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Zych M, Kniotek M, Roszczyk A, Dąbrowski F, Jędra R, Zagożdżon R. Surface Immune Checkpoints as Potential Biomarkers in Physiological Pregnancy and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9378. [PMID: 39273326 PMCID: PMC11395075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179378] [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: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the genetic diversity between the mother and the fetus, heightened control over the immune system during pregnancy is crucial. Immunological parameters determined by clinicians in women with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) include the quantity and activity of Natural Killer (NK) and Natural Killer T (NKT) cells, the quantity of regulatory T lymphocytes, and the ratio of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which indicate imbalances in Th1 and Th2 cell response. The processes are controlled by immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) expressed on the surface of immune cells. We aim to investigate differences in the expression of ICPs on T cells, T regulatory lymphocytes, NK cells, and NKT cells in peripheral blood samples collected from RSA women, pregnant women, and healthy multiparous women. We aim to discover new insights into the role of ICPs involved in recurrent pregnancy loss. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated by gradient centrifugation from blood samples obtained from 10 multiparous women, 20 pregnant women (11-14th week of pregnancy), and 20 RSA women, at maximum of 72 h after miscarriage. The PBMCs were stained for flow cytometry analysis. Standard flow cytometry immunophenotyping of PBMCs was performed using antibodies against classical lymphocyte markers, including CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, CD25, and CD127. Additionally, ICPs were investigated using antibodies against Programmed Death Protein-1 (PD-1, CD279), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3, CD366), V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), and Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3). We observed differences in the surface expression of ICPs in the analyzed subpopulations of lymphocytes between early pregnancy and RSA, after miscarriage, and in women. We noted diminished expression of PD-1 on T lymphocytes (p = 0.0046), T helper cells (CD3CD4 positive cells, p = 0.0165), T cytotoxic cells (CD3CD8 positive cells, p = 0.0046), T regulatory lymphocytes (CD3CD4CD25CD127 low positive cells, p = 0.0106), and NKT cells (CD3CD56/CD16 positive cells, p = 0.0438), as well as LAG-3 on lymphocytes T (p = 0.0225) T helper, p = 0.0426), T cytotoxic cells (p = 0.0458) and Treg (p = 0.0293), and cells from RSA women. Impaired expression of TIM-3 (p = 0.0226) and VISTA (p = 0.0039) on CD8 cytotoxic T and NK (TIM3 p = 0.0482; VISTA p = 0.0118) cells was shown, with an accompanying increased expression of TIGIT (p = 0.0211) on NKT cells. The changes in the expression of surface immune checkpoints indicate their involvement in the regulation of pregnancy. The data might be utilized to develop specific therapies for RSA women based on the modulation of ICP expression.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Female
- Pregnancy
- Abortion, Habitual/immunology
- Abortion, Habitual/metabolism
- Abortion, Habitual/blood
- Adult
- Biomarkers/blood
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Immune Checkpoint Proteins/metabolism
- Immune Checkpoint Proteins/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Immunophenotyping
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Natural Killer T-Cells/immunology
- Natural Killer T-Cells/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2/metabolism
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Zych
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Kniotek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksander Roszczyk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Dąbrowski
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, CMKP, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
- Club35, Polish Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists PTGiP, Cybernetyki7F/87, 02-677 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Jędra
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, CMKP, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Laboratory of Cellular and Genetic Therapies, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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Mendoza M, Ballesteros A, Rendon-Correa E, Tonk R, Warren J, Snow AL, Stowell SR, Blois SM, Dveksler G. Modulation of galectin-9 mediated responses in monocytes and T-cells by pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107638. [PMID: 39121996 PMCID: PMC11403483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107638] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful pregnancy relies on a coordinated interplay between endocrine, immune, and metabolic processes to sustain fetal growth and development. The orchestration of these processes involves multiple signaling pathways driving cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and immune regulation necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Among the molecules supporting placental development and maternal tolerance, the families of pregnancy-specific glycoproteins and galectins are of great interest in reproductive biology. We previously found that PSG1 can bind to galectin-1 (GAL-1). Herein, we characterized the interaction between PSG1 and other members of the galectin family expressed during pregnancy, including galectin-3, -7, -9, and -13 (GAL-3, GAL-7, GAL-9, and GAL-13). We observed that PSG1 binds to GAL-1, -3, and -9, with the highest apparent affinity seen for GAL-9, and that the interaction of PSG1 with GAL-9 is carbohydrate-dependent. We further investigated the ability of PSG1 to regulate GAL-9 responses in human monocytes, a murine macrophage cell line, and T-cells, and determined whether PSG1 binds to both carbohydrate recognition domains of GAL-9. Additionally, we compared the apparent affinity of GAL-9 binding to PSG1 with other known GAL-9 ligands in these cells, Tim-3 and CD44. Lastly, we explored functional conservation between murine and human PSGs by determining that Psg23, a highly expressed member of the murine Psg family, can bind some murine galectins despite differences in amino acid composition and domain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian Mendoza
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Angela Ballesteros
- Section on Sensory Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rendon-Correa
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rohan Tonk
- Section on Sensory Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James Warren
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew L Snow
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean R Stowell
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Glyco-HAM, a cooperation of Universität Hamburg, Technology Platform Mass Spectrometry and University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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3
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Ahmadi H, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Yousefi M, Baradaran B, Bromand S, Aghebati-Maleki L, Szekeres-Bartho J. The evaluation of PD-1 and Tim-3 expression besides their related miRNAs in PBMCs of women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Immunol Lett 2024; 266:106837. [PMID: 38266686 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106837] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a multifactorial disorder, associated with immunologic abnormalities. During pregnancy, the maternal immune system uses different tolerance mechanisms to deal with a semi-allogenic fetus. The expression of immune checkpoints and their related miRNAs in immune cells can ensure pregnancy at the feto-maternal interface by modulating immune responses. This study aims to evaluate the expression of the immune checkpoint molecules PD-1 and Tim-3 on circulating T cells by flow cytometry, that of mir-138 and mir-155 in PBMCs by Real-time PCR, and the concentrations of TGF-β and IP-10 in the sera of women suffering from RPL as well as of gestational age-matched healthy pregnant women by ELISA. The percentage of PD-1 or Tim-3 expressing CD8+ T cells was significantly lower in RPL patients compared to the controls, while there was no significant difference in Tim-3 expression of CD4+ T cells between the two groups. The mRNA of both the PD-1 and Tim-3 genes were downregulated in PBMCs of RPL patients compared to controls, however, the difference was not statistically significant for Tim-3. The concentration of TGF-β was significantly lower and that of IP-10 was significantly higher in the sera of RPL patients than in those of the controls. The relative expression of mir-138 and miR-155 were significantly lower, in PBMCs of RPL patients than in those of healthy pregnant women. These data confirm that by affecting cytokine production, immune checkpoints, and microRNAs play a role in establishing the appropriate local immune environment for successful pregnancy. The wider analysis of immune checkpoints may also yield new biomarkers for the diagnosis and prevention of RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saro Bromand
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Julia Szekeres-Bartho
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary; János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary; Endocrine Studies, Centre of Excellence, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary; MTA - PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, Pecs, Hungary; National Laboratory of Human Reproduction, Pécs, Hungary.
