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Mercnik MH, Wadsack C, Schliefsteiner C. Unlocking the secrets of Hofbauer cells in placental (patho-) physiology: Isolation and quality assessment in human term placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00299-6. [PMID: 39004544 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are macrophages of fetal origin that reside in the villous tissue. They are the only immune cells within healthy villi. While HBCs perform innate immune functions such as phagocytosis and antigen presentation, they are increasingly recognized for their diverse roles in placental physiology e.g. vascular functionality, tissue homeostasis, tolerance. Consequently, HBCs are of utmost interest in a variety of non-physiological placental conditions. ISOLATION Villous tissue is collected freshly after delivery and finely minced. The resulting tissue is digested in a two-step process, using Trypsin/DNase to separate cytotrophoblasts and collagenase/DNase to penetrate deeper into the villous stroma, containing HBCs, and obtain a single cell suspension. After a density gradient centrifugation, the corresponding cell layer is collected and subjected to negative immune selection of HBCs, yielding unaffected cells that have not been activated during the isolation process. QUALITY CONTROL In addition to a classical immunocytochemistry (ICC) approach including macrophage markers, and markers for potentially contaminating cell types (e.g. fibroblasts, muscle, mesenchymal cells), we have developed a multi-color flow cytometry (FC) panel. This panel assesses Hofbauer cell purity and polarization states more accurately and comprehensively than qualitative ICC, using percentage analysis of parent cells to estimate the expression levels of specific markers. DISCUSSION The presented protocol allows us to isolate HBCs in significant numbers and high purity, even from placentae compromised by preeclampsia (PE) with limited placental volume. We have successfully developed and implemented this protocol to study healthy, diabetic and PE macrophages, aiding a better understanding of the underlying placental pathophysiology at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Horvat Mercnik
- Medical University of Graz, Austria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit, Austria
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Medical University of Graz, Austria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Carolin Schliefsteiner
- Medical University of Graz, Austria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit, Austria
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Horvat Mercnik M, Schliefsteiner C, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Wadsack C. TGFβ signalling: a nexus between inflammation, placental health and preeclampsia throughout pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:442-471. [PMID: 38519450 PMCID: PMC11215164 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae007] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is a unique and pivotal organ in reproduction, controlling crucial growth and cell differentiation processes that ensure a successful pregnancy. Placental development is a tightly regulated and dynamic process, in which the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily plays a central role. This family of pleiotropic growth factors is heavily involved in regulating various aspects of reproductive biology, particularly in trophoblast differentiation during the first trimester of pregnancy. TGFβ signalling precisely regulates trophoblast invasion and the cell transition from cytotrophoblasts to extravillous trophoblasts, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like process. Later in pregnancy, TGFβ signalling ensures proper vascularization and angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells. Beyond its role in trophoblasts and endothelial cells, TGFβ signalling contributes to the polarization and function of placental and decidual macrophages by promoting maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic foetus. Disturbances in early placental development have been associated with several pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) which is one of the severe complications. Emerging evidence suggests that TGFβ is involved in the pathogenesis of PE, thereby offering a potential target for intervention in the human placenta. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This comprehensive review aims to explore and elucidate the roles of the major members of the TGFβ superfamily, including TGFβs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, inhibins, nodals, and growth differentiation factors (GDFs), in the context of placental development and function. The review focusses on their interactions within the major cell types of the placenta, namely trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by PE throughout pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, searching terms: 'TGF signalling preeclampsia', 'pregnancy TGF signalling', 'preeclampsia tgfβ', 'preeclampsia bmp', 'preeclampsia gdf', 'preeclampsia activin', 'endoglin preeclampsia', 'endoglin pregnancy', 'tgfβ signalling pregnancy', 'bmp signalling pregnancy', 'gdf signalling pregnancy', 'activin signalling pregnancy', 'Hofbauer cell tgfβ signalling', 'placental macrophages tgfβ', 'endothelial cells tgfβ', 'endothelium tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion Smad', 'trophoblast invasion bmp', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ', 'tgfβ preeclampsia', 'tgfβ placental development', 'TGFβ placental function', 'endothelial dysfunction preeclampsia tgfβ signalling', 'vascular remodelling placenta TGFβ', 'inflammation pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune response pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune tolerance pregnancy tgfβ', 'TGFβ pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy tregs', 'tgfβ pregnancy tregs', 'TGFβ placenta NK cells', 'TGFβ placenta tregs', 'NK cells preeclampsia', 'Tregs preeclampsia'. Only articles published in English until 2023 were used. OUTCOMES A comprehensive understanding of TGFβ signalling and its role in regulating interconnected cell functions of the main placental cell types provides valuable insights into the processes essential for successful placental development and growth of the foetus during pregnancy. By orchestrating trophoblast invasion, vascularization, immune tolerance, and tissue remodelling, TGFβ ligands contribute to the proper functioning of a healthy maternal-foetal interface. However, dysregulation of TGFβ signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE, where the shallow trophoblast invasion, defective vascular remodelling, decreased uteroplacental perfusion, and endothelial cell and immune dysfunction observed in PE, are all affected by an altered TGFβ signalling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The dysregulation of TGFβ signalling in PE has important implications for research and clinical practice. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying mechanisms, including the role of different ligands and their regulation under pathophysiological conditions, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. Distinguishing between clinically manifested subtypes of PE and studying TGFβ signalling in different placental cell types holistically is an important first step. To put this knowledge into practice, pre-clinical animal models combined with new technologies are needed. This may also lead to improved human research models and identify potential therapeutic targets, ultimately improving outcomes for affected pregnancies and reducing the burden of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Duffhues
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Tissue-Specific BMP Signalling ISPA-HUCA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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Bezemer RE, Faas MM, van Goor H, Gordijn SJ, Prins JR. Decidual macrophages and Hofbauer cells in fetal growth restriction. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379537. [PMID: 39007150 PMCID: PMC11239338 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental macrophages, which include maternal decidual macrophages and fetal Hofbauer cells, display a high degree of phenotypical and functional plasticity. This provides these macrophages with a key role in immunologically driven events in pregnancy like host defense, establishing and maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance. Moreover, placental macrophages have an important role in placental development, including implantation of the conceptus and remodeling of the intrauterine vasculature. To facilitate these processes, it is crucial that placental macrophages adapt accordingly to the needs of each phase of pregnancy. Dysregulated functionalities of placental macrophages are related to placental malfunctioning and have been associated with several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although fetal growth restriction is specifically associated with placental insufficiency, knowledge on the role of macrophages in fetal growth restriction remains limited. This review provides an overview of the distinct functionalities of decidual macrophages and Hofbauer cells in each trimester of a healthy pregnancy and aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which placental macrophages could be involved in the pathogenesis of fetal growth restriction. Additionally, potential immune targeted therapies for fetal growth restriction are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Elisa Bezemer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Marijke M Faas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Sanne Jehanne Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Ozarslan N, Robinson JF, Buarpung S, Kim MY, Ansbro MR, Akram J, Montoya DJ, Kamya MR, Kakuru A, Dorsey G, Rosenthal PJ, Cheng G, Feeney ME, Fisher SJ, Gaw SL. Gravidity influences distinct transcriptional profiles of maternal and fetal placental macrophages at term. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384361. [PMID: 38994356 PMCID: PMC11237841 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384361] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal intervillous monocytes (MIMs) and fetal Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are myeloid-derived immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Maternal reproductive history is associated with differential risk of pregnancy complications. The molecular phenotypes and roles of these distinct monocyte/macrophage populations and the influence of gravidity on these phenotypes has not been systematically investigated. Methods Here, we used RNA sequencing to study the transcriptional profiles of MIMs and HBCs in normal term pregnancies. Results Our analyses revealed distinct transcriptomes of MIMs and HBCs. Genes involved in differentiation and cell organization pathways were more highly expressed in MIMs vs. HBCs. In contrast, HBCs had higher expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses and cell surface receptor signaling. Maternal gravidity influenced monocyte programming, as expression of pro-inflammatory molecules was significantly higher in MIMs from multigravidae compared to primigravidae. In HBCs, multigravidae displayed enrichment of gene pathways involved in cell-cell signaling and differentiation. Discussion Our results demonstrated that MIMs and HBCs have highly divergent transcriptional signatures, reflecting their distinct origins, locations, functions, and roles in inflammatory responses. Furthermore, maternal gravidity influences the gene signatures of MIMs and HBCs, potentially modulating the interplay between tolerance and trained immunity. The phenomenon of reproductive immune memory may play a novel role in the differential susceptibility of primigravidae to pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Ozarslan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joshua F. Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - M. Yvonne Kim
