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Kurmanova A, Urazbayeva G, Terlikbayeva A, Salimbaeva D, Ayazbekov A. Diagnostic significance of blood lymphocyte activation markers in pre-eclampsia. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 215:94-103. [PMID: 37921073 PMCID: PMC10776238 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad121] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The adaptive and innate immune system is important in both initiating and preventing functional disorders during pregnancy, one of which is pre-eclampsia. The research aims to conduct the comparative quantification of selected subpopulations of peripheral blood immunoregulatory cells in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia in the third trimester. The marker receptors CD4, CD8, CD95, CD25, and CD27 and the marker antigen HLA-DR were considered. The screening was performed by flow cytometry with dual phenotyping using phycoerythrin- and fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labeled monoclonal antibodies. Data processing consisted in calculating a likelihood value to assess the statistical significance of the difference between the samples. A statistically significant decrease in the subpopulation titer of T and B lymphocytes with marker receptors CD4, CD8, and CD19 was found in pre-eclampsia patients. In the CD4 carrier T-lymphocyte population, there was an increased expression of the CD25/CD95 activation and apoptosis markers. In the CD8 T-killer population, a decreased representation of the CD27/CD25/CD95 markers of differentiation, activation, and apoptosis was deterministic. The expression pattern of the major histocompatibility complex antigen HLA-DR did not change significantly in normality and pathology. The titer of peripheral natural killer cells carrying the CD56 marker increased in patients with various degrees of disease severity, while the number of CD16 natural killer remained at the level of the control group. The research results suggest that a change in the ratio of the above receptors is a diagnostic indicator for pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almagul Kurmanova
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
- Department of Science and Strategic Development, Scientific Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Gulfairuz Urazbayeva
- Scientific Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Aigul Terlikbayeva
- Scientific Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Damilya Salimbaeva
- Department of Science and Strategic Development, Scientific Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Ardak Ayazbekov
- Department of Obstetrician and Gynecology, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkistan, Republic of Kazakhstan
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2
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Song P, Anna B, E Scott G, Chamley LW. The interaction of placental micro-EVs with immune cells in vivo and in vitro. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13766. [PMID: 37641368 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13766] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Considerable evidence suggests that placental extracellular vesicles (EVs) interact with most types of leukocytes in vitro but in vivo biodistribution studies question whether these interactions are reflective of the situation in vivo. METHOD OF STUDY CellTracker Red CMTPX stained human placental micro-EVs were isolated from first trimester placental explant cultures. Equivalent amounts of micro-EVs were cultured with murine leukocytes in vitro or injected into pregnant or non-pregnant mice. After intravenous injection, on day 12.5 of gestation, major organs and blood samples were harvested 30 min or 24 h post injection. RESULTS We screened cryosections of the organs and confirmed that human placental EVs were specifically localised to the spleen, liver and the lungs 30 min or 24 h after injection. Immunohistochemistry showed that most of the EVs interacted with macrophages in those three organs and some of them also associated with T and B lymphocytes in the spleen or endothelial cells in the lungs and liver. Flow cytometry demonstrated that there was very little interaction between circulating leukocytes and EVs in vivo. While minimal, significantly more EVs interacted with leukocytes in pregnant than nonpregnant mice. CONCLUSION The major interaction between human placental micro-EVs and maternal leukocytes appear to be with macrophages predominantly in the splenic marginal zone, liver and lungs with little interaction between EVs and circulating leukocytes. Since marginal zone macrophages induce tolerance after phagocytosing apoptotic bodies it is likely that phagocytosis of placental EVs by marginal zone macrophages may also contribute to maternal immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paek Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations (HEVI), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brooks Anna
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Graham E Scott
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence Willam Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations (HEVI), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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3
