).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Wei
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Chen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Wu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu-Ju Tian
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dunk CE, Bucher M, Zhang J, Hayder H, Geraghty DE, Lye SJ, Myatt L, Hackmon R. Human Leukocyte Antigen HLA-C, HLA-G, HLA-F and HLA-E placental profiles are altered in Early Severe Preeclampsia and Preterm Birth with Chorioamnionitis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:641.e1-641.e13. [PMID: 35863458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extravillous trophoblast expresses each of the non-classical MHC class I antigens - HLA-E, F, and G and a single classical class I antigen HLA-C. We recently demonstrated dynamic expression patterns of HLA-C, G and F during early EVT invasion and placentation. OBJECTIVE In this study we investigate the hypothesis that the immune inflammatory mediated complications of pregnancy such as early preeclampsia and preterm labor, may show altered expression profiles of non-classical HLA. STUDY DESIGN Real time q-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were performed on placental villous tissues and basal plate sections from term non-laboring deliveries, preterm deliveries and severe early onset preeclampsia both with and without small for gestational age neonates. RESULTS HLA-G is strongly and exclusively expressed by the EVT within the placental basal plate and its levels increase in pregnancies complicated by severe early onset PE with SGA neonates as compared to healthy term controls. HLA-C shows a similar profile in the EVT of PE pregnancies, but significantly decreases in the villous placenta. HLA-F protein levels are decreased in both EVT and villous placenta of severe early onset PE pregnancies both with and without SGA babies as compared to Term and PTB deliveries. HLA-E decreases in blood vessels in placentas from PE pregnancies as compared to Term and PTB deliveries. HLA-F and HLA-C are increased in the placenta of PTBs with chorioamnionitis as compared to idiopathic PTB. CONCLUSION Dysregulation of placental HLA expression at the maternal fetal interface may contribute to the compromised maternal tolerance in PTB with chorioamnionitis and excessive maternal systemic inflammation associated with severe early onset PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Dunk
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Hospital Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matthew Bucher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jianhong Zhang
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Heyam Hayder
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Stephen J Lye
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rinat Hackmon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Feng Q, Zhou M, Li S, Morimoto L, Hansen H, Myint SS, Wang R, Metayer C, Kang A, Fear AL, Pappas D, Erlich H, Hollenbach JA, Mancuso N, Trachtenberg E, de Smith AJ, Ma X, Wiemels JL. Interaction between maternal killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and offspring HLAs and susceptibility of childhood ALL. Blood Adv 2022; 6:3756-3766. [PMID: 35500222 PMCID: PMC9631572 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children is associated with a distinct neonatal cytokine profile. The basis of this neonatal immune phenotype is unknown but potentially related to maternal-fetal immune receptor interactions. We conducted a case-control study of 226 case child-mother pairs and 404 control child-mother pairs to evaluate the role of interaction between HLA genotypes in the offspring and maternal killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypes in the etiology of childhood ALL, while considering potential mediation by neonatal cytokines and the immune-modulating enzyme arginase-II (ARG-II). We observed different associations between offspring HLA-maternal KIR activating profiles and the risk of ALL in different predicted genetic ancestry groups. For instance, in Latino subjects who experience the highest risk of childhood leukemia, activating profiles were significantly associated with a lower risk of childhood ALL (odds ratio [OR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-0.71) and a higher level of ARG-II at birth (coefficient = 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.22). HLA-KIR activating profiles were also associated with a lower risk of ALL in non-Latino Asians (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.38-1.01), although they had a lower tumor necrosis factor-α level (coefficient = -0.27; 95% CI, -0.49 to -0.06). Among non-Latino White subjects, no significant association was observed between offspring HLA-maternal KIR interaction and ALL risk or cytokine levels. The current study reports the association between offspring HLA-maternal KIR interaction and the development of childhood ALL with variation by predicted genetic ancestry. We also observed some associations between activating profiles and immune factors related to cytokine control; however, cytokines did not demonstrate causal mediation of the activating profiles on ALL risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianxi Feng
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Shaobo Li
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Libby Morimoto
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Helen Hansen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Swe Swe Myint