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Megan R. Ansbro
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jason Akram
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dennis J. Montoya
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Division of HIV, Global Medicine, and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Philip J. Rosenthal
- Division of HIV, Global Medicine, and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Genhong Cheng
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Margaret E. Feeney
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Susan J. Fisher
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Tauber Z, Burianova A, Koubova K, Mrstik M, Jirkovska M, Cizkova K. The interplay of inflammation and placenta in maternal diabetes: insights into Hofbauer cell expression patterns. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386528. [PMID: 38590527 PMCID: PMC10999664 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386528] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inflammation of the placenta is harmful to both the fetus and the mother. Inflammation is strongly associated with diabetes, a common complication of pregnancy. Hofbauer cells (HBCs), unique immune system cells of fetal origin in the placenta, play complex roles, including growth of placental villi and their branching, stromal remodelling, and angiogenesis. Methods Our study investigated the expression of IL-1β, IL-10, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2J2 and sEH in HBCs from patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to healthy controls using immunohistochemistry. We also assessed the structure of the villus stroma using Masson´s trichrome. Results In T1DM, HBCs showed inflammatory activation characterised by increased IL-1β and decreased CYP epoxygenase expression compared to normal placentas. Conversely, significant inflammation in HBCs appeared less likely in GDM, as levels of IL-1β and CYP epoxygenases remained stable compared to normal placentas. However, GDM showed a significant increase in sEH expression. Both types of diabetes showed delayed placental villous maturation and hypovascularisation, with GDM showing a more pronounced effect. Conclusion The expression profiles of IL-1β, CYP epoxygenases and sEH significantlly differ between controls and diabetic placentas and between T1DM and GDM. These facts suggest an association of the CYP epoxygenase-EETs-sEH axis with IL-1β expression as well as villous stromal hypovascularisation. Given the stable high expression of IL-10 in both controls and both types of diabetes, it appears that immune tolerance is maintained in HBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenek Tauber
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Adela Burianova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Katerina Koubova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Max Mrstik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Marie Jirkovska
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katerina Cizkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czechia
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Barrozo ER, Seferovic MD, Hamilton MP, Moorshead DN, Jochum MD, Do T, O'Neil DS, Suter MA, Aagaard KM. Zika virus co-opts microRNA networks to persist in placental niches detected by spatial transcriptomics. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:251.e1-251.e17. [PMID: 37598997 PMCID: PMC10840961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zika virus congenital infection evades double-stranded RNA detection and may persist in the placenta for the duration of pregnancy without accompanying overt histopathologic inflammation. Understanding how viruses can persist and replicate in the placenta without causing overt cellular or tissue damage is fundamental to deciphering mechanisms of maternal-fetal vertical transmission. OBJECTIVE Placenta-specific microRNAs are believed to be a tenet of viral resistance at the maternal-fetal interface. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the Zika virus functionally disrupts placental microRNAs, enabling viral persistence and fetal pathogenesis. STUDY DESIGN To test this hypothesis, we used orthogonal approaches in human and murine experimental models. In primary human trophoblast cultures (n=5 donor placentae), we performed Argonaute high-throughput sequencing ultraviolet-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation to identify any significant alterations in the functional loading of microRNAs and their targets onto the RNA-induced silencing complex. Trophoblasts from same-donors were split and infected with a contemporary first-passage Zika virus strain HN16 (multiplicity of infection=1 plaque forming unit per cell) or mock infected. To functionally cross-validate microRNA-messenger RNA interactions, we compared our Argonaute high-throughput sequencing ultraviolet-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation results with an independent analysis of published bulk RNA-sequencing data from human placental disk specimens (n=3 subjects; Zika virus positive in first, second, or third trimester, CD45- cells sorted by flow cytometry) and compared it with uninfected controls (n=2 subjects). To investigate the importance of these microRNA and RNA interference networks in Zika virus pathogenesis, we used a gnotobiotic mouse model uniquely susceptible to the Zika virus. We evaluated if small-molecule enhancement of microRNA and RNA interference pathways with enoxacin influenced Zika virus pathogenesis (n=20 dams total yielding 187 fetal specimens). Lastly, placentae (n=14 total) from this mouse model were analyzed with Visium spatial transcriptomics (9743 spatial transcriptomes) to identify potential Zika virus-associated alterations in immune microenvironments. RESULTS We found that Zika virus infection of primary human trophoblast cells led to an unexpected disruption of placental microRNA regulation networks. When compared with uninfected controls, Zika virus-infected placentae had significantly altered SLC12A8, SDK1, and VLDLR RNA-induced silencing complex loading and transcript levels (-22; adjusted P value <.05; Wald-test with false discovery rate correction q<0.05). In silico microRNA target analyses revealed that 26 of 119 transcripts (22%) in the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway were targeted by microRNAs that were found to be dysregulated following Zika virus infection in trophoblasts. In gnotobiotic mice, relative to mock controls, Zika virus-associated fetal pathogenesis included fetal growth restriction (P=.036) and viral persistence in placental tissue (P=.011). Moreover, spatial transcriptomics of murine placentae revealed that Zika virus-specific placental niches were defined by significant up-regulation of complement cascade components and coordinated changes in transforming growth factor-β gene expression. Finally, treatment of Zika virus-infected mice with enoxacin abolished placental Zika virus persistence, rescued the associated fetal growth restriction, and the Zika virus-associated transcriptional changes in placental immune microenvironments were no longer observed. CONCLUSION These results collectively suggest that (1) Zika virus infection and persistence is associated with functionally perturbed microRNA and RNA interference pathways specifically related to immune regulation in placental microenvironments and (2) enhancement of placental microRNA and RNA interference pathways in mice rescued Zika virus-associated pathogenesis, specifically persistence of viral transcripts in placental microenvironments and fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico R Barrozo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Maxim D Seferovic
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Mark P Hamilton
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Hematology & Medical Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - David N Moorshead
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Michael D Jochum
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Trang Do
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Derek S O'Neil
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Melissa A Suter
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.
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Koren O, Konnikova L, Brodin P, Mysorekar IU, Collado MC. The maternal gut microbiome in pregnancy: implications for the developing immune system. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:35-45. [PMID: 38097774 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00864-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiome has important roles in host metabolism and immunity, and microbial dysbiosis affects human physiology and health. Maternal immunity and microbial metabolites during pregnancy, microbial transfer during birth, and transfer of immune factors, microorganisms and metabolites via breastfeeding provide critical sources of early-life microbial and immune training, with important consequences for human health. Only a few studies have directly examined the interactions between the gut microbiome and the immune system during pregnancy, and the subsequent effect on offspring development. In this Review, we aim to describe how the maternal microbiome shapes overall pregnancy-associated maternal, fetal and early neonatal immune systems, focusing on the existing evidence and highlighting current gaps to promote further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omry Koren
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Liza Konnikova
- Department of Paediatrics and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Petter Brodin
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Indira U Mysorekar
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Carmen Collado
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain.