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Meng Y, Yang Z, Quan Y, Zhao S, Zhang L, Yang L. Regulation of IkappaB Protein Expression by Early Gestation in the Thymus of Ewes. Vet Sci 2023; 10:462. [PMID: 37505866 PMCID: PMC10384501 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10070462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is an essential component of maternal immune systems that play key roles in recognizing the placenta as immunologically foreign. The inhibitor of the NF-κB (IκB) family has essential effects on the NF-κB pathway; however, it is unclear whether early pregnancy modulates the expression of the IκB family in the thymus. In this study, maternal thymuses were sampled on day 16 of nonpregnancy and different gestation stages in the ovine, and the expression of IκB proteins was analyzed. The data showed that B cell leukemia-3 and IκBβ increased; however, IκBα, IκBε, and IKKγ deceased during gestation. Furthermore, there was an increase in IκBNS and IκBζ expression values on day 13 of pregnancy; however, this decreased on day 25 of gestation. In summary, the expression of the IκB family was modulated in the thymus during early gestation, suggesting that the maternal thymus can be associated with maternal immunologic tolerance and pregnancy establishment in ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Meng
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Yaodong Quan
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Shuxin Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Leying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
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4
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Li Z, Liang X, Chen X, Chen Y, Wang F, Wang S, Liao Y, Li L. The role of thymus- and extrathymus-derived regulatory T cells in maternal-fetal tolerance. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1109352. [PMID: 36817424 PMCID: PMC9932773 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1109352] [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: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells could be divided into thymus-derived Treg (tTreg) cells and peripherally derived Treg (pTreg) cells, and in vitro induced Treg (iTreg) cells. To date, the functions of tTreg versus pTreg and their relative contributions to maternal-fetal immune tolerance remain insufficiently defined due to a lack of a specific marker to distinguish tTreg cells from pTreg cells. In this study, we investigated the role of thymus- and extrathymus-derived Treg cells in pregnancy tolerance using transgenic ACT-mOVA, Foxp3DTR and Foxp3GFP mice, and Treg cell adoptive transfer, etc. We found that the frequencies of Treg cells in the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes (LNs) in either syngeneically- or allogeneically-mated pregnant mice were not different from non-pregnant mice. However, percentages of blood Treg cells in pregnant mice increased at mid-gestation, and percentages of decidua Treg cells in pregnant mice increased as the pregnancy progressed compared with non-pregnant mice, and were significantly higher in allogeneic mice than those in syngeneic group. Compared with syngeneic mice, levels of CCR2 and CCR6 on blood and decidua Treg cells and CCL12 in the decidua significantly increased in allogeneic mice. A surrogate fetal antigen mOVA that was recognized by naïve T cells from OT-IIFoxp3GFP mice induced the generation of pTreg cells in vivo. Transfusion of thymus and spleen Treg cells significantly decreased diphtheria toxin (DT)-increased embryo resorption rates (ERRs) and IFN-γ levels in the blood and decidua. iTreg cells also decreased ERRs and IFN-γ levels in the blood and decidua to an extent lower than thymus and spleen Treg cells. In conclusion, increased blood and decidua Treg cells in pregnancy and increased ERRs in DT-treated Foxp3DTR mice suggest an important immunosuppressive role of Treg cells in pregnancy. Elevated decidua Treg cells in pregnancy could be derived from the recruitment of tTreg cells to the decidua, or from the transformation of naïve T cells in the decidua to pTreg cells. While the immune-suppression effects of thymus and spleen Treg cells are comparable, iTreg cells might play a weaker role in maternal-fetal tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yuying Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuoshi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Liping Li
- *Correspondence: Liping Li, ; Yihong Liao,
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5
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Araishi K, Shima T, Yasuda I, Tsuda S, Morita K, Yamaki-Ushijima A, Nakashima A, Saito S. Dynamics of neuropilin1 (Nrp1)-positive thymus-derived and Nrp1-negative peripherally induced paternal antigen specific regulatory T cells in the uterus and spleen during pregnancy in mice. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 155:103792. [PMID: 36587463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103792] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Paternal antigen-specific regulatory T (PA-Treg) cells suppress the immune response against the fetus. Naturally occurring Treg (nTreg) cells derived from the thymus and peripherally induced Treg (iTreg) cells are functional for sustaining pregnancy. This study aimed to compare the variation in PA-Treg cells between the feto-maternal interface and the spleen and to elucidate the dynamics of nTreg and iTreg cells during the gestational period. PA-Treg cells, defined as Treg cells with paternally derived Mls-1a antigen-specific T cell receptors Vβ6, from allogeneic pregnant mice on days 3.5, 5.5, 11.5, and 18.5 post-coitum (pc) were evaluated by flow cytometry. The percentage of Vβ6+ Ki67+ PA-Treg cells activated by the paternal antigen increased on day 11.5 pc in the decidua (p < 0.05) compared to non-pregnant mice. On day 18.5 pc, this percentage in the decidua parietalis decreased to the level of the non-pregnant state but was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the decidua basalis. No changes were observed in the spleens. We used two nTreg cell markers, neuropilin1 (Nrp1) and Helios, to distinguish between nTreg cells and iTreg cells. Nrp1+ PA-Treg cell levels decreased in late pregnancy compared to those observed in early pregnancy (day 3.5 pc: 57.14 ± 6.16% vs. day 18.5 pc: 30.43 ± 3.09%; p < 0.05), whereas Helios+ cell levels did not change. In conclusion, PA immune tolerance is induced by Nrp1+ nTreg cells in early pregnancy and Nrp1-negative Treg cells in late pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Araishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ippei Yasuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Sayaka Tsuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Keiko Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | | | - Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Bonney EA. A Framework for Understanding Maternal Immunity. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2023; 43:e1-e20. [PMID: 37179052 PMCID: PMC10484232 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This is an alternative and controversial framing of the data relevant to maternal immunity. It argues for a departure from classical theory to view, interrogate and interpret existing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Bonney