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Alice Kang
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Anna Lisa Fear
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA; and
| | - Derek Pappas
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA; and
| | - Henry Erlich
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA; and
| | - Jill A. Hollenbach
- Department of Neurology and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Nicholas Mancuso
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Adam J. de Smith
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Joseph L. Wiemels
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Liao J, Li Y, Li X, Su X, Peng J, Xiao N, Fan X, Chen H, Lu G, Lin G, Cheng L, Gong F. Blood CD4 +CD25 + T regulatory cells constitute a potential predictive marker of subsequent miscarriage in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108960. [PMID: 35759810 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pre-pregnancy blood immune status and unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL), and to evaluate the predictive value of pre-pregnancy blood Treg levels for subsequent miscarriage in patients with URPL. We retrospectively analyzed 76 women who had experienced two or more miscarriages before 24 weeks of gestation for no obvious reason, and 74 women who had achieved live births as controls. Flow-cytometric analysis of peripheral blood CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, B cells, NK cell subpopulations (including CD56bright NK cells, CD56dim NK cells, CD56dimCD16+ NK cells, and CD56brightCD16- NK cells) was executed in the luteal phase of women in the URPL and control groups. When we reviewed and analyzed reproductive outcomes in URPL patients, we found that blood Tregs were significantly lower in the URPL group than in the controls (1.89% ± 0.61% vs. 2.15% ± 0.58%, P < 0.01) during the luteal phase pre-pregnancy. However, we discerned no differences among blood CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, B cells, NKT cells, or NK cells, NK subpopulations (CD56bright NKs, CD56dim NKs, CD56dimCD16+ NKs, or CD56brightCD16- NKs) between the two groups. By implementing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine whether Treg levels predicted subsequent miscarriages, we found that the area under the ROC curves was 0.714, and that the cutoff value was 1.35, with a sensitivity of 0.556 and specificity of 0.923. Based on the cutoff value, we divided pregnant URPL patients into two groups, demonstrating that the subsequent miscarriage rates in the low-Treg level group (<1.35%) were significantly higher than those in the normal-Treg level group (>1.35%) (71.43% vs. 14.29%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The pre-pregnancy blood Treg level was a potential marker that predicted subsequent miscarriage in women with URPL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingnan Liao
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.
| | - Yuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Xian Su
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; National Engineering Research Centre of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; National Engineering Research Centre of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Na Xiao
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; National Engineering Research Centre of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Xiangxiu Fan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; National Engineering Research Centre of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Lamei Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; National Engineering Research Centre of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; National Engineering Research Centre of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, You Y, Mor G, Dimitrova V, Dimova T. Functional HLA-C expressing trophoblast spheroids as a model to study placental-maternal immune interactions during human implantation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10224. [PMID: 35715452 PMCID: PMC9205925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12870-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In healthy couples over half of the conceptions result in failed pregnancy and around 30% of them occur during implantation defining it as a rate-limiting step for the success of native and in vitro fertilization. The understanding of the factors regulating each step of implantation and immune recognition is critical for the pregnancy outcome. Creation of 3D-cell culture models, such as spheroids and organoids, is in the focus of placental tissue engineering in attempt to resemble the in vivo complexity of the maternal-fetal interface and to overcome the need of laboratory animals and human embryos. We constructed stable, reliable, and reproducible trophoblast Sw71 spheroids which are functional independently of the serum level in the culture media. These models resemble the hatched human blastocyst in size, shape and function and are useful for in vitro studies of the in vivo concealed human implantation. Since Sw71 spheroids produce HLA-C, the only classical MHC molecule indispensable for establishment of the immune tolerance and proper human implantation, they are applicable for the evaluation not only of implantation itself but also of maternal-trophoblasts immune interactions. In addition, Sw71-blastocyst-like spheroids are manipulable in low-volume platform, easy to monitor and analyze automatically under treatment with favorable/detrimental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. K. Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. K. Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Yuan You