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4
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Shekarchi AA, Hosseini L, Kamrani A, Alipourfard I, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Akbari M, Roshangar L, Aghebati-Maleki L, Chakari-Khiavi F, Chakari-Khiavi A, Motlagh Asghari K, Danaii S, Pourlak T, Ahmadian Heris J, Yousefi M. Evaluation of changes in exhausted T lymphocytes and miRNAs expression in the different trimesters of pregnancy in pregnant women. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:442. [PMID: 38520563 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09370-3] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Throughout the three trimesters of a typical pregnancy, we looked at changes in the expression of miRNAs and exhausted T lymphocytes for this study. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty healthy subjects were included in this study. The frequency of exhausted T lymphocytes was measured in isolated PBMCs using flow cytometry. PD-1, TIM-3, and related miRNAs gene expression were assessed using qRT-PCR. The analyses revealed a significant decline in PD-1 and Tim-3 expression in PBMCs from RPL women (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.001, respectively). In addition, PD-1 and TIM-3 expression increased significantly in the 2nd trimester compared with the 1st trimester of healthy pregnant women (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002, respectively). PD-1 and TIM-3 expression was down-regulated in the 3rd trimester compared with the 1st and 2nd trimesters. In the present study, we demonstrated that TIM-3+/CD4+, TIM-3+/CD8+, PD-1+/CD4+, and PD-1+/CD8 + exhausted T lymphocytes increased in the circulation of women in the 2nd trimester compared to the 1st and 3rd trimester. In the 3rd trimester, the expression of miR-16-5p increased significantly (p < 0.0001). miR-125a-3p expression was down and upregulated in 2nd (p < 0.0001) and 3rd (p = 0.0007) trimesters compared to 1st trimester, respectively. This study showed a significant elevation of miR-15a-5p in 3rd trimester compared to 1st trimester of pregnant women (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS Expression pattern of PD-1 and TIM3 in exhausted T lymphocytes is different not only between normal pregnant and RPL women but also in different trimesters of pregnancy. So, our results showed the role of these markers in the modulation lymphocytes activity in different stages of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Akbar Shekarchi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Hosseini
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Kamrani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Soltani-Zangbar
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Roshangar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Aref Chakari-Khiavi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Kimia Motlagh Asghari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahla Danaii
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART center, Eastern Azerbaijan branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tannaz Pourlak
- Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Ahmadian Heris
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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5
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Phoswa WN, Khaliq OP, Eche S. A Review on Inflammasomes and Immune Checkpoints in Pre-Eclampsia Complicated with Tuberculosis and Human Immune Deficiency Virus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6627. [PMID: 37681767 PMCID: PMC10487055 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The current review evaluates how inflammasomes and immune checkpoints are regulated in pre-eclampsia (PE) associated with tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV). Studies indicate that inflammasomes such as (NRLP3, NEK7, and AIM2) and immune checkpoints such as (CLT4, PD-1, TIM3, and LAG-3) are dysregulated in TB- and HIV-infected individuals, and also in pre-eclamptic pregnancies, which explains why pregnant women who are either infected with TB or HIV have an increased risk of developing PE. Evidence suggests that inhibition of inflammasomes and immune checkpoints may assist in the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs for the prevention and management of PE in patients with or without TB and HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy N. Phoswa
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, Science Campus, University of South Africa (UNISA), Private Bag X 6, Florida, Roodepoort 1710, South Africa
| | - Olive P. Khaliq
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa;
| | - Simeon Eche
- School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CO 06510, USA;
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6
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Cruz Cruz J, Allison KC, Page LS, Jenkins AJ, Wang X, Earp HS, Frye SV, Graham DK, Verneris MR, Lee-Sherick AB. Inhibiting efferocytosis reverses macrophage-mediated immunosuppression in the leukemia microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1146721. [PMID: 36960055 PMCID: PMC10027704 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1146721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies show that the spleen and bone marrow can serve as leukemia microenvironments in which macrophages play a significant role in immune evasion and chemoresistance. We hypothesized that the macrophage driven tolerogenic process of efferocytosis is a major contributor to the immunosuppressive leukemia microenvironment and that this was driven by aberrant phosphatidylserine expression from cell turnover and cell membrane dysregulation. Methods Since MerTK is the prototypic efferocytosis receptor, we assessed whether the MerTK inhibitor MRX2843, which is currently in clinical trials, would reverse immune evasion and enhance immune-mediated clearance of leukemia cells. Results We found that inhibition of MerTK decreased leukemia-associated macrophage expression of M2 markers PD-L1, PD-L2, Tim-3, CD163 and Arginase-1 compared to vehicle-treated controls. Additionally, MerTK inhibition led to M1 macrophage repolarization including elevated CD86 and HLA-DR expression, and increased production of T cell activating cytokines, including IFN-β, IL-18, and IL-1β through activation of NF-κB. Collectively, this macrophage repolarization had downstream effects on T cells within the leukemia microenvironment, including decreased PD-1+Tim-3+ and LAG3+ checkpoint expression, and increased CD69+CD107a+ expression. Discussion These results demonstrate that MerTK inhibition using MRX2843 altered the leukemia microenvironment from tumor-permissive toward immune responsiveness to leukemia and culminated in improved immune-mediated clearance of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselyn Cruz Cruz
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Kristen C. Allison
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Lauren S. Page
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Alexis J. Jenkins
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Stephen V. Frye
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael R. Verneris
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Alisa B. Lee-Sherick
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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7
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Esparvarinha M, Madadi S, Aslanian-Kalkhoran L, Nickho H, Dolati S, Pia H, Danaii S, Taghavi S, Yousefi M. Dominant immune cells in pregnancy and pregnancy complications: T helper cells (TH1/TH2, TH17/Treg cells), NK cells, MDSCs, and the immune checkpoints. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:507-519. [PMID: 36335635 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy problems including recurrent pregnancy loss, repeated implantation failure and pre-eclampsia are common problems in the reproductive ages. Different reasons such as genetic, immunological, and environmental agents and also infections could develop these complications. In those cases in which the cause of the abortion is diagnosed, the chance of a successful pregnancy is increased by eliminating defective factors. However, in patients with unknown causes, there may be an imbalance in immune cells pattern. As a matter of fact, an inappropriate immune response is often associated with a failed pregnancy. Hence, the focus of treatment is to increase tolerance, not to suppress maternal immune system. These findings are linked to an elevated number of Treg cells and immune checkpoints through normal pregnancy. The present review discusses the balance of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, natural killer cells, T cells, and immune checkpoints, and also targeting them to maintain pregnancy and prevent associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Esparvarinha
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sahar Madadi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Lida Aslanian-Kalkhoran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanam Dolati
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Helen Pia
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahla Danaii
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Centre, Eastern Azerbaijan branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Simin Taghavi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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8
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Chen Z, Huang J, Kwak-Kim J, Wang W. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and reproductive failures. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103799. [PMID: 36724630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The human conceptus is a semi-allograft, which is antigenically foreign to the mother. Hence, the implantation process needs mechanisms to prevent allograft rejection during successful pregnancy. Immune checkpoints are a group of inhibitory pathways expressed on the surface of various immune cells in the form of ligand receptors. Immune cells possess these pathways to regulate the magnitude of immune responses and induce maternal-fetal tolerance. Briefly, 1) CTLA-4 can weaken T cell receptor (TCR) signals and inhibit T cell response; 2) The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can reduce T cell proliferation, enhance T cell anergy and fatigue, reduce cytokine production, and increase T regulatory cell activity to complete the immunosuppression; 3) TIM3 interacts with T cells by binding Gal-9, weakening Th1 cell-mediated immunity and T cell apoptosis; 4) The LAG-3 binding to MHC II can inhibit T cell activation by interfering with the binding of CD4 to MHC II, and; 5) TIGIT can release inhibitory signals to NK and T cells through the ITIM structure of its cytoplasmic tail. Therefore, dysregulated immune checkpoints or the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors may impair human reproduction. This review intends to deliver a comprehensive overview of immune checkpoints in pregnancy, including CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and their inhibitors, reviewing their roles in normal and pathological human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyang Chen
- School of Medicine, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266000, PR China; Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jinxia Huang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Department of Gynecology, Weihai Central Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, 3 Mishan East Road, Weihai 264400, PR China
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA; Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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9
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Thapa K, Shivam K, Khan H, Kaur A, Dua K, Singh S, Singh TG. Emerging Targets for Modulation of Immune Response and Inflammation in Stroke. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1663-1690. [PMID: 36763312 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03875-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The inflammatory and immunological responses play a significant role after stroke. The innate immune activation stimulated by microglia during stroke results in the migration of macrophages and lymphocytes into the brain and are responsible for tissue damage. The immune response and inflammation following stroke have no defined targets, and the intricacies of the immunological and inflammatory processes are only partially understood. Innate immune cells enter the brain and meninges during the acute phase, which can cause ischemia damage. Activation of systemic immunity is caused by danger signals sent into the bloodstream by injured brain cells, which is followed by a significant immunodepression that encourages life-threatening infections. Neuropsychiatric sequelae, a major source of post-stroke morbidity, may be induced by an adaptive immune response that is initiated by antigen presentation during the chronic period and is directed against the brain. Thus, the current review discusses the role of immune response and inflammation in stroke pathogenesis, their role in the progression of injury during the stroke, and the emerging targets for the modulation of the mechanism of immune response and inflammation that may have possible therapeutic benefits against stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Thapa
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India.,School of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Himachal Pradesh, 174103, India
| | - Kumar Shivam
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India
| | - Heena Khan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India
| | - Amarjot Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary & Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, 2007, Australia
| | - Sachin Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar - Delhi G.T. Road, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Thakur Gurjeet Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India.