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8
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Branco ACC, Rogers LM, Aronoff DM. Folate Receptor Beta Signaling in the Regulation of Macrophage Antimicrobial Immune Response: A Scoping Review. Biomed Hub 2024; 9:31-37. [PMID: 38406385 PMCID: PMC10890800 DOI: 10.1159/000536186] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Folate, vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential to cellular proliferation and division. In addition to the reduced folate carrier, eukaryotic cells take up folate through endocytosis mediated by one of two GPI-anchored folate receptors (FRs), FRα or FRβ. Two other isoforms of FR exist, FRγ and FRδ, neither of which support endocytic activities of FR signaling. FRβ is expressed primarily by monocytes and macrophages and highly expressed on activated macrophages. Macrophage expression of FRβ suggests a role for this receptor in modulating function of these immune sentinels, particularly as they engage in inflammatory processes. Despite several studies suggesting that folates can suppress inflammatory responses of macrophages to proinflammatory stimuli, there appears to be a lack of basic research examining the role of FRβ in modulating macrophage responses to microbial sensing. We therefore conducted a scoping review to assess evidence within the published literature addressing the question, "what is known about the extent to which FRβ regulates macrophage responses to sensing, and responding to, microorganisms?". Methods As a strategy for the study selection, we queried articles indexed in the research database PubMed and the search engine Google Scholar (up until August 12, 2023), including combinations of the research words: macrophage, folate receptor beta, FOLR2. Results We identified 2 relevant articles out of 153 that are worth discussing here, none of which directly addressed our research question. Conclusion There is an unmet need to better define the contribution of FRβ to regulating the macrophage response to microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C.C. Castelo Branco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies (LIM56), Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lisa M. Rogers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - David M. Aronoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Dai M, Xu Y, Gong G, Zhang Y. Roles of immune microenvironment in the female reproductive maintenance and regulation: novel insights into the crosstalk of immune cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1109122. [PMID: 38223507 PMCID: PMC10786641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1109122] [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: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Female fertility decline is an accumulative consequence caused by complex factors, among them, the disruption of the immune profile in female reproduction stands out as a crucial contributor. Presently, the effects of immune microenvironment (IME) on the female reproductive process have attracted increasing attentions for their dynamic but precisive roles. Immunocytes including macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, B cells and neutrophils, with diverse subpopulations as well as high plasticity functioned dynamically in the process of female reproduction through indirect intercellular communication via specific cytokine release transduced by molecular signal networks or direct cell-cell contact to maintain the stability of the reproductive process have been unveiled. The immune profile of female reproduction in each stage has also been meticulously unveiled. Especially, the application of single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in this process reveals the distribution map of immune cells, which gives a novel insight for the homeostasis of IME and provides a research direction for better exploring the role of immune cells in female reproduction. Here, we provide an all-encompassing overview of the latest advancements in immune modulation within the context of the female reproductive process. Our approach involves structuring our summary in accordance with the physiological sequence encompassing gonadogenesis, folliculogenesis within the ovaries, ovulation through the fallopian tubes, and the subsequent stages of embryo implantation and development within the uterus. Our overarching objective is to construct a comprehensive portrayal of the immune microenvironment (IME), thereby accentuating the pivotal role played by immune cells in governing the intricate female reproductive journey. Additionally, we emphasize the pressing need for heightened attention directed towards strategies that focus on immune interventions within the female reproductive process, with the ultimate aim of enhancing female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guidong Gong
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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10
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Ozmen A, Nwabuobi C, Tang Z, Guo X, Larsen K, Guller S, Blas J, Moore M, Kayisli UA, Lockwood CJ, Guzeloglu-Kayisli O. Leptin-Mediated Induction of IL-6 Expression in Hofbauer Cells Contributes to Preeclampsia Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:135. [PMID: 38203306 PMCID: PMC10778808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010135] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptin plays a crucial role in regulating energy homoeostasis, neuroendocrine function, metabolism, and immune and inflammatory responses. The adipose tissue is a main source of leptin, but during pregnancy, leptin is also secreted primarily by the placenta. Circulating leptin levels peak during the second trimester of human pregnancy and fall after labor. Several studies indicated a strong association between elevated placental leptin levels and preeclampsia (PE) pathogenesis and elevated serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in PE patients. Therefore, we hypothesized that a local increase in placental leptin production induces IL-6 production in Hofbauer cells (HBCs) to contribute to PE-associated inflammation. We first investigated HBCs-specific IL-6 and leptin receptor (LEPR) expression and compared their immunoreactivity in PE vs. gestational age-matched control placentas. Subsequently, we examined the in vitro regulation of IL-6 as well as the phosphorylation levels of intracellular signaling proteins STAT3, STAT5, NF-κB, and ERK1/2 by increasing recombinant human leptin concentrations (10 to 1000 ng/mL) in primary cultured HBCs. Lastly, HBC cultures were incubated with leptin ± specific inhibitors of STAT3 or STAT5, or p65 NF-κB or ERK1/2 MAPK signaling cascades to determine relevant cascade(s) involved in leptin-mediated IL-6 regulation. Immunohistochemistry revealed ~three- and ~five-fold increases in IL-6 and LEPR expression, respectively, in HBCs from PE placentas. In vitro analysis indicated that leptin treatment in HBCs stimulate IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner both at the transcriptional and secretory levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, leptin-treated HBC cultures displayed significantly increased phosphorylation levels of STAT5, p65 NF-κB, and ERK1/2 MAPK and pre-incubation of HBCs with a specific ERK1/2 MAPK inhibitor blocked leptin-induced IL-6 expression. Our in situ results show that HBCs contribute to the pathogenesis of PE by elevating IL-6 expression, and in vitro results indicate that induction of IL-6 expression in HBCs is primarily leptin-mediated. While HBCs display an anti-inflammatory phenotype in normal placentas, elevated levels of leptin may transform HBCs into a pro-inflammatory phenotype by activating ERK1/2 MAPK to augment IL-6 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Ozmen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Chinedu Nwabuobi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (Z.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Kellie Larsen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (Z.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Jacqueline Blas
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Monica Moore
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Umit A. Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Charles J. Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Ozlem Guzeloglu-Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.O.); (C.N.); (X.G.); (K.L.); (J.B.); (M.M.); (U.A.K.); (C.J.L.)
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11
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Ozarslan N, Robinson JF, Buarpung S, Kim MY, Ansbro MR, Akram J, Montoya DJ, Kamya MR, Kakuru A, Dorsey G, Rosenthal PJ, Cheng G, Feeney ME, Fisher SJ, Gaw SL. Distinct transcriptional profiles of maternal and fetal placental macrophages at term are associated with gravidity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559419. [PMID: 37808856 PMCID: PMC10557660 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Maternal intervillous monocytes (MIMs) and fetal Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are myeloid-derived immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Little is known regarding the molecular phenotypes and roles of these distinct monocyte/macrophage populations. Here, we used RNA sequencing to investigate the transcriptional profiles of MIMs and HBCs in six normal term pregnancies. Our analyses revealed distinct transcriptomes of MIMs and HBCs. Genes involved in differentiation and cell organization pathways were more highly expressed in MIMs vs. HBCs. In contrast, HBCs had higher expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses and cell surface receptor signaling. Maternal gravidity influenced monocyte programming, as expression of pro-inflammatory molecules was significantly higher in MIMs from multigravidas compared to primigravidas. In HBCs, multigravidas displayed enrichment of gene pathways involved in cell-cell signaling and differentiation. In summary, our results demonstrated that MIMs and HBCs have highly divergent transcriptional signatures, reflecting their distinct origins, locations, functions, and roles in inflammatory responses. Our data further suggested that maternal gravidity influences the gene signatures of MIMs and HBCs, potentially modulating the interplay between tolerance and trained immunity. The phenomenon of reproductive immune memory may play a novel role in the differential susceptibility of primigravidas to pregnancy complications.