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont Robert Larner College of Medicine, Given Building, Room C246, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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Wang W, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Huang J, Zhang X, Kwak-Kim J. The characteristics of antigenic specificity of memory regulatory t cells in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 154:103694. [PMID: 36063659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103694] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) proliferate after encountering the fetal antigen, which plays an important role in maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance. Activated Tregs increase number and function after antigen encounter and develop memory. Upon subsequent antigen exposure, Treg cells re-expand more rapidly. However, the characteristics of memory regulatory T cells (mTregs) during normal pregnancy and unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) have not been elucidated well. In this study, we analyzed the proportion of Tregs and mTregs in the peripheral blood and their surface expression of PD-1, CCR6, and HLA-G in normal non-pregnant (n = 20) and pregnant (n = 20) women, and non-pregnant (n = 20) and pregnant URPL (n = 20) women. We found that the proportions of mTregs in lymphocytes, CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and Tregs were lower in pregnant URPL patients than in normal pregnant women. The proportions of CD4+CD45RO+ Th cells in lymphocytes, CD3+ T, and CD4+ T cells in the pregnant URPL group were the highest among the four groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences among the other three groups (P > 0.05). The proportions of CD4+/CCR6+/mTregs, CD4+/PD-1+/mTregs, CD4+/HLA-G+/mTregs were significantly lower in the non-pregnant normal group and non-pregnant URPL group than in normal pregnant group and pregnant URPL group (P < 0.05, respectively). The proportions of CD4+/CCR6+ mTregs, CD4+/PD-1+/mTregs, CD4+/HLA-G+/mTregs were lower in pregnant URPL group than in normal pregnant group (P < 0.05, respectively). These findings indicate that fetal antigen-specific mTregs play an important role in pregnancy maintenance, and the dysregulation of mTreg may contribute to URPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Reproduction Medical Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai 264000, PR China.
| | - Xiaojiao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai 264000, PR China; School of Medicine, Qingdao Universityō, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266000, PR China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Zeyang Chen
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Department of Gynecology, Weihai Central Hospital, 3 Mishan East Road, Weihai 264400, PR China
| | - Jinxia Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai 264000, PR China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai 264000, PR China
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA; Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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8
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Changes in expression of nuclear factor kappa B subunits in the ovine thymus during early pregnancy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17683. [PMID: 36271124 PMCID: PMC9587240 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21632-3] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a pregnant maternal immunological tolerance that protects the fetus and promotes its growth, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) family participates in the regulation of innate immune and adaptive immune responses. The thymus is related to establishing central tolerance, and early pregnancy has effects on expression of a good number of genes and proteins in the maternal thymus in sheep. However, it is unclear whether early pregnancy changes expression of NF-κB subunits in the ovine thymus. In this study, the thymic samples were collected from day 16 of non-pregnant ewes, and days 13, 16 and 25 of pregnant ewes, and the expression of NF-κB members (NF-κB1, NF-κB2, RelA, RelB and c-Rel) was analyzed through real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that c-Rel mRNA and protein upregulated at day 25 of pregnancy, and NF-κB1 mRNA and proteins increased at days 16 and 25 of pregnancy, and RelB mRNA and proteins enhanced during early pregnancy. However, expression levels of NF-κB2 and RelA were decreased during early pregnancy, but upregulated from day 13 to 25 of pregnancy. In addition, the RelA protein was located in the epithelial reticular cells, capillaries and thymic corpuscles. This paper reported for the first time that early pregnancy induced expression of NF-κB1, RelB and c-Rel, but inhibited expression of NF-κB2 and RelA in the maternal thymus during early pregnancy, which is involved in the central immune tolerance, and helpful for successful pregnancy in sheep.