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10
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Tim-3: An inhibitory immune checkpoint is associated with maternal-fetal tolerance and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Clin Immunol 2022; 245:109185. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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11
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Smetanenko EA, Khonina NA, Leplina OY, Tikhonova MA, Batorov EV, Pasman NM, Chernykh ER. Expression of inhibitory receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, and Tim-3 by peripheral T cells during pregnancy. BULLETIN OF SIBERIAN MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.20538/1682-0363-2022-3-87-95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background. Inhibitory receptors and their ligands (also called checkpoint molecules) are important feedback regulators of the immune response. However, their role in immunological adaptation during pregnancy remains poorly understood.The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of checkpoint molecule (PD-1, CTLA-4, Tim-3) expression in peripheral T cells in pregnant women compared with fertile non-pregnant women.Materials and methods. The study included 36 women in the second half of pregnancy without pregnancy complications, 12 of whom had extragenital pathology. The control group consisted of 28 age-matched fertile non-pregnant women. The proportion of CD8+PD-1+, CD8+TIM-3+, CD8+PD-1+TIM-3+, CD4+PD-1+, CD4+TIM-3+, and CD4+PD-1+TIM-3+ was evaluated by flow cytometry using the corresponding monoclonal antibodies (BD Biosciences, USA).Results. The proportion of CD4+Tim-3+ and CD8+PD-1+ Т cells and CD4+ and CD8+ Т lymphocytes co-expressing PD-1 and Tim-3 in the peripheral blood of pregnant women was statistically significantly higher than in non-pregnant women. An increase in CD4+Tim-3+ and CD8+PD-1+ T cells was observed both in pregnant women with and without extragenital pathology. However, pregnant women with extragenital pathology were characterized by a higher CD8+PD-1+ count and a smaller number of CD8+Tim-3+ cells, as well as by a lack of an increase in PD-1+Tim-3+ T cells typical of pregnant women. The number of comorbidities was directly correlated with the proportion of CD8+PD-1+ lymphocytes and inversely correlated with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+ and CD4+ PD-1+Tim-3+ cells. In addition, the expression of checkpoint molecules was associated with gestational age (a direct correlation was found with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+, CD4+PD-1+Tim-3+, and CD8+PD-1+Tim-3+ cells) and to a lesser extent – with the age of pregnant women (an inverse relationship was found with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+ cells).Conclusion. Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy are characterized by increased expression of PD-1 and Tim-3 molecules in peripheral T cells. At the same time, concomitant extragenital pathology affects the expression of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N. A. Khonina
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology; Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk National Research State University
| | - O. Yu. Leplina
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology
| | | | - E. V. Batorov
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology
| | - N. M. Pasman
- Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk National Research State University
| | - E. R. Chernykh
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology
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12
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Menkhorst E, Than NG, Jeschke U, Barrientos G, Szereday L, Dveksler G, Blois SM. Medawar's PostEra: Galectins Emerged as Key Players During Fetal-Maternal Glycoimmune Adaptation. Front Immunol 2022; 12:784473. [PMID: 34975875 PMCID: PMC8715898 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.784473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lectin-glycan interactions, in particular those mediated by the galectin family, regulate many processes required for a successful pregnancy. Over the past decades, increasing evidence gathered from in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that members of the galectin family specifically bind to both intracellular and membrane bound carbohydrate ligands regulating angiogenesis, immune-cell adaptations required to tolerate the fetal semi-allograft and mammalian embryogenesis. Therefore, galectins play important roles in fetal development and placentation contributing to maternal and fetal health. This review discusses the expression and role of galectins during the course of pregnancy, with an emphasis on maternal immune adaptions and galectin-glycan interactions uncovered in the recent years. In addition, we summarize the galectin fingerprints associated with pathological gestation with particular focus on preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Menkhorst
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Gynaecological Research Centre, The Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enyzmology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Hospital Alemán-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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13
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The Role of the Immune Checkpoint Molecules PD-1/PD-L1 and TIM-3/Gal-9 in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia—A Narrative Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58020157. [PMID: 35208481 PMCID: PMC8880413 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disease which is characterized by abnormal placentation, endothelial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Several studies have shown that the maternal immune system, which is crucial for maintaining the pregnancy by ensuring maternal-fetal-tolerance, is disrupted in preeclamptic patients. Besides different immune cells, immune checkpoint molecules such as the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1 system) and the T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3/Galectin-9 (TIM-3/Gal-9 system) are key players in upholding the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals. Therefore, a clear understanding about the role of these immune checkpoint molecules in preeclampsia is essential. This review discusses the role of these two immune checkpoint systems in pregnancy and their alterations in preeclampsia.
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14
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Li WX, Xu XH, Jin LP. Regulation of the innate immune cells during pregnancy: An immune checkpoint perspective. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10362-10375. [PMID: 34708495 PMCID: PMC8581333 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The foetus can be regarded as a half‐allograft implanted into the maternal body. In a successful pregnancy, the mother does not reject the foetus because of the immune tolerance mechanism at the maternal‐foetal interface. The innate immune cells are a large part of the decidual leukocytes contributing significantly to a successful pregnancy. Although the contributions have been recognized, their role in human pregnancy has not been completely elucidated. Additionally, the accumulated evidence demonstrates that the immune checkpoint molecules expressed on the immune cells are co‐inhibitory receptors regulating their activation and biological function. Therefore, it is critical to understand the immune microenvironment and explore the function of the innate immune cells during pregnancy. This review summarizes the classic immune checkpoints such as PD‐1, CTLA‐4 and some novel molecules recently identified, including TIM‐3, CD200, TIGIT and the Siglecs family on the decidual and peripheral innate immune cells during pregnancy. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of the immune checkpoint molecules in pregnancy‐associated complications and reproductive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xuan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Biobank, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ping Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Biobank, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Wyatt MA, Baumgarten SC, Weaver AL, Van Oort CC, Fedyshyn B, Ruano R, Shenoy CC, Enninga EAL. Evaluating Markers of Immune Tolerance and Angiogenesis in Maternal Blood for an Association with Risk of Pregnancy Loss. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163579. [PMID: 34441875 PMCID: PMC8397206 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss affects approximately 20% of couples. The lack of a clear cause complicates half of all miscarriages. Early evidence indicates the maternal immune system and angiogenesis regulation are both key players in implantation success or failure. Therefore, this prospective study recruited women in the first trimester with known viable intrauterine pregnancy and measured blood levels of immune tolerance proteins galectin-9 (Gal-9) and interleukin (IL)-4, and angiogenesis proteins (vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) A, C, and D) between 5 and 9 weeks gestation. Plasma concentrations were compared between groups defined based on (a) pregnancy outcome and (b) maternal history of miscarriage, respectively. In total, 56 women were recruited with 10 experiencing a miscarriage or pregnancy loss in the 2nd or 3rd trimester and 11 having a maternal history or miscarriage. VEGF-C was significantly lower among women with a miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Gal-9 and VEGF-A concentrations were decreased in women with a prior miscarriage. Identification of early changes in maternal immune and angiogenic factors during pregnancy may be a tool to improve patient counseling on pregnancy loss risk and future interventions to reduce miscarriage in a subset of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Wyatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Sarah C. Baumgarten
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Amy L. Weaver
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Chelsie C. Van Oort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Bohdana Fedyshyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Rodrigo Ruano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Chandra C. Shenoy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Elizabeth Ann L. Enninga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence:
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16
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Immune checkpoints and reproductive immunology: Pioneers in the future therapy of infertility related Disorders? Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:107935. [PMID: 34304000 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
As co-stimulatory receptors, immune checkpoint molecules are found on the surface of various immune cells and transduce inhibitory signals following ligand binding. The most studied members in this regard include PD-1, TIM-3, and CTLA-4. The physiological part immune checkpoints possess is the prevention of dangerous immune attacks towards self-antigens throughout an immune response, which takes place through the negative regulation of the effector immune cells, through the induction of T-cell exhaustion, for instance. It has recently been suggested that each checkpoint reduces immunoactivation via distinct intracellular mechanisms of signaling. Regulators of immune checkpoints are supposed to participate actively in immune defense mechanisms against infections, preventing autoimmunity, transplantation, and tumor immune evasion. In pregnancy, as an active immunotolerance mechanism which is also natural, the maternal immune system encounters two simultaneous challenges; in addition to accepting the semi-allogeneic fetus, the maternal immune system should also prevent infections. In this regard, the part immune checkpoint molecules possess is particularly interesting. Herein, the current understanding of such part in reproductive immunology is described.
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17
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Meggyes M, Nagy DU, Balassa T, Godony K, Peterfalvi A, Szereday L, Polgar B. Influence of Galectin-9 Treatment on the Phenotype and Function of NK-92MI Cells in the Presence of Different Serum Supplements. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081066. [PMID: 34439744 PMCID: PMC8391477 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are one of the critical players in the tumor microenvironment-tumor crosstalk and the regulation of local immunity. Galectin-9 has been in the limelight in tumor immunology. Galectin-9 possesses its multiplex biological functions both extracellularly and intracellularly, plays a pivotal role in the modulation of adaptive and innate immunity, and induces immune tolerance. NK-92MI cell lines against different malignancies were extensively studied, and recently published trials used genetically chimeric antigen receptor-transfected NK-92MI cells in tumor immunotherapy. Besides the intensive research in tumor immunotherapy, limited information is available on their immune-checkpoint expression and the impact of checkpoint ligands on their effector functions. To uncover the therapeutic potential of modulating Galectin-9-related immunological pathways in NK-cell-based therapy, we investigated the dose-dependent effect of soluble Galectin-9 on the TIM-3 checkpoint receptor and NKG2D, CD69, FasL, and perforin expression of NK-92MI cells. We also examined how their cytotoxicity and cytokine production was altered after Gal-9 treatment and in the presence of different serum supplements using flow cytometric analysis. Our study provides evidence that the Galectin-9/TIM-3 pathway plays an important role in the regulation of NK cell function, and about the modulatory role of Galectin-9 on the cytotoxicity and cytokine production of NK-92MI cells in the presence of different serum supplements. We hope that our results will aid the development of novel NK-cell-based strategies that target Galectin-9/TIM-3 checkpoint in tumors resistant to T-cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matyas Meggyes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +3672-536001/1907
| | - David U Nagy
- Medical Centre, Cochrane Hungary, University of Pecs, 7623 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Timea Balassa