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12
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Barrozo ER, Seferovic MD, Castro ECC, Major AM, Moorshead DN, Jochum MD, Rojas RF, Shope CD, Aagaard KM. SARS-CoV-2 niches in human placenta revealed by spatial transcriptomics. MED 2023; 4:612-634.e4. [PMID: 37423216 PMCID: PMC10527005 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional placental niches are presumed to spatially separate maternal-fetal antigens and restrict the vertical transmission of pathogens. We hypothesized a high-resolution map of placental transcription could provide direct evidence for niche microenvironments with unique functions and transcription profiles. METHODS We utilized Visium Spatial Transcriptomics paired with H&E staining to generate 17,927 spatial transcriptomes. By integrating these spatial transcriptomes with 273,944 placental single-cell and single-nuclei transcriptomes, we generated an atlas composed of at least 22 subpopulations in the maternal decidua, fetal chorionic villi, and chorioamniotic membranes. FINDINGS Comparisons of placentae from uninfected healthy controls (n = 4) with COVID-19 asymptomatic (n = 4) and symptomatic (n = 5) infected participants demonstrated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection in syncytiotrophoblasts occurred in both the presence and the absence of maternal clinical disease. With spatial transcriptomics, we found that the limit of detection for SARS-CoV-2 was 1/7,000 cells, and placental niches without detectable viral transcripts were unperturbed. In contrast, niches with high SARS-CoV-2 transcript levels were associated with significant upregulation in pro-inflammatory cytokines and interferon-stimulated genes, altered metallopeptidase signaling (TIMP1), with coordinated shifts in macrophage polarization, histiocytic intervillositis, and perivillous fibrin deposition. Fetal sex differences in gene expression responses to SARS-CoV-2 were limited, with confirmed mapping limited to the maternal decidua in males. CONCLUSIONS High-resolution placental transcriptomics with spatial resolution revealed dynamic responses to SARS-CoV-2 in coordinate microenvironments in the absence and presence of clinically evident disease. FUNDING This work was supported by the NIH (R01HD091731 and T32-HD098069), NSF (2208903), the Burroughs Welcome Fund and the March of Dimes Preterm Birth Research Initiatives, and a Career Development Award from the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico R Barrozo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maxim D Seferovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eumenia C C Castro
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Angela M Major
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David N Moorshead
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Immunology and Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael D Jochum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo Ferral Rojas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cynthia D Shope
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
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13
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Shook LL, James KE, Roberts DJ, Powe CE, Perlis RH, Thornburg KL, O'Tierney-Ginn PF, Edlow AG. Sex-specific impact of maternal obesity on fetal placental macrophages and cord blood triglycerides. Placenta 2023; 140:100-108. [PMID: 37566941 PMCID: PMC10529163 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of offspring obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Altered fetoplacental immune programming is a potential candidate mechanism. Differences in fetal placental macrophages, or Hofbauer cells (HBCs), have been observed in maternal obesity, and lipid metabolism is a key function of resident macrophages that may be deranged in inflammation/immune activation. We sought to test the following hypotheses: 1) maternal obesity is associated with altered HBC density and phenotype in the term placenta and 2) obesity-associated HBC changes are associated with altered placental lipid transport to the fetus. The impact of fetal sex was evaluated in all experiments. METHODS We quantified the density and morphology of CD163-and CD68-positive HBCs in placental villi in 34 full-term pregnancies undergoing cesarean delivery (N = 15, maternal BMI ≥30 kg/m2; N = 19, BMI <30 kg/m2). Antibody-positive cells in terminal villi were detected and cell size and circularity analyzed using a semi-automated method for thresholding of bright-field microscopy images (ImageJ). Placental expression of lipid transporter genes was quantified using RTqPCR, and cord plasma triglycerides (TGs) were profiled using modified Wahlefeld method. The impact of maternal obesity and fetal sex on HBC features, lipid transporters, and cord TGs were evaluated by two-way ANOVA. Spearman correlations of cord TGs, HBC metrics and gene expression levels were calculated. RESULTS Maternal obesity was associated with significantly increased density of HBCs, with male placentas most affected (fetal sex by maternal obesity interaction p = 0.04). CD163+ HBCs were larger and rounder in obesity-exposed male placentas. Sexually dimorphic expression of placental FATP4, FATP6, FABPPM, AMPKB1 and AMPKG and cord TGs was noted in maternal obesity, such that levels were higher in males and lower in females relative to sex-matched controls. Cord TGs were positively correlated with HBC density and FATP1 expression. DISCUSSION Maternal obesity is associated with sex-specific alterations in HBC density and placental lipid transporter expression, which may impact umbilical cord blood TG levels and offspring cardiometabolic programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L Shook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0114, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0114, USA
| | - Drucilla J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Camille E Powe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0114, USA; Department of Medicine, Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Center for Quantitative Health, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Kent L Thornburg
- Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Perrie F O'Tierney-Ginn
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, Box# 394, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0114, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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14
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Hindle S, Brien MÈ, Pelletier F, Giguère F, Trudel MJ, Dal Soglio D, Kakkar F, Soudeyns H, Girard S, Boucoiran I. Placenta analysis of Hofbauer cell profile according to the class of antiretroviral therapy used during pregnancy in people living with HIV. Placenta 2023; 139:120-126. [PMID: 37364521 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of antiretroviral therapy drastically reduces vertical transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus. However, recent studies demonstrate associations between ART use during pregnancy and placental inflammation, particularly within protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimens. We sought to characterize placental macrophages, namely Hofbauer cells, according to the class of ART used during pregnancy. METHODS Using immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, placentas from 79 pregnant people living with HIV (PPLWH) and 29 HIV-uninfected people were analyzed to quantify the numbers and frequencies of leukocytes (CD45+) and Hofbauer cells (CD68+ and/or CD163+). PPLWH were stratified into three groups based on class of ART: non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based, integrase strand-transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based, and PI-based regimens. RESULTS Placentas of PPLWH contained significantly more leukocytes and Hofbauer cells than controls. Multivariable analyses revealed that this increase in immune cells was associated with a predominantly CD163+ profile in all ART subgroups compared to the HIV-negative group. This was characterized by an increase in total CD163+ cells in the PI and INSTI subgroups, and a higher frequency of CD163+ cells and CD163+/CD68+ ratio in the NNRTI and PI subgroups. DISCUSSION Placentas of PPLWH treated with any ART regimen during their entire pregnancy displayed a selection for CD163+ cells compared to the HIV-negative group, regardless of class of ART, suggesting that class of ART does not intrinsically affect selection of CD163+ and CD68+ Hofbauer cells. Further investigations into the role of Hofbauer cells in ART-associated placental inflammation are warranted to identify the mechanisms behind their potential involvement in maternal-fetal tolerance maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hindle
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, 2900 boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1S2, Canada.
| | - Marie-Ève Brien
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1S2, Canada.
| | - Florence Pelletier
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1S2, Canada.
| | - Frédérique Giguère
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1S2, Canada.
| | - Mei Juan Trudel
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1S2, Canada.
| | - Dorothée Dal Soglio
- Department of Pathology, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1S2, Canada.