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9
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Bafor EE, Valencia JC, Young HA. Double Negative T Regulatory Cells: An Emerging Paradigm Shift in Reproductive Immune Tolerance? Front Immunol 2022; 13:886645. [PMID: 35844500 PMCID: PMC9283768 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune regulation of female reproductive function plays a crucial role in fertility, as alterations in the relationship between immune and reproductive processes result in autoimmune subfertility or infertility. The breakdown of immune tolerance leads to ovulation dysfunction, implantation failure, and pregnancy loss. In this regard, immune cells with regulatory activities are essential to restore self-tolerance. Apart from regulatory T cells, double negative T regulatory cells (DNTregs) characterized by TCRαβ+/γδ+CD3+CD4–CD8– (and negative for natural killer cell markers) are emerging as effector cells capable of mediating immune tolerance in the female reproductive system. DNTregs are present in the female reproductive tract of humans and murine models. However, their full potential as immune regulators is evolving, and studies so far indicate that DNTregs exhibit features that can also maintain tolerance in the female reproductive microenvironment. This review describes recent progress on the presence, role and mechanisms of DNTregs in the female reproductive system immune regulation and tolerance. In addition, we address how DNTregs can potentially provide a paradigm shift from the known roles of conventional regulatory T cells and immune tolerance by maintaining and restoring balance in the reproductive microenvironment of female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enitome E Bafor
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Julio C Valencia
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Howard A Young
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
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10
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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.
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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
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11
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Yang Q, Li M, Zhao M, Lu F, Yu X, Li L, Gu Z, Deng Y, Guan R. Progesterone modulates CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 + regulatory T Cells and TGF-β1 in the maternal-fetal interface of the late pregnant mouse. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13541. [PMID: 35338548 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13541] [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: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Progesterone supplementation is recommended to prevent spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in clinical practice. However, the exact mechanism is still unclear. This study aims to better understand the mechanisms that progesterone can prevent PTB. METHODS Late pregnant mice were given various doses of progesterone receptor antagonist mifepristone, and pregnancy outcomes were observed. Then, non-pregnant and pregnant mice were given a subcutaneous injection of 40 mg/kg progesterone and 5 mg/kg mifepristone, respectively. CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood and decidua basalis were detected by FACS. Expressions of FoxP3 and TGF-β1 in the decidua basalis were detected. RESULTS Mifepristone induced preterm birth, and an obvious dose-response was found. Proportions of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Treg cells in the peripheral blood of non-pregnant mice increased significantly after progesterone injection. CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Treg cells in the peripheral blood of pregnant mice increased significantly compared with those of non-pregnant mice. In pregnant mice, mifepristone significantly decreased the proportions of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood, and reduced proportions of Treg cells at the maternal-fetal interface and expressions of FoxP3 and TGF-β1 in the maternal-fetal interface. Total 40 mg/kg of progesterone did not increase CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Treg in the peripheral blood of pregnant mice, but increased proportions of Treg cells at the maternal-fetal interface and up-regulated FoxP3 and TGF-β1 expressions in the maternal-fetal interface. CONCLUSION Progesterone promotes pregnancy immune homeostasis by up-regulating Treg cells and TGF-β1 expression in the maternal-fetal interface. It may be one of the mechanisms of progesterone in preventing sPTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meihui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Naval Specialty Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feifan Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomin Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongyi Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifang Deng
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Centanni M, Virili C. Pregnancy Outcome in Poly-Autoimmune Disorders: The Case of APECED Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1754-e1755. [PMID: 34718626 PMCID: PMC8947229 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Centanni
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, ‘‘Sapienza’’ University of Rome, Latina 04100, Italy
- Endocrine Unit, AUSL Latina, Latina 04100, Italy
- Correspondence: Marco Centanni, MD, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Corso della Repubblica 79, Latina 04100, Italy.