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - Violeta Dimitrova
- Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. K. Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Petroff MG, Nguyen SL, Ahn SH. Fetal‐placental
antigens and the maternal immune system: Reproductive immunology comes of age. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:25-39. [PMID: 35643905 PMCID: PMC9328203 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive physiology and immunology as scientific disciplines each have rich, largely independent histories. The physicians and philosophers of ancient Greece made remarkable observations and inferences to explain regeneration as well as illness and immunity. The scientific enlightenment of the renaissance and the technological advances of the past century have led to the explosion of knowledge that we are experiencing today. Breakthroughs in transplantation, immunology, and reproduction eventually culminated with Medawar’s discovery of acquired immunological tolerance, which helped to explain the transplantation success and failure. Medawar’s musings also keenly pointed out that the fetus apparently breaks these newly discovered rules, and with this, the field of reproductive immunology was launched. As a result of having stemmed from transplantation immunology, scientist still analogizes the fetus to a successful allograft. Although we now know of the fundamental differences between the two, this analogy remains a useful tool to understand how the fetus thrives despite its immunological disparity with the mother. Here, we review the history of reproductive immunology, and how major and minor histocompatibility antigens, blood group antigens, and tissue‐specific “self” antigens from the fetus and transplanted organs parallel and differ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret G. Petroff
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
- Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Human Medicine Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Science Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
| | - Sean L. Nguyen
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Science Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
| | - Soo Hyun Ahn
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, Dimova T. Immunity at maternal-fetal interface: KIR/HLA (Allo)recognition. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:55-76. [PMID: 35610960 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Both KIR and HLA are the most variable gene families in the human genome. The recognition of the semi-allogeneic embryo-derived trophoblasts by maternal decidual NK (dNK) cells is essential for the establishment of the functional placenta. This recognition is based on the KIR-HLA interactions and trophoblast expresses a specific HLA profile that constitutes classical polymorphic HLA-C and non-classical oligomorphic HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G molecules. This review highlights some features of the KIR/HLA-C (allo)recognition by decidual NK (dNK) cells as a main immune cell population specifically enriched at maternal-fetal interface during human early pregnancy. How KIR/HLA-C axis operates in pregnancy disorders and in the context of transplacental infections is discussed as well. We summarized old and new data on dNK-cell functional plasticity, their selective expression of KIR and fetal maternal/paternal HLA-C haplotypes present. Results showed that KIR-HLA-C combinations and the corresponding axis operate differently in each pregnancy, determined by the variability of both maternal KIR haplotypes and fetus' maternal/paternal HLA-C allotype combinations. Moreover, the maturation of NK cells strongly depends on if or not HLA allotypes for certain KIR are present. We suggest that the unique KIR/HLA combinations reached in each pregnancy (normal and pathological) should be studied according to well-defined guidelines and unified methodologies to have comparable results ease to interpret and use in clinics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Balle C, Armistead B, Kiravu A, Song X, Happel AU, Hoffmann AA, Kanaan SB, Nelson JL, Gray CM, Jaspan HB, Harrington WE. Factors influencing maternal microchimerism throughout infancy and its impact on infant T cell immunity. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:148826. [PMID: 35550376 PMCID: PMC9246390 DOI: 10.1172/jci148826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Determinants of the acquisition and maintenance of maternal microchimerism (MMc) during infancy and the impact of MMc on infant immune responses are unknown. We examined factors which influence MMc detection and level across infancy and the effect of MMc on T cell responses to BCG vaccination in a cohort of HIV exposed, uninfected and HIV unexposed infants in South Africa. MMc was measured in whole blood from 58 infants using a panel of quantitative PCR assays at day one and 7, 15, and 36 weeks of life. Infants received BCG at birth, and selected whole blood samples from infancy were stimulated in vitro with BCG and assessed for polyfunctional CD4+ T cell responses. MMc was present in most infants across infancy with levels ranging from 0-1,193/100,000 genomic equivalents and was positively impacted by absence of maternal HIV, maternal-infant HLA compatibility, infant female sex, and exclusive breastfeeding. Initiation of maternal antiretroviral therapy prior to pregnancy partially restored MMc levels in HIV exposed, uninfected infants. Birth MMc was associated with an improved polyfunctional CD4+ T cell response to BCG. These data emphasize that both maternal and infant factors influence MMc, which may subsequently impact infant T cell responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Balle
- Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Blair Armistead
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Agano Kiravu
- Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Xiaochang Song
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Anna-Ursula Happel
- Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Angela A Hoffmann
- Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sami B Kanaan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, United States of America
| | - J Lee Nelson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Clive M Gray
- Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather B Jaspan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Whitney E Harrington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Xu X, Zhou Y, Fu B, Wei H. Uterine NK cell functions at maternal-fetal interface. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:327-338. [PMID: 35551350 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, maternal decidual tissue interacts with fetal trophoblasts. They constitute the maternal-fetal interface responsible for supplying nutrition to the fetus. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are the most abundant immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy and play critical roles throughout pregnancy. This review provides current knowledge about the functions of uNK cells. uNK cells have been shown to facilitate remodeling of the spiral artery, control the invasion of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells, contribute to the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance, protect against pathogen infection, and promote fetal development. Pregnancy-trained memory of uNK cells improves subsequent pregnancy outcomes. In addition, this review describes the distinct functions of three uNK cell subsets: CD27-CD11b-, CD27+ and CD27-CD11b+ uNK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Xu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Binqing Fu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Krstic J, Deutsch A, Fuchs J, Gauster M, Gorsek Sparovec T, Hiden U, Krappinger JC, Moser G, Pansy K, Szmyra M, Gold D, Feichtinger J, Huppertz B. (Dis)similarities between the Decidual and Tumor Microenvironment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051065. [PMID: 35625802 PMCID: PMC9138511 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Placenta-specific trophoblast and tumor cells exhibit many common characteristics. Trophoblast cells invade maternal tissues while being tolerated by the maternal immune system. Similarly, tumor cells can invade surrounding tissues and escape the immune system. Importantly, both trophoblast and tumor cells are supported by an abetting microenvironment, which influences invasion, angiogenesis, and immune tolerance/evasion, among others. However, in contrast to tumor cells, the metabolic, proliferative, migrative, and invasive states of trophoblast cells are under tight regulatory control. In this review, we provide an overview of similarities and dissimilarities in regulatory processes that drive trophoblast and tumor cell fate, particularly focusing on the role of the abetting microenvironments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Krstic
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Alexander Deutsch
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Stiftingtalstrasse 24, 8010 Graz, Austria; (A.D.); (K.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Julia Fuchs
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
- Division of Biophysics, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Tina Gorsek Sparovec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria; (T.G.S.); (U.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Ursula Hiden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria; (T.G.S.); (U.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Julian Christopher Krappinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Katrin Pansy
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Stiftingtalstrasse 24, 8010 Graz, Austria; (A.D.); (K.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Marta Szmyra
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Stiftingtalstrasse 24, 8010 Graz, Austria; (A.D.); (K.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Daniela Gold