| | - Fatima Kakkar
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1S2, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, 2900 boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
| | - Hugo Soudeyns
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1S2, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, 2900 boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
| | - Sylvie Girard
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, 2900 boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1S2, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, 2900 boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, 2900 boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Isabelle Boucoiran
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1S2, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, 2900 boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
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15
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Forstner D, Guettler J, Brugger BA, Lyssy F, Neuper L, Daxboeck C, Cvirn G, Fuchs J, Kraeker K, Frolova A, Valdes DS, Stern C, Hirschmugl B, Fluhr H, Wadsack C, Huppertz B, Nonn O, Herse F, Gauster M. CD39 abrogates platelet-derived factors induced IL-1β expression in the human placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1183793. [PMID: 37325567 PMCID: PMC10264854 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1183793] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue insults in response to inflammation, hypoxia and ischemia are accompanied by the release of ATP into the extracellular space. There, ATP modulates several pathological processes, including chemotaxis, inflammasome induction and platelet activation. ATP hydrolysis is significantly enhanced in human pregnancy, suggesting that increased conversion of extracellular ATP is an important anti-inflammatory process in preventing exaggerated inflammation, platelet activation and hemostasis in gestation. Extracellular ATP is converted into AMP, and subsequently into adenosine by the two major nucleotide-metabolizing enzymes CD39 and CD73. Here, we aimed to elucidate developmental changes of placental CD39 and CD73 over gestation, compared their expression in placental tissue from patients with preeclampsia and healthy controls, and analyzed their regulation in response to platelet-derived factors and different oxygen conditions in placental explants as well as the trophoblast cell line BeWo. Linear regression analysis showed a significant increase in placental CD39 expression, while at the same time CD73 levels declined at term of pregnancy. Neither maternal smoking during first trimester, fetal sex, maternal age, nor maternal BMI revealed any effects on placental CD39 and CD73 expression. Immunohistochemistry detected both, CD39 and CD73, predominantly in the syncytiotrophoblast layer. Placental CD39 and CD73 expression were significantly increased in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia, when compared to controls. Cultivation of placental explants under different oxygen conditions had no effect on the ectonucleotidases, whereas presence of platelet releasate from pregnant women led to deregulated CD39 expression. Overexpression of recombinant human CD39 in BeWo cells decreased extracellular ATP levels after culture in presence of platelet-derived factors. Moreover, platelet-derived factors-induced upregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β, was abolished by CD39 overexpression. Our study shows that placental CD39 is upregulated in preeclampsia, suggesting an increasing demand for extracellular ATP hydrolysis at the utero-placental interface. Increased placental CD39 in response to platelet-derived factors may lead to enhanced conversion of extracellular ATP levels, which in turn could represent an important anti-coagulant defense mechanism of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Forstner
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jacqueline Guettler
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Beatrice A. Brugger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Freya Lyssy
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lena Neuper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christine Daxboeck
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerhard Cvirn
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Fuchs
- Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Kristin Kraeker
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alina Frolova
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetic of NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Daniela S. Valdes
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Birgit Hirschmugl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Herbert Fluhr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Olivia Nonn
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max‐Delbrück‐Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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16
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Trinh QD, Pham NTK, Takada K, Ushijima H, Komine-Aizawa S, Hayakawa S. Roles of TGF-β1 in Viral Infection during Pregnancy: Research Update and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076489. [PMID: 37047462 PMCID: PMC10095195 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076489] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a pleiotropic growth factor playing various roles in the human body including cell growth and development. More functions of TGF-β1 have been discovered, especially its roles in viral infection. TGF-β1 is abundant at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy and plays an important function in immune tolerance, an essential key factor for pregnancy success. It plays some critical roles in viral infection in pregnancy, such as its effects on the infection and replication of human cytomegalovirus in syncytiotrophoblasts. Interestingly, its role in the enhancement of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and replication in first-trimester trophoblasts has recently been reported. The above up-to-date findings have opened one of the promising approaches to studying the mechanisms of viral infection during pregnancy with links to corresponding congenital syndromes. In this article, we review our current and recent advances in understanding the roles of TGF-β1 in viral infection. Our discussion focuses on viral infection during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. We highlight the mutual roles of viral infection and TGF-β1 in specific contexts and possible functions of the Smad pathway in viral infection, with a special note on ZIKV infection. In addition, we discuss promising approaches to performing further studies on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang Duy Trinh
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Ngan Thi Kim Pham
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Takada
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ushijima
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shihoko Komine-Aizawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
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Mercnik MH, Schliefsteiner C, Fluhr H, Wadsack C. Placental macrophages present distinct polarization pattern and effector functions depending on clinical onset of preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1095879. [PMID: 36713449 PMCID: PMC9878680 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1095879] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are resident macrophages of the human placenta, regulating immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis. HBCs of a normal placenta (CTR) exhibit mainly an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Under exaggerated chronic inflammation during pregnancy, as in preeclampsia (PE), a phenotypic switch towards M1 polarization has been proposed. PE, defined as maternally derived syndrome can be distinguished into two different entities: early-onset (EO) preeclampsia and late-onset (LO) preeclampsia. Although the clinical presenting characteristics overlap, both can be identified by biochemical markers, heritability, and different maternal and fetal outcomes. To date, no study has specifically investigated polarization and phenotype of EO- and LO-PE HBCs and looked at possible changes in HBC functionality. Primary HBCs were isolated from CTR and PE placentae. First, in vitro morphological differences were observed between CTR and PE HBCs, with both PE groups exhibiting features of M1 macrophages alongside M2 forms. Interestingly, a different polarization pattern was observed between EO- and LO-PE HBCs. EO-PE HBCs develop a tissue remodeling M2 phenotype that is strongly shifted toward M1 polarization and showed a significant upregulation of CD86, TLR4, and HLA-DR. Furthermore, this pro-inflammatory signature is corroborated by higher expression of IRF5 and of NOS2 (p ≤ 0.05). However, their M2 characteristics is reflected by significant TGF-β secretion and ARG1 expression. In contrast, LO-PE HBCs developed a phagocytic CD209-low M2 phenotype in which the M1 pattern was not as pronounced as they downregulated the NOS2 gene, but expressed increased levels of pro-inflammatory CD80 and TLR1 (p ≤ 0.05). The enhanced phagocytosis and MMP-9 secretion alongside the increased secretion of anti-inflammatory IL -4, IL -13 and TGF-β in both EO- and LO-PE HBCs suggests their adaptive role and plasticity in resolving inflammation and tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Herbert Fluhr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria,BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria,*Correspondence: Christian Wadsack,
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18
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Pantazi P, Kaforou M, Tang Z, Abrahams VM, McArdle A, Guller S, Holder B. Placental macrophage responses to viral and bacterial ligands and the influence of fetal sex. iScience 2022; 25:105653. [PMID: 36505933 PMCID: PMC9732417 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and viral infections of the placenta are associated with inflammation and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal-origin macrophages in the placenta, proposed to protect the fetus from vertical pathogen transmission. We performed quantitative proteomics on term HBCs under resting conditions and following exposure to bacterial and viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and investigated the contribution of fetal sex. Resting HBCs expressed proteins pertinent to macrophage function, including chemokines, cytokines, Toll-like receptors, and major histocompatibility complex class I and II molecules. HBCs mounted divergent responses to bacterial versus viral PAMPs but exhibited protein expression changes suggestive of a more pro-inflammatory phenotype. A comparison between male and female HBCs showed that the latter mounted a stronger and wider response. Here, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the sex-dependent responses of placental macrophages to infectious triggers, which were primarily associated with lipid metabolism in males and cytoskeleton organization in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalia Pantazi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Myrsini Kaforou
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Vikki M. Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Andrew McArdle
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Beth Holder
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK
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The Innate Defense in the Zika-Infected Placenta. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121410. [PMID: 36558744 PMCID: PMC9787577 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family, genus Flavivirus and was first isolated 1947 in Uganda, Africa, from the serum of a sentinel Rhesus monkey. Since its discovery, the virus was responsible for major outbreaks in several different countries, being linked to severe complications in pregnant women, neonatal birth defects and the congenital zika syndrome. Maternal-fetal transmission of ZIKV can occur in all trimesters of pregnancy, and the role of the placenta and its cells in these cases is yet to be fully understood. The decidua basalis and chorionic villi, maternal-fetal components of the placenta, contain a rich immunological infiltrate composed by Hofbauer cells, mastocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages, primary cells of the innate immune response that have a role that still needs to be better investigated in ZIKV infection. Recent studies have already described several histopathological features and the susceptibility and permissiveness of placenta cells to infection by the Zika virus. In this review, we address some of the current knowledge on the innate immune responses against ZIKV, especially in the placenta.