| | - Camilla Virili
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, ‘‘Sapienza’’ University of Rome, Latina 04100, Italy
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Bai K, Lee CL, Liu X, Li J, Cao D, Zhang L, Hu D, Li H, Hou Y, Xu Y, Kan ASY, Cheung KW, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Chiu PCN. Human placental exosomes induce maternal systemic immune tolerance by reprogramming circulating monocytes. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:86. [PMID: 35180876 PMCID: PMC8857816 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01283-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The maternal immune system needs to tolerate the semi-allogeneic fetus in pregnancy. The adaptation occurs locally at the maternal-fetal interface as well as systemically through the maternal circulation. Failure to tolerate the paternal antigens may result in pregnancy complications, such as pregnancy loss and pre-eclampsia. However, the mechanism that regulates maternal immune tolerance, especially at the systemic level, is still an enigma. Here we report that the first-trimester placenta-derived exosomes (pEXOs) contribute to maternal immune tolerance by reprogramming the circulating monocytes. RESULTS pEXOs predominantly target monocytes and pEXO-educated monocytes exhibit an immunosuppressive phenotype as demonstrated by reduced expression of marker genes for monocyte activation, T-cell activation and antigen-process/presentation at the transcriptomic level. They also have a greater propensity towards M2 polarization when compared to the monocytes without pEXO treatment. The inclusion of pEXOs in a monocyte-T-cell coculture model significantly reduces proliferation of the T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells and elevates the expansion of regulatory T cells. By integrating the microRNAome of pEXO and the transcriptomes of pEXO-educated monocytes as well as various immune cell functional assays, we demonstrate that the pEXO-derived microRNA miR-29a-3p promotes the expression of programmed cell death ligand-1, a well-known surface receptor that suppresses the adaptive immune system, by down-regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog in monocytes. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report to show how human pEXO directly regulates monocyte functions and its molecular mechanism during early pregnancy. The results uncover the importance of pEXO in regulating the maternal systemic immune response during early pregnancy by reprogramming circulating monocytes. The study provides the basis for understanding the regulation of maternal immune tolerance to the fetal allograft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunfeng Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China. .,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianlin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Dandan Cao
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Duanlin Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanqing Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Anita S Y Kan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Ka-Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China. .,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Shenzhen, China.
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14
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Combination of Tipifarnib and Sunitinib Overcomes Renal Cell Carcinoma Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors via Tumor-Derived Exosome and T Cell Modulation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040903. [PMID: 35205655 PMCID: PMC8870174 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastatic renal cell carcinoma continues to have a poor prognosis. Chemotherapies and immuno-oncologic therapies have garnered increasing importance in cancer therapy, with improvements in patient care and survival. However, a large proportion of patients present with tumors resistant to these treatments. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles secreted by all nucleated cells that have proven to be key actors in this resistance. Exosomes carry bioactive oncogenic cargos that reprogram target cells to promote tumor growth, migration, metastasis, immune evasion, and chemotherapy resistance. Tipifarnib, in combination with standard therapy, decreased tumor growth in the setting of chemotherapeutic resistance through an exosome-mediated mechanism. After using a qNANO IZON system to compare tumor-derived exosomes collected from untreated and tipifarnib-treated cells, all cancerous cell lines displayed a reduction of vesicle concentration. Tipifarnib also directly inhibited PD-L1 protein expression in chemo-sensitive cell lines and resistant cell lines. Abstract Background: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) were initially demonstrated as an efficacious treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, after a median treatment length of 14 months, a vast majority of patients develop resistance. This study analyzed a combination therapy of tipifarnib (Tipi) + sunitinib that targeted exosome-conferred drug resistance. Methods: 786-O, 786-O-SR (sunitinib resistant), A498, A498-SR, Caki-2, Caki-2-SR, and 293T cells were cultured. Exosomes were collected using differential ultracentrifugation. Cell proliferation, Jurkat T cell immune assay, and immunoblot analysis were used for downstream analysis. Results: SR exosomes treatment displayed a cytotoxic effect on immune cells. This cytotoxic effect was associated with increased expression of PD-L1 on SR exosomes when compared to sunitinib-sensitive (SS) exosomes. Additionally, Tipi treatment downregulated PD-L1 expression on exosomes derived from SR cell lines. Tipi’s ability to downregulate PD-L1 in exosomes has a significant application within patients. Exosomes collected from patients with RCC showed increased PD-L1 expression over subjects without RCC. Next, exosome concentrations were then compared after Tipi treatment, with all SS cell lines displaying an even greater reduction. On immunoblot assay, 293T cells showed a dose-dependent increase in Alix with no change in either nSMase or Rab27a. Conversely, all the SS and SR cell lines displayed a decrease in all three markers. After a cell proliferation employed a 48-h treatment on all SS and SR cell lines, the drug combination displayed synergistic ability to decrease tumor growth. Conclusions: Tipifarnib attenuates both the exosome endosomal sorting complex required for endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-dependent and ESCRT-independent pathways, thereby blocking exosome biogenesis and secretion as well as downregulating PD-L1 on SS and SR cells.