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
| | - Krisztina Godony
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 17 Edesanyak Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Agnes Peterfalvi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, 13 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Beata Polgar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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18
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Kim HY, Nam SY, Kim HM, Jeong HJ. Exposure of ovalbumin during pregnancy prevents the development of allergic rhinitis in offspring through the induction of mast cell autophagy. Cell Immunol 2021; 365:104362. [PMID: 33905950 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Most allergic disease studies have focused on postnatal chemical or microbial exposure. Recent studies have indicated that allergic diseases are associated with the immunological interaction between the mother and her offspring, but the relevant mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether maternal exposure to allergens during pregnancy could affect allergic rhinitis (AR) in the offspring. Compared with offspring of naïve mothers, offspring of ovalbumin (OVA)-exposed mothers exhibited a significant reduction in AR clinical symptoms and levels of histamine, IgE, T helper type-2(Th2) cytokines, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, cyclooxygenase-2, chemokines, infiltration of inflammatory cell, and activity of caspase-1. Interestingly, we observed that offspring of OVA-exposed mothers regulated OVA-induced Th2 responses by inducing autophagy in mast cells. Our data demonstrated that maternal exposure to OVA during pregnancy decreased allergic sensitivity in offspring, suggesting that the vertical transmission of maternal immune responses may be involved. These findings have important implications in the regulation of AR. Furthermore, we propose that the autophagy of mast cells may be a potential target for AR prevention or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Yun Kim
- Biochip Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Young Nam
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Min Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ja Jeong
- Biochip Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Republic of Korea; Department of Food Science & Technology, Hoseo University, Asan 31499, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Fan C, Dai Y, Zhang L, Rui C, Wang X, Luan T, Fan Y, Dong Z, Hou W, Li P, Liao Q, Zeng X. Aerobic Vaginitis Induced by Escherichia coli Infection During Pregnancy Can Result in Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Through the IL-4/JAK-1/STAT-6 Pathway. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:651426. [PMID: 33897665 PMCID: PMC8058192 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.651426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerobic vaginitis (AV) can occur if normal vaginal microflora are dominated by aerobic bacteria, seriously affects not only female health, but also fetal health while they are pregnant. Besides, pregnant status also aggravates the symptoms and consequences of the infection. Here, we infected pregnant BALB/c mice with Escherichia coli on embryonic day 4.5 (E4.5) (study group), and administered an equivalent volume of phosphate-buffered saline in another cohort of pregnant mice (control group). We recorded the weight of pregnant mice and their fetuses. The maternal and fetal weight of the study group decreased in comparison with that of the control group, whereas the weight of placenta increased in the study group. Then, five genes with significant upregulation and 15 genes with downregulation were screened. Expression of interleukin 4 (IL-4) mRNA in the study group decreased to 18.5%. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed IL-4 expression in mouse plasma declined in the study group at E11.5 and E18.5. mRNA expression of chemokine (c-c motif) ligand (CCL)-17, CCL-22, CCL-24, IL-4, Janus Kinase (JAK)-1, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-6, and GATA-3 showed significant downregulation in placental and uterine tissues. Flow cytometry of primary decidual macrophages (DMs) revealed more M1-like macrophages in the study group. And after addition of IL-4 to DMs, more M1 macrophages polarized to M2 type macrophages. We did not discover bacteria existed in mouse placentas. Our study affords a feasible method for exploring and managing AV during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Fan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Youjin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Model Animal Research, Animal Core Facility of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Can Rui
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Luan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuru Fan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyong Dong
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenwen Hou
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qinping Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
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20
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Abu-Raya B, Michalski C, Sadarangani M, Lavoie PM. Maternal Immunological Adaptation During Normal Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575197. [PMID: 33133091 PMCID: PMC7579415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk and severity of specific infections are increased during pregnancy due to a combination of physiological and immunological changes. Characterizing the maternal immune system during pregnancy is important to understand how the maternal immune system maintains tolerance towards the allogeneic fetus. This may also inform strategies to prevent maternal fatalities due to infections and optimize maternal vaccination to best protect the mother-fetus dyad and the infant after birth. In this review, we describe what is known about the immunological changes that occur during a normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahaa Abu-Raya
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Michalski
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Manish Sadarangani
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pascal M Lavoie
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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21
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Grossman TB, Minis E, Loeb-Zeitlin SE, Bongiovanni AM, Witkin SS. Soluble T cell immunoglobulin mucin domain 3 (sTim-3) in maternal sera: a potential contributor to immune regulation during pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 34:4119-4122. [PMID: 32019363 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1706471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The immune checkpoint inhibitor, membrane-bound T cell immunoglobulin mucin domain 3 (Tim-3), binds to galectin-9 (gal-9) and promotes immune tolerance during pregnancy. Soluble Tim-3 (sTim-3) competes with Tim-3 for binding to gal-9 and modulates its activity. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of sTim-3 on immune responses and outcome in pregnant women.Study design: Peripheral blood from 71 pregnant women was separated into mononuclear cell (PBMC) and plasma fractions. The PBMCs were lysed and tested for Tim-3 by ELISA. Plasma was assayed for sTim-3, gal-9, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and the stress-inducible 70 kDa heat shock protein (hsp70) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlations were analyzed by the Spearman rank correlation test.Results: The higher the sTim-3 level in plasma the lower was the PBMC Tim-3 concentration (p = .0135), suggesting that sTim-3 results from the release of membrane-bound Tim-3. Plasma sTim3 levels were positively correlated with levels of gal-9 (p < .0001), TNF-α (p = .0071) and hsp70 (p = .0144), but not with IL-10. The sTim-3 level was positively associated (p = .0276) with gestational age at delivery. There was no association between sTim-3 and gestational age at sample collection, maternal age, gravidity, parity or body mass index.Conclusion: The release of Tim-3 from membranes and sTim-3 reacting with gal-9 may increase proinflammatory immunity and the stress response. The release of sTim-3 from lymphoid cells into the circulation and its binding to gal-9 may modulate Tim-3-mediated activity and help optimize immune regulation during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy B Grossman
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evelyn Minis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan E Loeb-Zeitlin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ann Marie Bongiovanni
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven S Witkin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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22
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Zhang YH, Sun HX. Immune checkpoint molecules in pregnancy: Focus on regulatory T cells. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:160-169. [PMID: 31953958 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a specialized subpopulation of T cells that plays critical roles in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Although efforts have been done, their role in human pregnancy is not fully understood. Numerous studies reported the presence of Treg cells throughout gestation by promoting maternal-fetal tolerance and fetal development. Furthermore, Treg population is heterogeneous as it is expressing different immune checkpoint molecules favoring immune suppressive function. Therefore, better understanding of the heterogeneity and function of Treg cells during pregnancy is critical for an effective immune intervention. Latest evidence has shown that several immune checkpoint molecules are closely associated with pregnancy outcome via multiple inhibitory mechanisms. Majority of these studies demonstrated the modulatory effects of immune checkpoint molecules on effector T-cell immunity, but their effects on Treg activation and function are still an enigma. In this review, we emphasize the potential influence of multiple immune checkpoint molecules, including CTLA-4, PD-1, Tim-3, LAG-3, and TIGIT, either in membrane or soluble form, on the function of decidual and peripheral Treg cells during pregnancy. Additionally, we discuss the promising future of targeting Treg cells via immune checkpoint molecules for pregnancy maintenance and prevention of complicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai-Xiang Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
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23
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Meggyes M, Lajko A, Fulop BD, Reglodi D, Szereday L. Phenotypic characterization of testicular immune cells expressing immune checkpoint molecules in wild-type and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-deficient mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 83:e13212. [PMID: 31758623 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide having several regulatory functions in the nervous system and in peripheral organs including those of the reproductive system. PACAP-deficient male mice have several morphological, biochemical, behavioral defects and show disturbed signaling in spermatogenesis affecting fertility in PACAP KO mice. Reproductive functions such as fertility, mating, and maternal behaviors have been widely investigated, but no immune analyses are available regarding the testicular immune-privileged environment in male PACAP-deficient mice. METHOD OF STUDY We performed detailed immunophenotyping of testicular immune cells and investigated the expression of TIM-3 and PD-1 Immune checkpoint molecules of immune cells together with the detection of galectin-9 and perforin. We investigated the percentage of numerous immune cell populations in the testis of wild-type and PACAP-deficient mice. RESULTS We demonstrated a significant increase in the frequency of testicular CD8+ T cells together with the decrease in Treg cell number obtained from PACAP KO mice compared with wild-type mice. Investigating Immune checkpoint receptors, only PD-1 showed a significantly decreased expression in CD8+ T cells in PACAP KO mice compared with wild-type suggesting an impaired PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Regarding TIM-3 expression, we did not find any significant difference between the investigated groups. CONCLUSION We hypothesize that these local changes may result in an immune activation with disturbed testicular immunoregulation in PACAP KO mice; however, determining the exact function requires further investigations. Our data further support the view that besides a systemic immune tolerance, localized active immunosuppression is involved in the regulation of testicular immune privilege.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matyas Meggyes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Center, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Lajko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Balazs Daniel Fulop
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Center, Pecs, Hungary
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24
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Abstract
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3), a member of the TIM family, was originally identified as a receptor expressed on interferon-γ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Initial data indicated that TIM3 functioned as a 'co-inhibitory' or 'checkpoint' receptor, but due to the lack of a definable inhibitory signalling motif, it was also suggested that TIM3 might act as a co-stimulatory receptor. Recent studies have shown that TIM3 is part of a module that contains multiple co-inhibitory receptors (checkpoint receptors), which are co-expressed and co-regulated on dysfunctional or 'exhausted' T cells in chronic viral infections and cancer. Furthermore, co-blockade of TIM3 and programmed cell death 1 (PD1) can result in tumour regression in preclinical models and can improve anticancer T cell responses in patients with advanced cancers. Here, we highlight the developments in understanding TIM3 biology, including novel ligand identification and the discovery of loss-of-function mutations associated with human disease. In addition, we summarize emerging data from human clinical trials showing that TIM3 indeed acts as a 'checkpoint' receptor and that inhibition of TIM3 enhances the antitumour effect of PD1 blockade.