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Salomão N, Rabelo K, Avvad-Portari E, Basílio-de-Oliveira C, Basílio-de-Oliveira R, Ferreira F, Ferreira L, de Souza TM, Nunes P, Lima M, Sales AP, Fernandes R, de Souza LJ, Dias L, Brasil P, dos Santos F, Paes M. Histopathological and immunological characteristics of placentas infected with chikungunya virus. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1055536. [PMID: 36466642 PMCID: PMC9714605 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1055536] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although vertical transmission of CHIKV has been reported, little is known about the role of placenta in the transmission of this virus and the effects of infection on the maternal-fetal interface. In this work we investigated five placentas from pregnant women who became infected during the gestational period. Four formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of placenta (cases 1-4) were positive for CHIKV by RT-PCR. One (case 5) had no positive test of placenta, but had positive RT-PCR for CHIKV in the serum of the mother and the baby, confirming vertical transmission. The placentas were analyzed regarding histopathological and immunological aspects. The main histopathological changes were: deciduitis, villous edema, deposits, villous necrosis, dystrophic calcification, thrombosis and stem vessel obliteration. In infected placentas we noted increase of cells (CD8+ and CD163+) and pro- (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β and IL-10) cytokines compared to control placentas. Moreover, CHIKV antigen was detected in decidual cell, trophoblastic cells, stroma villi, Hofbauer cells, and endothelial cells. In conclusion, CHIKV infection seems to disrupt placental homeostasis leading to histopathological alterations in addition to increase in cellularity and cytokines overproduction, evidencing an altered and harmful environment to the pregnant woman and fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Salomão
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kíssila Rabelo
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Elyzabeth Avvad-Portari
- Departamento de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto da Mulher e da Criança Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Basílio-de-Oliveira
- Departamento de Anatomia Patológica, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Basílio-de-Oliveira
- Departamento de Anatomia Patológica, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fátima Ferreira
- Departamento de Neonatologia, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz Ferreira
- Departamento de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thiara Manuele de Souza
- Laboratório de Imunologia Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Priscila Nunes
- Laboratório de Imunologia Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Monique Lima
- Laboratório Estratégico de Diagnóstico Molecular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Paula Sales
- Centro de Referência de Doenças Imuno-infecciosas (CRDI), Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Regina Fernandes
- Faculdade de Medicina de Campos, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz José de Souza
- Centro de Referência de Doenças Imuno-infecciosas (CRDI), Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina de Campos, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Laura Dias
- Hospital Geral Dr. Beda, CEPLIN – Uti Neonatal Nicola Albano, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Brasil
- Laboratório de Doenças Febris Agudas, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flavia dos Santos
- Laboratório de Imunologia Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marciano Paes
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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21
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The pathologic changes of human placental macrophages in women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy. Placenta 2022; 130:60-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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22
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Liu Y, Liu J, Liu A, Yin H, Burd I, Lei J. Maternal siRNA silencing of placental SAA2 mitigates preterm birth following intrauterine inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:902096. [PMID: 36211368 PMCID: PMC9539923 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.902096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The placental inflammatory processes induced maternally result in preterm birth (PTB). Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a well-known biomarker of inflammation. The objective of this study was to investigate whether murine placental SAA isoforms (SAA1–4) participate in the mechanism of spontaneous PTB and whether maternal regulation of SAA production may serve as a therapeutic approach. During the gestation, all isoforms of SAA were detectable except SAA2. The mouse model of intrauterine inflammation was established using LPS infusion to the uterus. Following intrauterine inflammation, placental SAA2 increased significantly. Inhibition of Saa2, using siSaa2, markedly decreased PTB. The increased placental expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines Il1β, Il6, and Tnfα were downregulated by siSaa2 treatment. Maternal inhibition of Saa2 did not change the expression of Saa1–4 in the fetal brain. Explant inflammatory culture of placentas with siSaa2 showed similar results to our in vivo experiments. This study demonstrates the highly expressed placental SAA2 as a novel therapeutic target, and maternal administration of siRNA as a promising approach to alleviate PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anguo Liu
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hillary Yin
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Irina Burd, ; Jun Lei,
| | - Jun Lei
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Irina Burd, ; Jun Lei,
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23
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True H, Blanton M, Sureshchandra S, Messaoudi I. Monocytes and macrophages in pregnancy: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:77-92. [PMID: 35451089 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A successful human pregnancy requires precisely timed adaptations by the maternal immune system to support fetal growth while simultaneously protecting mother and fetus against microbial challenges. The first trimester of pregnancy is characterized by a robust increase in innate immune activity that promotes successful implantation of the blastocyst and placental development. Moreover, early pregnancy is also a state of increased vulnerability to vertically transmitted pathogens notably, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Zika virus (ZIKV), SARS-CoV-2, and Listeria monocytogenes. As gestation progresses, the second trimester is marked by the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment that promotes fetal tolerance and growth while preventing preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, and other gestational complications. Finally, the period leading up to labor and parturition is characterized by the reinstatement of an inflammatory milieu triggering childbirth. These dynamic waves of carefully orchestrated changes have been dubbed the "immune clock of pregnancy." Monocytes in maternal circulation and tissue-resident macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface play a critical role in this delicate balance. This review will summarize the current data describing the longitudinal changes in the phenotype and function of monocyte and macrophage populations in healthy and complicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather True
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Madison Blanton
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Ilhem Messaoudi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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24
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Fakonti G, Pantazi P, Bokun V, Holder B. Placental Macrophage (Hofbauer Cell) Responses to Infection During Pregnancy: A Systematic Scoping Review. Front Immunol 2022; 12:756035. [PMID: 35250964 PMCID: PMC8895398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.756035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital infection of the fetus via trans-placental passage of pathogens can result in severe morbidity and mortality. Even without transmission to the fetus, infection of the placenta itself is associated with pregnancy complications including pregnancy loss and preterm birth. Placental macrophages, also termed Hofbauer cells (HBCs), are fetal-origin macrophages residing in the placenta that are likely involved in responding to placental infection and protection of the developing fetus. As HBCs are the only immune cell present in the villous placenta, they represent one of the final opportunities for control of infection and prevention of passage to the developing fetus. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review was to provide a systematic overview of the literature regarding HBC responses during infection in pregnancy, including responses to viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens. METHODS PubMed and Scopus were searched on May 20th, 2021, with no limit on publication date, to identify all papers that have studied placental macrophages/Hofbauer cells in the context of infection. The following search strategy was utilized: (hofbauer* OR "hofbauer cells" OR "hofbauer cell" OR "placental macrophage" OR "placental macrophages") AND [infect* OR virus OR viral OR bacteri* OR parasite* OR pathogen* OR LPS OR "poly(i:c)" OR toxoplasm* OR microb* OR HIV)]. OUTCOMES 86 studies were identified for review. This included those that investigated HBCs in placentas from pregnancies complicated by maternal infection and in vitro studies investigating HBC responses to pathogens or Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs). HBCs can be infected by a variety of pathogens, and HBC hyperplasia was a common observation. HBCs respond to pathogen infection and PAMPs by altering their transcriptional, translational and secretion profiles. Co-culture investigations demonstrate that they can replicate and transmit pathogens to other cells. In other cases, they may eliminate the pathogen through a variety of mechanisms including phagocytosis, cytokine-mediated pathogen elimination, release of macrophage extracellular traps and HBC-antibody-mediated neutralization. HBC responses differ across gestation and may be influenced by pre-existing immunity. Clinical information, including gestational age at infection, gestational age of the samples, mode of sample collection and pregnancy outcome were missing for the majority of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Beth Holder
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Semmes EC, Coyne CB. Innate immune defenses at the maternal-fetal interface. Curr Opin Immunol 2022; 74:60-67. [PMID: 34768027 PMCID: PMC11063961 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human maternal-fetal interface is an immunologically complex environment that must balance the divergent demands of tolerance towards the developing fetus with anti-pathogen defense. The innate immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface that function in anti-microbial defense have been understudied to-date and how 'TORCH' pathogens evade maternal innate immunity to infect the fetus remains poorly understood. Herein, we discuss how newly described decidual innate lymphoid cells and maternal placenta-associated macrophage subsets may be involved in anti-pathogen defense. Moreover, we outline recent advances in our understanding of how placental trophoblasts and fetal-derived macrophages (Hofbauer cells) function in anti-microbial defense. In summary, we highlight current gaps in knowledge and describe novel experimental models of the human decidua and placenta that are poised to advance our knowledge of innate immune defenses at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor C Semmes
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carolyn B Coyne
- Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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26
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Hofbauer Cells Spread Listeria monocytogenes among Placental Cells and Undergo Pro-Inflammatory Reprogramming while Retaining Production of Tolerogenic Factors. mBio 2021; 12:e0184921. [PMID: 34399615 PMCID: PMC8406333 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01849-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women are highly susceptible to infection by the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, leading to miscarriage, premature birth, and neonatal infection. L. monocytogenes is thought to breach the placental barrier by infecting trophoblasts at the maternal/fetal interface. However, the fate of L. monocytogenes within chorionic villi and how infection reaches the fetus are unsettled. Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal placental macrophages and the only leukocytes residing in healthy chorionic villi, forming a last immune barrier protecting fetal blood from infection. Little is known about the HBCs’ antimicrobial responses to pathogens. Here, we studied L. monocytogenes interaction with human primary HBCs. Remarkably, despite their M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype at basal state, HBCs phagocytose and kill non-pathogenic bacteria like Listeria innocua and display low susceptibility to infection by L. monocytogenes. However, L. monocytogenes can exploit HBCs to spread to surrounding placental cells. Transcriptomic analyses by RNA sequencing revealed that HBCs undergo pro-inflammatory reprogramming upon L. monocytogenes infection, similarly to macrophages stimulated by the potent M1-polarizing agents lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Infected HBCs also express pro-inflammatory chemokines known to promote placental infiltration by maternal leukocytes. However, HBCs maintain the expression of a collection of tolerogenic genes and secretion of tolerogenic cytokines, consistent with their tissue homeostatic role in prevention of fetal rejection. In conclusion, we propose a previously unrecognized model in which HBCs promote the spreading of L. monocytogenes among placental cells and transition to a pro-inflammatory state likely to favor innate immune responses, while maintaining the expression of tolerogenic factors known to prevent maternal anti-fetal adaptive immunity.