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15
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Saito S. Reconsideration of the Role of Regulatory T Cells during Pregnancy: Differential Characteristics of Regulatory T Cells between the Maternal-Fetal Interface and Peripheral Sites and between Early and Late Pregnancy. Med Princ Pract 2022; 31:403-414. [PMID: 36195068 PMCID: PMC9801372 DOI: 10.1159/000527336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in implantation of the embryo and maintenance of pregnancy after allogeneic mating. Implantation failure, miscarriage, and preeclampsia are associated with decreased numbers of Treg cells or with dysfunctional Treg cells. Treg cells are classified into naturally occurring Treg (nTreg) cells or thymus-derived Treg (tTreg) cells that differentiate in the thymus and induce tolerance to self-antigens, while induced Treg (iTreg) or peripheral Treg (pTreg) cells differentiate in the periphery and induce transient tolerance to foreign antigens. Memory nTreg or iTreg cells were recently reported to accumulate in the uterus during early pregnancy and contribute to the establishment of pregnancy. Miscarriage is characterized by the downregulation of the total numbers of Treg cells rather than a downregulation of the numbers of paternal/fetal antigen-specific Treg cells. In addition to the volume of paternal/fetal antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, the number of paternal/fetal antigen-specific Treg cells, which protect the fetus/placenta against maternal immune cell attack, increases after the second trimester of pregnancy. Clonal Treg cells which are surrogate markers of paternal/fetal antigen-specific Treg cells in humans may be involved in the development of preeclampsia during the mid- to late pregnancy stage, as evidenced by their downregulation in the decidua of preeclamptic cases. This review summarizes recent findings on Treg cells and discusses the roles, in the maintenance of pregnancy, of different types of Treg cells such as paternal/fetal antigen-specific Treg, pregnancy-associated memory Treg, nTreg (or tTreg), and iTreg (or pTreg cells).
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16
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Miller D, Motomura K, Galaz J, Gershater M, Lee ED, Romero R, Gomez-Lopez N. Cellular immune responses in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:237-260. [PMID: 33847419 PMCID: PMC8511357 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ru1120-787rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, defined as new-onset hypertension accompanied by proteinuria occurring at 20 weeks of gestation or later, is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathophysiology of this major multi-systemic syndrome includes defective deep placentation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, the presence of an anti-angiogenic state, and intravascular inflammation, among others. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the cellular immune responses involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Specifically, we summarize the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in the maternal circulation, reproductive tissues, and at the maternal-fetal interface of women affected by this pregnancy complication. The major cellular subsets involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia are regulatory T cells, effector T cells, NK cells, monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. We also summarize the literature on those immune cells that have been less characterized in this clinical condition, such as γδ T cells, invariant natural killer T cells, dendritic cells, mast cells, and B cells. Moreover, we discuss in vivo studies utilizing a variety of animal models of preeclampsia to further support the role of immune cells in this disease. Finally, we highlight the existing gaps in knowledge of the immunobiology of preeclampsia that require further investigation. The goal of this review is to promote translational research leading to clinically relevant strategies that can improve adverse perinatal outcomes resulting from the obstetrical syndrome of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kenichiro Motomura
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Meyer Gershater
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Eun D. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA,Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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17