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25
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Thornhill JP, Pace M, Martin GE, Hoare J, Peake S, Herrera C, Phetsouphanh C, Meyerowitz J, Hopkins E, Brown H, Dunn P, Olejniczak N, Willberg C, Klenerman P, Goldin R, Fox J, Fidler S, Frater J. CD32 expressing doublets in HIV-infected gut-associated lymphoid tissue are associated with a T follicular helper cell phenotype. Mucosal Immunol 2019; 12:1212-1219. [PMID: 31239514 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-019-0180-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is a key location for the HIV reservoir. The observation that B-cell-T-cell doublets are enriched for CD32a (a low-affinity IgG receptor) in peripheral blood raises interesting questions, especially as these cells have been associated with HIV DNA in some studies. We sought to determine if similar doublets were present in GALT, the significance of these doublets, and their implications for the HIV reservoir. Given the importance of GALT as a reservoir for HIV, we looked for expression of CD32 on gut CD4 T cells and for evidence of doublets, and any relationship with HIV DNA in HIV + individuals initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) during primary HIV infection (PHI). Tonsil tissue was also available for one individual. As previously shown for blood, CD32high CD4 cells were mainly doublets of CD4 T cells and B cells, with T-cell expression of ICOS in tonsil and gut tissue. CD4 T cells associated with CD32 (compared with 'CD32-' CD4 cells) had higher expression of follicular markers CXCR5, PD-1, ICOS, and Bcl-6 consistent with a T follicular helper (TFH) phenotype. There was a significant correlation between rectal HIV DNA levels and CD32 expression on TFH cells. Together, these data suggest that CD32high doublets are primarily composed of TFH cells, a subset known to be preferentially infected by HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Thornhill
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Division of Medicine, Wright Fleming Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Matthew Pace
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Genevieve E Martin
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jonathan Hoare
- Division of Medicine, Wright Fleming Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Simon Peake
- Division of Medicine, Wright Fleming Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Division of Medicine, Wright Fleming Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Chan Phetsouphanh
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jodi Meyerowitz
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emily Hopkins
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helen Brown
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Polly Dunn
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Natalia Olejniczak
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christian Willberg
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rob Goldin
- Division of Medicine, Wright Fleming Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Julie Fox
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Infectious Disease, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Division of Medicine, Wright Fleming Institute, Imperial College, London, UK.,Imperial College NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - John Frater
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.
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26
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Sisti G, Di Tommaso M, Paccosi S, Parenti A, Seravalli V, Cuzzola R, Witkin SS. Unique Associations between Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and T Cell Immunoglobulin Mucin 3 in Successful Twin Pregnancies Conceived with Donor Oocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55050144. [PMID: 31100848 PMCID: PMC6572077 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55050144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To investigate if pregnancies conceived using an oocyte donor necessitate an alteration in immune regulation, we compared concentrations of insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-1, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) in women with ongoing successful twin pregnancies conceived spontaneously, using assisted reproductive technologies that utilized homologous oocytes or with donor oocytes. Differences in levels of these immune modulatory proteins may be magnified and easier to detect in twin as compared to singleton pregnancies. Methods: In this prospective study IGFBP-1 and IGF-1 were measured in sera and Tim-3 in lysates of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by ELISA. Results: Median IGFBP-1 levels were lower in women with donor oocytes (41.4 ng/ml) as compared to those with a spontaneous conception (51.2 ng/mL) or who conceived with various assisted reproduction protocols using homologous oocytes (52.4 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). IGF-1 and Tim-3 levels were comparable in each group. The IGFBP-1 level was inversely correlated to the IGF-1 concentration only in women with donor oocytes (p = 0.032). IGFBP-1 and Tim-3 levels were similarly negatively correlated in the donor oocyte group (p = 0. 012). Women in the assisted reproduction group who conceived following intracytoplasmic sperm injection were the only other group in which IGFBP-1 and Tim-3 were negatively correlated (p = 0.018). Conclusions: Down-regulation of IGFBP-1 production in pregnancies conceived with donor oocytes may reduce the extent of pro-inflammatory immunity and contribute to successful outcome in totally allogeneic pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sisti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, The Bronx, NY 10451, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Mariarosaria Di Tommaso
- Department of Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Sara Paccosi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Astrid Parenti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Viola Seravalli
- Department of Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Roberta Cuzzola
- Department of Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Steven S Witkin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA.
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil.
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27
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Miko E, Meggyes M, Doba K, Barakonyi A, Szereday L. Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Reproductive Immunology. Front Immunol 2019; 10:846. [PMID: 31057559 PMCID: PMC6482223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules, like CTLA-4, TIM-3, PD-1, are negative regulators of immune responses to avoid immune injury. Checkpoint regulators are thought to actively participate in the immune defense of infections, prevention of autoimmunity, transplantation, and tumor immune evasion. Maternal-fetal immunotolerance represents a real immunological challenge for the immune system of the mother: beside acceptance of the semiallogeneic fetus, the maternal immune system has to be prepared for immune defense mostly against infections. In this particular situation, the role of immune checkpoint molecules could be of special interest. In this review, we describe current knowledge on the role of immune checkpoint molecules in reproductive immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Miko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Matyas Meggyes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Doba
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Aliz Barakonyi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
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28
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Sequential monitoring of TIM-3 mRNA expression in blood and urine samples of renal transplant recipients. Transpl Immunol 2018; 54:9-16. [PMID: 30395925 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), as a co-inhibitory receptor expressed on Th1, Th17, CD8T, FoxP3 + Treg and innate immune cells, plays an important role in suppression of T cell-mediated immune responses, tolerance induction and T cell exhaustion. In this study, we evaluated sequential alterations of TIM-3 mRNA expression level in blood and urine samples of renal transplant recipients to predict approaching clinical episodes. METHODS A total of 52 adult renal transplant recipients (31 male and 21 female) were enrolled in this study. All the patients received kidney transplant from living unrelated donors. TIM-3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and urinary cells were quantified using Real Time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 4 different time points (pre-transplantation, 2, 90 and 180 days post-transplantation). RESULT TIM-3 mRNA expression level on days 2, 90 and 180 after transplantation was significantly higher in blood and urine samples of patients with graft dysfunction (GD) compared with patients with well-functioning graft (WFG). Our results also showed a high correlation between blood and urinary level of TIM-3 mRNA expression. The data from Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve Analysis showed that blood and urinary TIM-3 mRNA expression level at month 3 and 6 could discriminate graft dysfunction (GD) from well-functioning graft (WFG) with high specificity and sensitivity. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that serial monitoring of TIM-3 mRNA level in the blood and urine samples of renal transplant recipients could be a useful non-invasive biomarker for prediction and diagnosis of allograft dysfunction.
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29
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Lajko A, Meggyes M, Polgar B, Szereday L. The immunological effect of Galectin-9/TIM-3 pathway after low dose Mifepristone treatment in mice at 14.5 day of pregnancy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194870. [PMID: 29566059 PMCID: PMC5864070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The abortifacient Mifepristone (RU486) has proven to be a safe, effective, acceptable option for millions of women seeking abortion during the first and second trimester of pregnancy although its precise mechanism of action is not well understood. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of low dose Mifepristone administration on placental Galectin-9 (Gal-9) expression, as well as its effect on the cell surface expression of Gal-9, TIM-3 and CD107a molecules by different T and NK cell subsets. A model of Mifepristone-induced immunological changes was established in syngeneic pregnant BALB/c mice. RU486-induced alteration in placental Gal-9 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. For immunophenotypic analysis, mid-pregnancy decidual lymphocytes and peripheral mononuclear cells were obtained from Mifepristone treated and control mice at the 14.5 day of gestation. TIM-3 and Gal-9 expression by peripheral and decidual immune cells were examined by flow cytometry. Our results revealed a dramatically decreased intracellular Gal-9 expression in the spongiotrophoblast layer of the haemochorial placenta in Mifepristone treated pregnant mice. Although low dose RU486 treatment did not cause considerable change in the phenotypic distribution of decidual and peripheral immune cells, it altered the Gal-9 and TIM-3 expression by different NK and T cell subsets. In addition, the treatment significantly decreased the CD107a expression by decidual TIM-3+ NK cells, but increased its expression by decidual NKT cell compared to the peripheral counterparts. These findings suggest that low dose Mifepristone administration might induce immune alterations in both progesterone dependent and independent way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Lajko
- University of Pecs, Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Matyas Meggyes
- University of Pecs, Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Beata Polgar
- University of Pecs, Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- University of Pecs, Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
- * E-mail:
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30