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Placental Macrophages Demonstrate Sex-Specific Response to Intrauterine Inflammation and May Serve as a Marker of Perinatal Neuroinflammation. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 147:103360. [PMID: 34390899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is considered to be one of the most frequent causes of neonatal death. Prompt and effective measures to predict adverse fetal outcome following PTB are urgently needed. Placenta macrophages are a critical immune cell population during pregnancy, phenotypically divided into M1 and M2 subsets. An established mouse model of intrauterine inflammation (IUI) was applied. Placenta (labyrinth) and corresponding fetal brain were harvested within 24 hours post injection (hpi). Flow cytometry, Western blot, real-time qPCR, and regular histology were utilized to examine the cytokines, macrophage polarization, and sex-specificity. Placental exposure to LPS led to significantly reduced labyrinth thickness compared to PBS-exposed controls as early as 3 hpi, accompanied by apoptosis and necrosis. Pro-inflammatory M1 markers, Il-1β, and iNOS, and anti-inflammatory M2 marker Il-10 increased significantly in placentas exposed to IUI. Analysis of flow cytometry revealed that fetal macrophages (Hofbauer cell, HBCs) were mostly M1-like and that maternal inter-labyrinth macrophages (MIM) were M2-like in their features in IUI. Male fetuses displayed significantly decreased M2-like features in HBCs at 3 and 6 hpi, while female fetuses showed significant increase in M2-like features in MIM at 3 and 6 hpi. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the frequency of HBCs and corresponding microglial marker expression at 3 and 6 hpi. Placental macrophages demonstrated sex-specific features in response to IUI. Specifically, HBCs may be a potential biomarker for fetal brain injury at preterm birth.
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28
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Aplin JD, Jones CJP. Cell dynamics in human villous trophoblast. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:904-922. [PMID: 34125187 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Villous cytotrophoblast (vCTB) is a precursor cell population that supports the development of syncytiotrophoblast (vSTB), the high surface area barrier epithelium of the placental villus, and the primary interface between maternal and fetal tissue. In light of increasing evidence that the placenta can adapt to changing maternal environments or, under stress, can trigger maternal disease, we consider what properties of these cells empower them to exert a controlling influence on pregnancy progression and outcome. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE How are cytotrophoblast proliferation and differentiation regulated in the human placental villus to allow for the increasing demands of the fetal and environmental challenges and stresses that may arise during pregnancy? SEARCH METHODS PubMed was interrogated using relevant keywords and word roots combining trophoblast, villus/villous, syncytio/syncytium, placenta, stem, transcription factor (and the individual genes), signalling, apoptosis, autophagy (and the respective genes) from 1960 to the present. Since removal of trophoblast from its tissue environment is known to fundamentally change cell growth and differentiation kinetics, research that relied exclusively on cell culture has not been the main focus of this review, though it is mentioned where appropriate. Work on non-human placenta is not systematically covered, though mention is made where relevant hypotheses have emerged. OUTCOMES The synthesis of data from the literature has led to a new hypothesis for vCTB dynamics. We propose that a reversible transition can occur from a reserve population in G0 to a mitotically active state. Cells from the in-cycle population can then differentiate irreversibly to intermediate cells that leave the cycle and turn on genes that confer the capacity to fuse with the overlying vSTB as well as other functions associated with syncytial barrier and transport function. We speculate that alterations in the rate of entry to the cell cycle, or return of cells in the mitotic fraction to G0, can occur in response to environmental challenge. We also review evidence on the life cycle of trophoblast from the time that fusion occurs, and point to gaps in knowledge of how large quantities of fetal DNA arrive in maternal circulation. We critique historical methodology and make a case for research to re-address questions about trophoblast lifecycle and dynamics in normal pregnancy and the common diseases of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, where altered trophoblast kinetics have long been postulated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The hypothesis requires experimental testing, moving research away from currently accepted methodology towards a new standard that includes representative cell and tissue sampling, assessment of cell cycle and differentiation parameters, and robust classification of cell subpopulations in villous trophoblast, with due attention to gestational age, maternal and fetal phenotype, disease and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Carolyn J P Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Tauber Z, Cizkova K. The anti-inflammatory role of placental Hofbauer cells is altered in patients with chorioamnionitis: Are CYP2C8 and soluble epoxide hydrolase involved in immunomodulation? BIOMEDICAL PAPERS OF THE MEDICAL FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY PALACKY, OLOMOUC, CZECHOSLOVAKIA 2021; 166:267-273. [PMID: 33976432 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2021.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are placental macrophages playing various roles during normal and complicated pregnancies, and of the latter, chorioamnionitis is the most frequent. METHODS In placenta with chorioamnionitis, we examined immunohistochemical expression profiles of IL-1β, IL-10, and their potential regulators, CYP2C8 and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), in Hofbauer cells and compared the results with our previously published data for normal placenta. RESULTS We found that the expression profiles of the studied proteins in Hofbauer cells in chorioamnionitis differs from normal placenta. In chorioamnionitis, HBCs showed a moderate expression of IL-1β together with a weak expression of IL-10 and CYP2C8. Contrary to normal placenta, HBCs in chorioamnionitis express sEH. We demonstrated a moderate positive correlation between the expression of CYP2C8 and sEH in chorioamnionitis (Spearman r = 0.5654), suggesting enhanced degradation of anti-inflammatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Moreover, the relations of IL-1β and IL-10 to CYP2C8, previously described in normal placenta, disappeared. Furthermore, a weak expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in chorioamnionitis was accompanied by change in circularity of HBCs (Spearman r = 0.8193). CONCLUSION Taken together, these findings suggest a possible alteration of the anti-inflammatory role of HBCs and its regulation in chorioamnionitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenek Tauber
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Cizkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Molecular Pathology Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in Syncytiotrophoblast and Hofbauer Cells in Placenta from a Pregnant Woman and Fetus with COVID-19. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040479. [PMID: 33920814 PMCID: PMC8071113 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A small number of neonates delivered to women with SARS-CoV-2 infection have been found to become infected through intrauterine transplacental transmission. These cases are associated with a group of unusual placental pathology abnormalities that include chronic histiocytic intervillositis, syncytiotrophoblast necrosis, and positivity of the syncytiotrophoblast for SARS-CoV-2 antigen or RNA. Hofbauer cells constitute a heterogeneous group of immunologically active macrophages that have been involved in transplacental infections that include such viral agents as Zika virus and human immunodeficiency virus. The role of Hofbauer cells in placental infection with SARS-CoV-2 and maternal-fetal transmission is unknown. This study uses molecular pathology techniques to evaluate the placenta from a neonate infected with SARS-CoV-2 via the transplacental route to determine whether Hofbauer cells have evidence of infection. We found that the placenta had chronic histiocytic intervillositis and syncytiotrophoblast necrosis, with the syncytiotrophoblast demonstrating intense positive staining for SARS-CoV-2. Immunohistochemistry using the macrophage marker CD163, SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, and double staining for SARS-CoV-2 with RNAscope and anti-CD163 antibody, revealed that no demonstrable virus could be identified within Hofbauer cells, despite these cells closely approaching the basement membrane zone of the infected trophoblast. Unlike some other viruses, there was no evidence from this transmitting placenta for infection of Hofbauer cells with SARS-CoV-2.