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria; (T.G.S.); (U.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Julia Feichtinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Xu X, Zhao X, Chen L, Liu M, Hu Z, Ke J, Fu B, Zhou Y, Wei H. CD158a + /CD158b + NK cell imbalance correlates with hypertension in patients with pre-eclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 87:e13532. [PMID: 35253311 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication with hypertension and proteinuria, seriously threats the health and lives of the mother and the baby. The pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia remains incompletely understood. The role of peripheral natural killer cells (NK cells) in the pre-eclampsia is unclear. METHOD OF STUDY Flow cytometry was performed to detect the expression of CD158a (KIR2DL1) and CD158b (KIR2DL2/3) in peripheral NK cells of healthy pregnant women (HP) and patients with pre-eclampsia (PE). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CD158a+ and CD158b+ NK cells were identified by RNA-sequencing and real-time PCR. Protein array analysis was used to identify altered protein levels in the serum of study participants. RESULTS CD158a+ NK cell numbers were increased in the peripheral blood of patients while the number of CD158b+ NK cells was reduced. In addition, the percentage of CD158a+ NK cells within the peripheral NK subset was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure while the percentage of CD158b+ NK cells was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure. RNA-seq and real-time PCR showed that the expression of ERAP2 and GCH1, the genes that regulate blood pressure and angiogenesis, was decreased in CD158a+ compared to CD158b+ NK cells. Consistently, the level of proteins involved in angiogenesis was altered in the serum of pre-eclampsia patients compared to healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS CD158a+ NK cells increased while CD158b+ NK cells decreased in the peripheral blood of patients with pre-eclampsia compared to healthy individuals. The change in the frequency of CD158a+ /CD158b+ NK cells is related to the increase in blood pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Xu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Xirui Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Muziying Liu
- Anhui Institute of Pediatric Research, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Ziming Hu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Jieqi Ke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Binqing Fu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Morelli AE, Sadovsky Y. Extracellular vesicles and immune response during pregnancy: A balancing act. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:105-122. [PMID: 35199366 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying maternal tolerance of the semi- or fully-allogeneic fetus are intensely investigated. Across gestation, feto-placental antigens interact with the maternal immune system locally within the trophoblast-decidual interface and distantly through shed cells and soluble molecules that interact with maternal secondary lymphoid tissues. The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as local or systemic carriers of antigens and immune-regulatory molecules has added a new dimension to our understanding of immune modulation prior to implantation, during trophoblast invasion, and throughout the course of pregnancy. New data on immune-regulatory molecules, located on EVs or within their cargo, suggest a role for EVs in negotiating immune tolerance during gestation. Lessons from the field of transplant immunology also shed light on possible interactions between feto-placentally derived EVs and maternal lymphoid tissues. These insights illuminate a potential role for EVs in major obstetrical disorders. This review provides updated information on intensely studied, pregnancy-related EVs, their cargo molecules, and patterns of fetal-placental-maternal trafficking, highlighting potential immune pathways that might underlie immune suppression or activation in gestational health and disease. Our summary also underscores the likely need to broaden the definition of the maternal-fetal interface to systemic maternal immune tissues that might interact with circulating EVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian E Morelli
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Mesenchymal stem cells transfer mitochondria to allogeneic Tregs in an HLA-dependent manner improving their immunosuppressive activity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:856. [PMID: 35165293 PMCID: PMC8844425 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28338-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based immunotherapies can provide safe and effective treatments for various disorders including autoimmunity, cancer, and excessive proinflammatory events in sepsis or viral infections. However, to achieve this goal there is a need for deeper understanding of mechanisms of the intercellular interactions. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a lymphocyte subset that maintain peripheral tolerance, whilst mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent nonhematopoietic progenitor cells. Despite coming from different origins, Tregs and MSCs share immunoregulatory properties that have been tested in clinical trials. Here we demonstrate how direct and indirect contact with allogenic MSCs improves Tregs’ potential for accumulation of immunosuppressive adenosine and suppression of conventional T cell proliferation, making them more potent therapeutic tools. Our results also demonstrate that direct communication between Tregs and MSCs is based on transfer of active mitochondria and fragments of plasma membrane from MSCs to Tregs, an event that is HLA-dependent and associates with HLA-C and HLA-DRB1 eplet mismatch load between Treg and MSC donors. Regulatory T (Treg) cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are both cell populations capable of immune tolerance induction. Here the authors show that the transfer of mitochondria from mesenchymal stem cells to allogeneic Treg cells in an HLA-dependent manner results in enhanced immunosuppressive functions of Treg cells.