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Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) is a transmembrane protein that in both mice and humans has been shown to possess various functions in a context-dependent manner. Thus, Tim-3 has been associated with both inhibitory and co-stimulatory function, depending in part on the specific cell type and immune response course. Though originally described on T cells, Tim-3 is now known to be expressed by both lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells within the immune system and even by non-immune cells. In addition, though widely thought of as a negative regulator of immunity, Tim-3 has been shown in more recent studies to have a positive function on both myeloid and lymphoid cells, including T cells. Tim-3 is often expressed at a high level on exhausted T cells in tumors and chronic infection and may engage in crosstalk with other so-called "checkpoint" molecules such as PD-1. Thus, Tim-3 has emerged as a possible therapeutic target, which is being actively explored both pre-clinically and clinically. However, recent research suggests a more complex in vivo role for this protein, compared with other targets in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hridesh Banerjee
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Lawrence P Kane
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
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31
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Tim-3 expression predicts the abnormal innate immune status and poor prognosis of glioma patients. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 476:178-184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2017.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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32
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Li F, Dang J, Jiang M, He M, Yang M, Li J, Hao H, Zhou Y, Zuo W, Xie Y, Deng D. Upregulation of Tim-3 expression at feto-maternal interface may explain embryo survival in the CBAxDBA/2 model of abortion. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 79. [PMID: 29083087 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To understand the mechanisms of action of Tim-3 at the maternal-fetal interface and explore how Tim-3 might be involved in the pathogenesis of abortion by constructing an in vitro trophoblast-lymphocyte system. METHODS OF STUDY Female CBA/J × male DBA/2 matings were used as the abortion-prone model and CBA/J × male BALB/c matings as control. The expression of Tim-3 at the maternal-fetal interface and in the peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The proliferation index of lymphocytes and levels of Th1/Th2-derived cytokines in peripheral blood and in the co-culture system were determined using CCK-8 assay and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS The expression level of Tim-3 was higher in abortion-prone matings than that of control (P < .05). A preponderance of Th1 was observed in the co-culture system in the abortion-prone mating group. Recombinant Tim-3 Ig reversed the imbalance of Th1/Th2 immunity of abortion-prone matings by suppressing the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-2 but had no direct effect on the generation of IL-4. CONCLUSION Tim-3 might contribute to successful pregnancy by restraining Th1 bias, and the maternal immune system might develop a strategy including upregulation of Tim-3 at the maternal-fetal interface and in peripheral blood so as to maintain moderate inflammatory responses against miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanfan Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Dang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengzhou He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meitao Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Faculty of Reproductive Medical Center of the Third Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Haiyan Hao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, xi'an, China
| | - Wei Zuo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Faculty of Department of Orthopedics, Pu Ai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yin Xie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dongrui Deng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Shah NM, Herasimtschuk AA, Boasso A, Benlahrech A, Fuchs D, Imami N, Johnson MR. Changes in T Cell and Dendritic Cell Phenotype from Mid to Late Pregnancy Are Indicative of a Shift from Immune Tolerance to Immune Activation. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1138. [PMID: 28966619 PMCID: PMC5605754 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the mother allows the immunologically distinct fetoplacental unit to develop and grow. Opinions are divided as to whether this represents a state of fetal-specific tolerance or of a generalized suppression of the maternal immune system. We hypothesized that antigen-specific T cell responses are modulated by an inhibitory T cell phenotype and modified dendritic cell (DC) phenotype in a gestation-dependent manner. We analyzed changes in surface markers of peripheral blood T cells, ex vivo antigen-specific T cell responses, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity (kynurenine/tryptophan ratio, KTR), plasma neopterin concentration, and the in vitro expression of progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) in response to peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture with progesterone. We found that mid gestation is characterized by reduced antigen-specific T cell responses associated with (1) predominance of effector memory over other T cell subsets; (2) upregulation of inhibitory markers (programmed death ligand 1); (3) heightened response to progesterone (PIBF); and (4) reduced proportions of myeloid DC and concurrent IDO activity (KTR). Conversely, antigen-specific T cell responses normalized in late pregnancy and were associated with increased markers of T cell activation (CD38, neopterin). However, these changes occur with a simultaneous upregulation of immune suppressive mechanisms including apoptosis (CD95), coinhibition (TIM-3), and immune regulation (IL-10) through the course of pregnancy. Together, our data suggest that immune tolerance dominates in the second trimester and that it is gradually reversed in the third trimester in association with immune activation as the end of pregnancy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishel Mohan Shah
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna A Herasimtschuk
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adriano Boasso
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adel Benlahrech
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine and Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nesrina Imami
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Johnson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Tim-3 inhibits low-density lipoprotein-induced atherogenic responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:61001-61010. [PMID: 28977841 PMCID: PMC5617401 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial injury and dysfunction followed by endothelial activation and inflammatory cell recruitment are factors contributing to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) promotes inflammation during atherogenesis and lipid deposition in the arterial wall. We observed that stimulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with ox-LDL activated pro-inflammatory cytokine production and apoptosis, inhibited cell migration, and upregulated T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) expression. Tim-3, in turn, protected HUVECs from ox-LDL-induced apoptosis via the JNK pathway and reversed the inhibition of migration. Tim-3 also inhibited ox-LDL-induced inflammatory cytokine production by suppressing NF-κB activation. In addition, Tim-3 increased production of type 2 T helper cells (Th2) and regulatory T cell (Treg)-associated cytokines. Blocking Tim-3 reversed its effects on the inflammatory response to ox-LDL. Thus, Tim-3 signaling may be a “self-control” mechanism in ox-LDL-triggered inflammation in HUVECs. These results identify Tim-3 as a factor in HUVEC activity and suggest its potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Co-Signaling Molecules in Maternal-Fetal Immunity. Trends Mol Med 2016; 23:46-58. [PMID: 27914866 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Physiologically, a successful pregnancy requires the maternal immune system to recognize and tolerate the semiallogeneic fetus, and allow for normal invasion of trophoblasts. Thus, pregnancy complications are considered to be associated with dysfunctional maternal-fetal crosstalk. Co-signaling molecules are a group of cell surface molecules that positively or negatively modulate the immune response. Well studied in the fields of oncology and transplantation, they are also suggested to be involved in maternal-fetal crosstalk. Here, we review the latest knowledge on the expression and function of such co-signaling molecules, highlighting their immunoregulatory roles in maternal-fetal tolerance and decidual vascular remodeling, and their involvement in pathological pregnancies. This review may instruct future basic research on, and clinical applications for, maternal-fetal immunity.
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Tim-3: Expression on immune cells and roles at the maternal-fetal interface. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 118:92-99. [PMID: 27792886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.10.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Successful pregnancy relies on the accurate regulation of the maternal-fetal immune system. Without enough tolerance in the uterine microenvironment, the mother and the hemiallogeneic fetus could not peacefully coexist. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain (Tim)-3 is a molecule originally regarded as to be expressed on terminally differentiated IFN-γ expressing CD4+ T cells (Th1). The engagement of Tim-3 with its ligand, galectin-9 (Gal-9) could induce the exhaustion or apoptosis of effector T cells, and thus might regulate the tolerance. Tim-3 pathway also participates in regulating the activities of CD4+ regulatory T cells, monocyte-macrophages, dendritic cells and natural killer cells. Dysregulation of Tim-3 expression can elicit excessive or inhibited inflammatory responses and ultimately result in autoimmune diseases, viral or tumor evasion and pregnancy complications. In this review, we will mainly focus on the expression of Tim-3 on local immune cells and its function in pregnancy. In addition, meaningful questions that need further investigation and the potential roles of Tim-3 in fetal tolerance will be discussed. Deeper understanding of the immune checkpoint receptor Tim-3 will shed new light on exploring the pathogenesis of some pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, recurrent spontaneous abortion and preterm birth. Tim-3 pathway might be a new target of immune therapy for pregnancy complications in the future.
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Sun J, Yang M, Ban Y, Gao W, Song B, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Shao Q, Kong B, Qu X. Tim-3 Is Upregulated in NK Cells during Early Pregnancy and Inhibits NK Cytotoxicity toward Trophoblast in Galectin-9 Dependent Pathway. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147186. [PMID: 26789128 PMCID: PMC4720443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells accumulate at the maternal-fetal interface (MFI) and play essential roles in maintaining immune tolerance during pregnancy. The mechanisms that facilitate NK cells tolerance to fetal tissue are largely unknown. T cell Ig and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) is a newly defined molecule with essential immunological function in many physiological and pathological processes. Recent study showed that Tim-3 was involved in the regulation of immune tolerance at MFI. However, whether Tim-3 regulates NK cells cytotoxicity toward trophoblasts is unclear. Here, we showed Tim-3 was mainly expressed by decidual NK cells (dNK) and Tim-3 level in dNK was higher than peripheral NK cells (pNK). Tim-3+ dNK expressed more levels of mature markers CD94 and CD69 than Tim-3- dNK cells and blocking Tim-3 significantly inhibited dNK IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion. Furthermore, we found TGF-β1 may contribute to such up-regulation of Tim-3 in NK cells. Interestingly, blocking Tim-3 enhanced NK cytotoxicity toward trophoblast cell line HTR-8 but not K562. We found HTR-8 expressed Tim-3 ligand Galectin-9, in contrast K562 did not. Small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of Galectin-9 expression enhanced NK cytotoxicity toward HTR-8. We further showed Tim-3/Galecin-9 inhibited NK cytotoxicity toward trophoblast partially via impairing the degranulation process. In addition, clinical data showed that abnormal Tim-3 level on pNK might be associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Thus, our data demonstrate Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway maintains local tolerance by suppressing NK cytotoxicity toward trophoblasts which may represent a new immunologic tolerance mechanism at MFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintang Sun