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Gokina NI, Fairchild RI, Prakash K, DeLance NM, Bonney EA. Deficiency in CD4 T Cells Leads to Enhanced Postpartum Internal Carotid Artery Vasoconstriction in Mice: The Role of Nitric Oxide. Front Physiol 2021; 12:686429. [PMID: 34220551 PMCID: PMC8242360 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.686429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of postpartum (PP) stroke is increased in complicated pregnancies. Deficiency in CD4 T cell subsets is associated with preeclampsia and may contribute to PP vascular disease, including internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and stroke. We hypothesized that CD4 T cell deficiency in pregnancy would result in ICA dysregulation, including enhanced ICA vasoconstriction. We characterized the function, mechanical behavior, and structure of ICAs from C57BL/6 (WT) and CD4 deficient (CD4KO) mice, and assessed the role of NO in the control of ICA function at pre-conception and PP. WT and CD4KO mice were housed under pathogen-free conditions, mated to same-strain males, and allowed to litter or left virgin. At 3 days or 4 weeks PP, mice were euthanized. The responses to phenylephrine (PE), high K+ and acetylcholine (ACh) were assessed in pressurized ICAs before and after NOS inhibition. Passive lumen diameters were measured at 3–140 mmHg. eNOS and iNOS expression as well as the presence of T cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Constriction of WT ICAs to PE was not modified PP. In contrast, responses to PE were significantly increased in ICAs from PP as compared to virgin CD4KO mice. Constriction to high K+ was not enhanced PP. ICAs from WT and CD4KO mice were equally sensitive to ACh with a significant rightward shift of dose-response curves after L-NNA treatment. NOS inhibition enhanced PE constriction of ICAs from WT virgin and PP mice. Although a similar effect was detected in ICAs of virgin CD4KO mice, no such changes were observed in vessels from PP CD4KO mice. Passive arterial distensibility at physiological levels of pressure was not modified at PP. ICA diameters were significantly increased in PP with no change in vascular wall thickness. Comparison of eNOS expression in virgin, 3 days and 4 weeks PP revealed a reduced expression in ICA from CD4 KO vs. WT PP vessels which reached significance at 4 weeks PP. iNos expression was similar and decreased over the PP period in vessels from WT and CD4KO mice. Dysregulation of the CD4 T cell population in pregnancy may make ICA vulnerable to vasospasm due to decreased NO-dependent control of ICA constriction. This may lead to cerebral hypoperfusion and increase the risk of maternal PP stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia I Gokina
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Rebecca I Fairchild
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Kirtika Prakash
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Nicole M DeLance
- Microscopy Imaging Center, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Bonney
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
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18
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Li D, Zheng L, Zhao D, Xu Y, Wang Y. The Role of Immune Cells in Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3303-3315. [PMID: 34101149 PMCID: PMC8186021 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00599-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion affects approximately 1–2% of women of childbearing, and describes a condition in which women suffer from three or more continuous spontaneous miscarriages. However, the origin of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains unknown, preventing effective treatment and placing stress upon patients. It has been acknowledged that successful pregnancy necessitates balanced immune responses. Therefore, immunological aberrancy may be considered a root cause of poor pregnancy outcomes. Considerable published studies have investigated the relationship between various immune cells and RSA. Here, we review current knowledge on this area, and discuss the five main categories of immune cells involved in RSA; these include innate lymphocytes (ILC), macrophages, decidual dendritic cells (DCs), and T cells. Furthermore, we sought to summarize the impact of the multiple interactions of various immune cells on the emergence of RSA. A good understanding of pregnancy-induced immunological alterations could reveal new therapeutic strategies for favorable pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Ying Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yeling Wang
- Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.
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Navigating the murky waters of maternal fetal tolerance: Put big data at the helm. Hum Immunol 2021; 82:340-345. [PMID: 33589281 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The last 20 years have seen significant progress in our understanding of the maternal T cell response to the fetus. However, major questions still remain. In this review, we discuss the contribution of Big Data approaches to our evolving understanding of maternal fetal tolerance. This includes investigations which have employed systems immunology, high dimensional mass spectrometry, whole genome transcriptomics, as well as single-cell RNA-sequencing. These studies reveal "new" mechanisms of T cell dysfunction that are conserved across immune responses and highlight the breadth and magnitude of the systemic maternal response to the fetus during pregnancy.
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