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Estrada-Capetillo L, Aragoneses-Fenoll L, Domínguez-Soto Á, Fuentelsaz-Romero S, Nieto C, Simón-Fuentes M, Alonso B, Portolés P, Corbí AL, Rojo JM, Puig-Kröger A. CD28 is expressed by macrophages with anti-inflammatory potential and limits their T-cell activating capacity. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:824-834. [PMID: 33169838 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
CD28 expression is generally considered to be T lymphocyte specific. We have previously shown CD28 mRNA expression in M-CSF-dependent anti-inflammatory monocyte-derived macrophages (M-MØ), and now demonstrate that CD28 cell surface expression is higher in M-MØ than in GM-CSF-dependent macrophages, and that macrophage CD28 expression is regulated by MAFB and activin A. In vivo, CD28 was found in tumor-associated macrophages and, to a lower extent, in pro-inflammatory synovial fluid macrophages from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Analysis of mouse macrophages confirmed Cd28 expression in bone-marrow derived M-MØ. Indeed, anti-CD28 antibodies triggered ERK1/2 phosphorylation in mouse M-MØ. At the functional level, Cd28KO M-MØ exhibited a significantly higher capacity to activate the OVA-specific proliferation of OT-II CD4+ T cells than WT M-MØ, as well as enhanced LPS-induced IL-6 production. Besides, the Cd28KO M-MØ transcriptome was significantly different from WT M-MØ regarding the expression IFN response, inflammatory response, and TGF-β signaling related gene sets. Therefore, defective CD28 expression in mouse macrophages associates to changes in gene expression profile, what might contribute to the altered functionality displayed by Cd28KO M-MØ. Thus, CD28 expression appears as a hallmark of anti-inflammatory macrophages and might be a target for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizbeth Estrada-Capetillo
- Unidad de InmunoMetabolismo e Inflamación, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Aragoneses-Fenoll
- Unidad de Inmunología Celular, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sara Fuentelsaz-Romero
- Unidad de InmunoMetabolismo e Inflamación, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Concha Nieto
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Bárbara Alonso
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Portolés
- Unidad de Inmunología Celular, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel L Corbí
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M Rojo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amaya Puig-Kröger
- Unidad de InmunoMetabolismo e Inflamación, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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Prairie E, Côté F, Tsakpinoglou M, Mina M, Quiniou C, Leimert K, Olson D, Chemtob S. The determinant role of IL-6 in the establishment of inflammation leading to spontaneous preterm birth. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 59:118-130. [PMID: 33551331 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) and its consequences are a major public health concern as preterm delivery is the main cause of mortality and morbidity at birth. There are many causes of PTB, but inflammation is undeniably associated with the process of premature childbirth and fetal injury. At present, treatments clinically available mostly involve attempt to arrest contractions (tocolytics) but do not directly address upstream maternal inflammation on development of the fetus. One of the possible solutions may lie in the modulation of inflammatory mediators. Of the many pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the induction of PTB, IL-6 stands out for its pleiotropic effects and its involvement in both acute and chronic inflammation. Here, we provide a detailed review of the effects of IL-6 on the timing of childbirth, its occurrence during PTB and its indissociable roles with associated fetal tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Prairie
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, H3T 1C5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - France Côté
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, H3T 1C5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marika Tsakpinoglou
- Department of Pharmacology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Michael Mina
- Department of Pharmacology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Christiane Quiniou
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Kelycia Leimert
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - David Olson
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, H3T 1C5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Canada.
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Favaro RR, Murrieta-Coxca JM, Gutiérrez-Samudio RN, Morales-Prieto DM, Markert UR. Immunomodulatory properties of extracellular vesicles in the dialogue between placental and immune cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13383. [PMID: 33251688 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication has been implicated in the cooperative alliance between trophoblast and immune cells toward maternal tolerance and placentation. Syncytiotrophoblast cells secrete EVs directly into the maternal circulation, which are taken up by immune cells, endothelial cells, and other cell types. Initial evidence also shows that EVs produced by immune cells are, in turn, incorporated by trophoblast cells and modulate placental responses. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), proteins, and lipid mediators transported in EVs are able to influence proliferation, differentiation, cytokine production, and immunological responses of recipient cells. The molecular alphabet and cellular targets involved in this dialogue are being revealed. Nevertheless, several questions regarding the whole content, surface markers, and biological functions of EVs still remain to be investigated in both physiological and pathological conditions. Analysis of circulating EVs in maternal blood has the potential to serve as a minimally invasive approach to monitoring placental functions and immunological features of pregnancy, aiding in the diagnostics of complications. This review addresses the immunomodulatory properties of EVs and their tasks in the communication between placental and immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo R Favaro
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Jose Martín Murrieta-Coxca
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,RNA Bioinformatics, High Throughput Analysis, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Kloc M, Uosef A, Kubiak JZ, Ghobrial RM. Macrophage Proinflammatory Responses to Microorganisms and Transplanted Organs. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249669. [PMID: 33352942 PMCID: PMC7766629 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue-resident macrophages and those conscripted from the blood/bone marrow are professional phagocytes. They play a role in tissue homeostasis, replacement, and healing, and are the first-line responders to microbial (viral, bacterial, and fungi) infections. Intrinsic ameboid-type motility allows non-resident macrophages to move to the site of inflammation or injury, where, in response to the inflammatory milieu they perform the anti-microbial and/or tissue repair functions. Depending on the need and the signaling from the surrounding tissue and other immune cells, macrophages acquire morphologically and functionally different phenotypes, which allow them to play either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions. As such, the macrophages are also the major players in the rejection of the transplanted organs making an excellent target for the novel anti-rejection therapies in clinical transplantation. In this review, we describe some of the less covered aspects of macrophage response to microbial infection and organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Kloc
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.U.); (R.M.G.)
- Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Genetics Houston, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Ahmed Uosef
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.U.); (R.M.G.)
- Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jacek Z. Kubiak
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (WIHE), 01-163 Warsaw, Poland;
- Cell Cycle Group, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes (IGDR), University Rennes, UMR 6290, CNRS, 35043 Rennes, France
| | - Rafik M. Ghobrial
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.U.); (R.M.G.)
- Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Tauber Z, Foltynkova T, Cizkova K. Morphometric analysis of Hofbauer cells in normal placenta and chorioamnionitis in humans. Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 50:396-403. [PMID: 33305867 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hofbauer cells are macrophages residing in the stroma of placental villi and play a number of roles during normal pregnancy, as well as pathological conditions. A morphometric analysis of Hofbauer cells, in particular to investigate the number of cells, their size and shape in samples of normal human placenta from 1st trimester, term and with chorioamnionitis was performed. Tissue samples were immunostained for CD206 antigen and evaluated using ImageJ software. We detected significant changes in number and morphology of HBCs between normal placenta and placenta with chorioamnionitis samples. In chorioamnionitis, the cells were unevenly distributed within the villi, generally present in higher numbers, larger and more elongated than those in normal 1st trimester and term placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenek Tauber
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Foltynkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Cizkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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NLRP3 inflammasome function and pyroptotic cell death in human placental Hofbauer cells. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103214. [PMID: 33152658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the number and protein/gene expression of Hofbauer cells (HBCs) may play a role in microbial-driven/cytokine-mediated placental inflammation, and in subsequent pregnancy complications such as villitis, histologic chorioamnionitis, and the fetal inflammatory response syndrome. Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of cell death mediated by the inflammasome, a multi-protein complex which drives the processing and secretion of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). Pyroptosis can be triggered by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in non-placental macrophages through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. However, the role of inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in HBC pathophysiology remains unclear. HBCs isolated from human term placentas were treated with or without LPS or ATP, alone or in combination. Treatment of HBCs with both LPS and ATP induced the rapid secretion of high levels of IL-1β and at the same time, cell death associated with nuclear condensation and cellular swelling. HBC treatment with both LPS and ATP induced caspase-1 activation, gasdermin D (GSDMD) cleavage, which mediates pyroptosis, and IL-1β processing. Caspase-1 activation, GSDMD cleavage, IL-1β processing, and IL-1β secretion were all significantly reduced following NLRP3 knockdown; inhibition of caspase-1; and inhibition of P2X7, the receptor that mediates K+ efflux. Together, our data indicate that LPS and ATP treatment stimulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in HBCs leading to the rapid release of IL-1β. Since the localization of HBCs confers a unique ability to influence microbial-associated placental and fetal inflammation, these studies suggest a key role for the inflammasome and pyroptosis in mediating HBC driven inflammation.
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