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Meixiang Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Ban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Gao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingfeng Song
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Shao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Qu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Tim-3 pathway affects NK cell impairment in patients with active tuberculosis. Cytokine 2015; 76:270-279. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Yan W, Liu X, Ma H, Zhang H, Song X, Gao L, Liang X, Ma C. Tim-3 fosters HCC development by enhancing TGF-β-mediated alternative activation of macrophages. Gut 2015; 64:1593-604. [PMID: 25608525 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-307671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their alternative activation contribute greatly to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tim-3 is highly expressed on macrophages and regulates macrophage functions in several conditions. However, whether Tim-3 is involved in the activation and the function of TAMs has not been reported. DESIGN Tim-3 expression in HCC samples was evaluated by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and confocal analysis. We analysed the effects of Tim-3 knockdown on macrophages in growth of H22 tumour homografts in BALB/c mice. Tim-3 interference was performed by neutralising antibody, small interfering RNA or short hairpin RNA-expressing lentivirus. Cytokine production was evaluated by reverse transcription PCR, ELISA or Cytometric Bead Array. The effects of Tim-3 interference in macrophages were examined with regard to alternative activation of macrophages and proliferation and migration of Hepa1-6 cells. Cell growth curve, colony formation and transwell assays were involved to estimate cell proliferation and migration. RESULTS Tim-3 expression was significantly increased in both peripheral blood monocytes and TAMs in patients with HCC. The Tim-3 expression in monocytes/TAMs strongly correlated with higher tumour grades and the poor survival of patients with HCC. Consistently, HCC conditioned medium or transforming growth factor-β fostered Tim-3 expression and the alternative activation of macrophages. Moreover, Tim-3 interference in macrophages significantly inhibited the alternative activation of macrophages and suppressed HCC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Blocking interleukin 6 reversed the Tim-3-mediated effects on HCC cell growth in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Tim-3 displays critical roles in microenvironment-induced activation and protumoral effects of TAMs in HCC. Interference of Tim-3 might be great potential in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiang Yan
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hongxin Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hualin Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojia Song
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
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Hao H, He M, Li J, Zhou Y, Dang J, Li F, Yang M, Deng D. Upregulation of the Tim-3/Gal-9 pathway and correlation with the development of preeclampsia. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2015; 194:85-91. [PMID: 26342682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is well documented that an imbalance in immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface is likely to play an essential role in the etiology of preeclampsia. However, the mechanisms underlying immune tolerance during preeclampsia are still poorly understood. Tim-3, a Th1-specific cell surface molecule, is a relatively newly described molecule with important immunological functions. It can regulate Th1 responses with its ligand galectin-9 (Gal-9), and has become an attractive candidate for exploring the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN Twenty normal pregnancies and 20 preeclamptic pregnancies were enrolled in the present study. We examined the expression and function of Tim-3/Gal-9 in decidual tissue at the RNA and protein levels. In order to analyze their correlation with the development of preeclampsia, we measured the expression of Tim-3 on peripheral blood leukocytes using flow cytometry. IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-17 in the peripheral blood plasma were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Tim-3/Gal-9 was upregulated in decidual tissue of preeclamptic vs. normotensive pregnancies. There was a significantly increased Th1 and Th17 response in PE as demonstrated by the upregulated levels of IFN-γ/IL-17, whereas IL-10 secreted by Th2 cells was sharply reduced. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that an abnormal Tim-3/Gal-9 pathway was able to facilitate the development of preeclampsia. Our data uncovered a novel mechanism by which the Tim-3/Gal-9 pathway regulates immune responses, and we now identify this pathway as a potential therapeutic target in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Hao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; People's Hospital of Dancheng County, Zhoukou, Henan, PR China
| | - Mengzhou He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Faculty of Reproductive Medical Center of the Third Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jing Dang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fanfan Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Meitao Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Dongrui Deng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Jara LJ, Medina G, Cruz-Dominguez P, Navarro C, Vera-Lastra O, Saavedra MA. Risk factors of systemic lupus erythematosus flares during pregnancy. Immunol Res 2015; 60:184-92. [PMID: 25391611 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-014-8577-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
This review examines the risk factors for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares during pregnancy. In preconception, anti-DNA, hypocomplementemia, previous thrombosis, triple antiphospholipid (aPL) antibody positivity, active lupus nephritis and discontinuation of medications such as hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine are factors associated with pregnancy failure. During pregnancy, SLE flares are associated with aPL antibodies, synergic changes of pregnancy on Th1 and TH2 cytokines, other cytokines and chemokines that interact with hormones such as estrogen and prolactin that amplify the inflammatory effect. From the clinical point of view, SLE activity at pregnancy onset, thrombocytopenia, lupus nephritis, arterial hypertension, aPL syndromes, preeclampsia is associated with lupus flares and fetal complications. In puerperium, the risk factors of flares are similar to pregnancy. Hyperactivity of immune system, autoantibodies, hyperprolactinemia, active lupus nephritis, decrease in TH2 cytokines with increase in TH1 cytokines probably participate in SLE flare. The SLE flares during pregnancy make the difference between an uncomplicated pregnancy and pregnancy with maternal and fetal complications. Therefore, the knowledge of risk factors leads the best treatment strategies to reduce flares and fetal complications in SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis J Jara
- Direction of Education and Research, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Seris/Zaachila s/n, Colonia La Raza, 02990, Mexico City, Mexico,
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Tim-3 induces Th2-biased immunity and alternative macrophage activation during Schistosoma japonicum infection. Infect Immun 2015; 83:3074-82. [PMID: 25987707 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00517-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule 3 (Tim-3) has been regarded as an important regulatory factor in both adaptive and innate immunity. Recently, Tim-3 was reported to be involved in Th2-biased immune responses in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum, but the exact mechanism behind the involvement of Tim-3 remains unknown. The present study aims to understand the role of Tim-3 in the immune response against S. japonicum infection. Tim-3 expression was determined by flow cytometry, and increased Tim-3 expression was observed on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, NK1.1(+) cells, and CD11b(+) cells from the livers of S. japonicum-infected mice. However, the increased level of Tim-3 was lower in the spleen than in the liver, and no increase in Tim-3 expression was observed on splenic CD8(+) T cells or CD11b(+) cells. The schistosome-induced upregulation of Tim-3 on natural killer (NK) cells was accompanied by reduced NK cell numbers in vitro and in vivo. Tim-3 antibody blockade led to upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin-12 (IL-12) mRNA in CD11b(+) cells cocultured with soluble egg antigen and downregulation of Arg1 and IL-10, which are markers of M2 macrophages. In summary, we observed schistosome-induced expression of Tim-3 on critical immune cell populations, which may be involved in the Th2-biased immune response and alternative activation of macrophages during infection.
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Tripathi S, Chabtini L, Dakle PJ, Smith B, Akiba H, Yagita H, Guleria I. Effect of TIM-3 Blockade on the Immunophenotype and Cytokine Profile of Murine Uterine NK Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123439. [PMID: 25897749 PMCID: PMC4405344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are the most abundant lymphocyte population in the feto-maternal interface during gestation. The uterine NK cells (uNK) are transient, have a unique immunophenotype and produce a number of cytokines. These cytokines play an important role in establishment and maintenance of vascular remodeling and tolerance associated with successful pregnancy. The uNK cells also express TIM-3 during gestation and blockade of TIM-3 expression results in fetal loss in mice. In this study we determined the effect of TIM-3 blockade on uNK cells. Specifically we observed surface receptor phenotype and cytokine production by uNK cells following TIM-3 blockade. Our results show that TIM-3 plays a role in regulating the uNK cells and contributes to the maintenance of tolerance at the feto-maternal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Tripathi
- Children's Hospital Boston, Renal Division, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lola Chabtini
- Children's Hospital Boston, Renal Division, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pranal J Dakle
- Children's Hospital Boston, Renal Division, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brian Smith
- Children's Hospital Boston, Renal Division, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hisaya Akiba
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Yagita
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Indira Guleria
- Children's Hospital Boston, Renal Division, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Tim-3 protects decidual stromal cells from toll-like receptor-mediated apoptosis and inflammatory reactions and promotes Th2 bias at the maternal-fetal interface. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9013. [PMID: 25757669 PMCID: PMC4355741 DOI: 10.1038/srep09013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important in mediating immune responses against various pathogens during pregnancy. However, uncontrolled TLR-triggered inflammation will endanger normal pregnancy, resulting in pregnancy loss. Therefore, maintenance of a moderate inflammatory response is crucial for successful pregnancy under conditions of infection. Here, we demonstrated significantly lowered expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) in miscarried decidual stromal cells (DSCs), indicating that Tim-3 might play important roles in maintaining successful pregnancies. Activation of TLR signaling induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and apoptosis of DSCs, which was accompanied by up-regulated Tim-3 expression. Tim-3, in turn, protected DSCs from TLR-mediated apoptosis in an ERK1/2 pathway-dependent manner. In addition, Tim-3 inhibited TLR signaling-induced inflammatory cytokine production by DSCs through suppressing NF-κB activation. Tim-3 increased production of T helper 2 (Th2)-type cytokines by DSCs and reversed the inhibitory effect of LPS on Th2 cytokine generation by up-regulation of interferon regulatory factor 4 expression. Tim-3 blockade abolished the effect of Tim-3 on the inflammatory response to LPS stimulation. Thus, Tim-3 signaling could represent a “self-control” mechanism in TLR-triggered inflammation during pregnancy. These findings identify Tim-3 as a key regulator of DSCs and suggest its potential as a target for the treatment of spontaneous abortion.