Collapse
|
45
|
The etiology of preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S844-S866. [PMID: 35177222 PMCID: PMC8988238 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is one of the "great obstetrical syndromes" in which multiple and sometimes overlapping pathologic processes activate a common pathway consisting of endothelial cell activation, intravascular inflammation, and syncytiotrophoblast stress. This article reviews the potential etiologies of preeclampsia. The role of uteroplacental ischemia is well-established on the basis of a solid body of clinical and experimental evidence. A causal role for microorganisms has gained recognition through the realization that periodontal disease and maternal gut dysbiosis are linked to atherosclerosis, thus possibly to a subset of patients with preeclampsia. The recent reports indicating that SARS-CoV-2 infection might be causally linked to preeclampsia are reviewed along with the potential mechanisms involved. Particular etiologic factors, such as the breakdown of maternal-fetal immune tolerance (thought to account for the excess of preeclampsia in primipaternity and egg donation), may operate, in part, through uteroplacental ischemia, whereas other factors such as placental aging may operate largely through syncytiotrophoblast stress. This article also examines the association between gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal obesity with preeclampsia. The role of autoimmunity, fetal diseases, and endocrine disorders is discussed. A greater understanding of the etiologic factors of preeclampsia is essential to improve treatment and prevention.
Collapse
|
46
|
Taraschi A, Cimini C, Colosimo A, Ramal-Sanchez M, Moussa F, Mokh S, Valbonetti L, Capacchietti G, Tagaram I, Bernabò N, Barboni B. Human Immune System Diseasome Networks and Female Oviductal Microenvironment: New Horizons to be Discovered. Front Genet 2022; 12:795123. [PMID: 35154249 PMCID: PMC8829125 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.795123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human hypofertility and infertility are two worldwide conditions experiencing nowadays an alarming increase due to a complex ensemble of events. The immune system has been suggested as one of the responsible for some of the etiopathogenic mechanisms involved in these conditions. To shed some light into the strong correlation between the reproductive and immune system, as can be inferred by the several and valuable manuscripts published to date, here we built a network using a useful bioinformatic tool (DisGeNET), in which the key genes involved in the sperm-oviduct interaction were linked. This constitutes an important event related with Human fertility since this interaction, and specially the spermatozoa, represents a not-self entity immunotolerated by the female. As a result, we discovered that some proteins involved in the sperm-oviduct interaction are implicated in several immune system diseases while, at the same time, some immune system diseases could interfere by using different pathways with the reproduction process. The data presented here could be of great importance to understand the involvement of the immune system in fertility reduction in Humans, setting the basis for potential immune therapeutic tools in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Taraschi
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Costanza Cimini
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Colosimo
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Marina Ramal-Sanchez
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Fadl Moussa
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Doctoral School of Science and Technology Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samia Mokh
- National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC), Laboratory for Analysis of Organic Compound (LACO), Beiru, Lebanon
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Capacchietti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Israiel Tagaram
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Nicola Bernabò,
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Natural killer cells in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:790-792. [PMID: 34985021 PMCID: PMC9276402 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
48
|
Yamamoto M, Fukui A, Mai C, Saeki S, Takayama R, Wakimoto Y, Yamaya A, Kwak-Kim J, Shibahara H. Evaluation of NKp46 expression and cytokine production of decidual NK cells in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12478. [PMID: 35847412 PMCID: PMC9275167 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12478] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose NKp46, a receptor on NK cells, is involved in cytotoxicity and cytokine production. The authors aimed to evaluate the effect of NKp46 on decidual NK (dNK) cells during pregnancy and whether it can be a marker for immunological abnormalities in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Methods Flow‐cytometric analysis was made to assess NKp46 expression and intracellular cytokine production of dNK cells. The proportion of NKp46+ dNK cells was analyzed among RPL patients who aborted karyotypically normal pregnancies and those who either aborted karyotypically abnormal pregnancies or without genetic studies, and controls who were going through the induced abortion. Results The %NKp46+ and %NKp46bright dNK cells were significantly lower in the RPL women who aborted karyotypically normal pregnancies than in the control group. The %NKp46bright dNK cells were significantly correlated with the NK1/NK2 ratio of dNK cells. The %NKp46+ dNK cell cutoff for RPL with immunological abnormalities was determined by the ROC curve analysis. In women with the low %NKp46+ dNK, NK1/NK2 ratios were significantly higher than those with the high. Conclusion RPL patients with an immunological abnormality have decreased NKp46 expression and NK1 shift in dNK cells. NKp46 expression could be a marker for RPL of immunological abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayu Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine Hyogo Medical University Nishinomiya Japan
| | - Atsushi Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine Hyogo Medical University Nishinomiya Japan
| | - Chuxian Mai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine Hyogo Medical University Nishinomiya Japan
| | - Shinichiro Saeki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine Hyogo Medical University Nishinomiya Japan
| | - Ryu Takayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine Hyogo Medical University Nishinomiya Japan
| | - Yu Wakimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine Hyogo Medical University Nishinomiya Japan
| | - Ayano Yamaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine Hyogo Medical University Nishinomiya Japan.,Clinical Sciences Department, Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Vernon Hills IL USA
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Clinical Sciences Department, Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Vernon Hills IL USA
| | - Hiroaki Shibahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine Hyogo Medical University Nishinomiya Japan
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Vollmers S, Lobermeyer A, Körner C. The New Kid on the Block: HLA-C, a Key Regulator of Natural Killer Cells in Viral Immunity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113108. [PMID: 34831331 PMCID: PMC8620871 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The human leukocyte antigen system (HLA) is a cluster of highly polymorphic genes essential for the proper function of the immune system, and it has been associated with a wide range of diseases. HLA class I molecules present intracellular host- and pathogen-derived peptides to effector cells of the immune system, inducing immune tolerance in healthy conditions or triggering effective immune responses in pathological situations. HLA-C is the most recently evolved HLA class I molecule, only present in humans and great apes. Differentiating from its older siblings, HLA-A and HLA-B, HLA-C exhibits distinctive features in its expression and interaction partners. HLA-C serves as a natural ligand for multiple members of the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family, which are predominately expressed by natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are crucial for the early control of viral infections and accumulating evidence indicates that interactions between HLA-C and its respective KIR receptors determine the outcome and progression of viral infections. In this review, we focus on the unique role of HLA-C in regulating NK cell functions and its consequences in the setting of viral infections.
Collapse
|
50
|
Su T, Wang H, Yao Y. Novel nucleic acid aptamer gold (Au)-nanoparticles (AuNPs-AptHLA-G5-1 and AuNPs-AptHLA-G5-2) to detect the soluble human leukocyte antigen G5 subtype (HLA-G5) in liquid samples. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1416. [PMID: 34733968 PMCID: PMC8506699 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-3334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The human leukocyte antigen G5 subtype (HLA-G5) is a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule that is selectively expressed at the maternal-foetal tissue interface and is required for the successful implantation of the in vitro fertilized embryo. It is critical to detect HLA-G5, especially HLA-G5 expression in embryo fluid, during in vitro embryo incubation and culture. However, the specificity and sensitivity of traditional ELISA methods to detect sHLA-G5 are insufficient. This work aimed to explore novel nucleic acid aptamer gold (Au)-nanoparticles to detect soluble HLA-G5 in liquid samples. Methods Soluble HLA-G5 was obtained using a prokaryotic expression system, and two novel aptamers (HLA-G5-Apt1 and HLA-G5-Apt2) detecting HLA-G5 were screened by the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) method. Small (10 nm) gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were incubated with AptHLAs to form two novel nucleic acid aptamers: Au-nanoparticles (AuNPs-AptHLA-G5-1 and AuNPs-AptHLA-G5-2). Results The results showed that AptHLA-G5-1 and AptHLA-G5-2 have a high affinity for HLA-G5 and can detect its presence in liquid samples. Using the colorimetric sensing method, AuNPs-AptHLA-G1 had a detection limit as low as 20 ng/mL (recovery range between 98.7% to 102.0%), while AuNPs-AptHLA-G2 had a detection limit as low as 20 ng/mL (recovery range between 98.9% to 103.6%). Conclusions Our work demonstrates that novel AuNPs are efficient detectors for HLA-G5 and are useful for diagnosis and treatment in the field of obstetrics-gynaecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Su
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Reproductive Center, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Reproductive Center, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Reproductive Center, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|