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Kosova G, Stephenson MD, Lynch VJ, Ober C. Evolutionary forward genomics reveals novel insights into the genes and pathways dysregulated in recurrent early pregnancy loss. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:519-29. [PMID: 25586782 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the genes that gained novel expression in the endometria of Eutherian (placental) mammals more likely to be dysregulated in patients with endometrial-associated recurrent early pregnancy loss (REPL)? SUMMARY ANSWER There was a significant enrichment of genes dysregulated in REPL patients among the Eutherian-specific endometrial genes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Pregnancy loss is the most common complication of human pregnancy. REPL has multiple etiologies, including dysregulation of endometrial function, leading to 'suboptimal' implantation. Although the implantation process is tightly regulated in Eutherian (placental) mammals, the molecular factors contributing to dysregulated endometrial gene expression patterns in women with REPL are largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Endometrial biopsies were obtained from 32 REPL patients during the mid-luteal phase, and evaluated for glandular development arrest based on elevated nuclear cyclin E levels in gland cells, and for out-of-phase endometrial development based on histology. Gene expression levels were measured using Illumina Human HT-12v4 BeadChip arrays. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Differentially expressed genes were identified between patients with (i) out-of-phase (n = 10) versus normal (n = 22) histological dating and (ii) abnormally elevated (n = 9) versus normal (n = 23) cyclin E levels in the nuclei of endometrial glands, using a likelihood ratio test. Enrichment of dysregulated genes in REPL endometria among Eutherian-specific genes was tested by permutation. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were carried out for the dysregulated genes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Fifty-eight and eighty-one genes were identified as differentially expressed at P < 0.001 in women with out-of-phase histological dating and abnormally elevated glandular cyclin E levels, respectively. Genes that were recruited into endometrial expression during the evolution of pregnancy in Eutherian mammals were significantly enriched for dysregulated genes (P = 0.002 for histology, P = 0.021 for cyclin E), as well as for genes involved in immune response and signaling pathways with essential roles in implantation and endometrial biology. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Small sample size limits the statistical power to detect dysregulated genes, and the lack of non-REPL control women does not allow us to test for the contribution of these genes to overall risk of REPL. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Enrichment of functional gene categories, as well as genes gained expression in the Eutherian endometria, help to identify molecular etiologies that contribute to normal functioning of the endometrium. These pathways are also strong candidates for successful pregnancy outcomes. Using the evolutionary history of mammalian gene expression in the endometrial tissue may be a promising approach to discover genes involved in female reproductive disorders. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work is supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant R01 HD21244 to C.O. Authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülüm Kosova
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Present Address: Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mary D Stephenson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Present Address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Vincent J Lynch
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Carole Ober
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Li J, Li FF, Zuo W, Zhou Y, Hao HY, Dang J, Jiang M, He MZ, Deng DR. Up-regulated expression of Tim-3/Gal-9 at maternal-fetal interface in pregnant woman with recurrent spontaneous abortion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 34:586-590. [PMID: 25135732 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-014-1320-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3)/Galectin (Gal)-9 pathway and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) was studied. Thirty-one pregnant women with RSA and 27 normal early gravidas were investigated to detect the levels of Tim-3 and Gal-9 in villi and deciduas by Western blotting. Meanwhile, the concentration of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-12 in peripheral blood plasma was determined by ELISA in 25 healthy fertile non-pregnant controls, the normal early gravidas and pregnant women with RSA mentioned above, respectively. It was found that the relative expression levels of Tim-3 and Gal-9 in villi and deciduas were significantly increased in pregnant women with RSA as compared with those in the normal early gravidas. The concentration of IL-4 in peripheral blood plasma of pregnant women with RSA was lower than that of the normal early gravidas (P<0.05) and healthy fertile non-pregnant controls (P<0.05), but that of IL-2 in pregnant women with RSA was significantly higher than that of the normal early gravidas (P<0.05) and healthy fertile non-pregnant controls (P<0.05). It was suggested that the overexpression of Tim-3/Gal-9 pathway may be related to the pathogenesis of RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Faculty of Reproductive Medical Center of the Third Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Fan-Fan Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Zuo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Faculty of Department of Orthopedics, Pu Ai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hai-Yan Hao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jing Dang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meng-Zhou He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dong-Rui Deng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Peripheral blood TIM-3 positive NK and CD8+ T cells throughout pregnancy: TIM-3/galectin-9 interaction and its possible role during pregnancy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92371. [PMID: 24651720 PMCID: PMC3961322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain (TIM) family is a relatively newly described group of molecules with a conserved structure and important immunological functions. Identification of Galectin-9 as a ligand for TIM-3 has established the Galectin-9/TIM-3 pathway as an important negative regulator of Th1 immunity and tolerance induction. Data about the TIM-3/Gal-9 pathway in the pathogenesis of human diseases is emerging, but their possible role during human pregnancy is not precisely known. The aim of our study was to investigate the number, phenotype and functional activity of TIM-3+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells during healthy human pregnancy. METHODS OF STUDY 57 healthy pregnant women [first trimester (n = 16); second trimester (n = 19); third trimester (n = 22)] and 30 non-pregnant controls were enrolled in the study. We measured the surface expression of TIM-3 by cytotoxic T cells, NK cells and NK cell subsets as well as Galectin-9 expression by regulatory T cells by flow cytometry. We analyzed the cytokine production and cytotoxicity of TIM3+ and TIM3- CD8 T and NK cells obtained from non-pregnant and healthy pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy by flow cytometry. Serum Galectin-9 levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Our results show that the numbers of peripheral NK and cytotoxic T cells and their TIM-3 expression do not change between the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Compared to non-pregnant individuals, regulatory T cells show higher level of Galectin-9 expression as pregnancy proceeds, which is in line with the level of Galectin-9 in the patients sera. Cytotoxic T cells, NK cells and NK cell subsets expressing TIM-3 molecule show altered cytokine production and cytotoxicity during pregnancy compared to non-pregnant individuals. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that Galectin-9 expressing regulatory T cells, TIM-3+ cytotoxic T cells and NK cells could play an important role in the maintenance of healthy pregnancy.
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Gorman JV, Starbeck-Miller G, Pham NLL, Traver GL, Rothman PB, Harty JT, Colgan JD. Tim-3 directly enhances CD8 T cell responses to acute Listeria monocytogenes infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:3133-42. [PMID: 24567532 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
T cell Ig and mucin domain (Tim) 3 is a surface molecule expressed throughout the immune system that can mediate both stimulatory and inhibitory effects. Previous studies have provided evidence that Tim-3 functions to enforce CD8 T cell exhaustion, a dysfunctional state associated with chronic stimulation. In contrast, the role of Tim-3 in the regulation of CD8 T cell responses to acute and transient stimulation remains undefined. To address this knowledge gap, we examined how Tim-3 affects CD8 T cell responses to acute Listeria monocytogenes infection. Analysis of wild-type (WT) mice infected with L. monocytogenes revealed that Tim-3 was transiently expressed by activated CD8 T cells and was associated primarily with acquisition of an effector phenotype. Comparison of responses to L. monocytogenes by WT and Tim-3 knockout (KO) mice showed that the absence of Tim-3 significantly reduced the magnitudes of both primary and secondary CD8 T cell responses, which correlated with decreased IFN-γ production and degranulation by Tim-3 KO cells stimulated with peptide Ag ex vivo. To address the T cell-intrinsic role of Tim-3, we analyzed responses to L. monocytogenes infection by WT and Tim-3 KO TCR-transgenic CD8 T cells following adoptive transfer into a shared WT host. In this setting, the accumulation of CD8 T cells and the generation of cytokine-producing cells were significantly reduced by the lack of Tim-3, demonstrating that this molecule has a direct effect on CD8 T cell function. Combined, our results suggest that Tim-3 can mediate a stimulatory effect on CD8 T cell responses to an acute infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob V Gorman
- Interdisciplinary Program in Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
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Vega-Carrascal I, Bergin DA, McElvaney OJ, McCarthy C, Banville N, Pohl K, Hirashima M, Kuchroo VK, Reeves EP, McElvaney NG. Galectin-9 signaling through TIM-3 is involved in neutrophil-mediated Gram-negative bacterial killing: an effect abrogated within the cystic fibrosis lung. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:2418-31. [PMID: 24477913 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The T cell Ig and mucin domain-containing molecule (TIM) family of receptors have emerged as potential therapeutic targets to correct abnormal immune function in chronic inflammatory conditions. TIM-3 serves as a functional receptor in structural cells of the airways and via the ligand galectin-9 (Gal-9) can modulate the inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate TIM-3 expression and function in neutrophils, focusing on its potential role in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Results revealed that TIM-3 mRNA and protein expression values of circulating neutrophils were equal between healthy controls (n = 20) and people with CF (n = 26). TIM-3 was detected on resting neutrophil membranes by FACS analysis, and expression levels significantly increased post IL-8 or TNF-α exposure (p < 0.05). Our data suggest a novel role for TIM-3/Gal-9 signaling involving modulation of cytosolic calcium levels. Via TIM-3 interaction, Gal-9 induced neutrophil degranulation and primed the cell for enhanced NADPH oxidase activity. Killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was significantly increased upon bacterial opsonization with Gal-9 (p < 0.05), an effect abrogated by blockade of TIM-3 receptors. This mechanism appeared to be Gram-negative bacteria specific and mediated via Gal-9/ LPS binding. Additionally, we have demonstrated that neutrophil TIM-3/Gal-9 signaling is perturbed in the CF airways due to proteolytic degradation of the receptor. In conclusion, results suggest a novel neutrophil defect potentially contributing to the defective bacterial clearance observed in the CF airways and suggest that manipulation of the TIM-3 signaling pathway may be of therapeutic value in CF, preferably in conjunction with antiprotease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Vega-Carrascal
- Respiratory Research Division, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
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Miko E, Meggyes M, Bogar B, Schmitz N, Barakonyi A, Varnagy A, Farkas B, Tamas P, Bodis J, Szekeres-Bartho J, Illes Z, Szereday L. Involvement of Galectin-9/TIM-3 pathway in the systemic inflammatory response in early-onset preeclampsia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71811. [PMID: 23936526 PMCID: PMC3732281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a common obstetrical disease affecting 3-5% of pregnancies and representing one of the leading causes of both maternal and fetal mortality. Maternal symptoms occur as an excessive systemic inflammatory reaction in response to the placental factors released by the oxidatively stressed and functional impaired placenta. The T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain (TIM) family is a relatively newly described group of molecules with a conserved structure and important immunological functions. Identification of Galectin-9 as a ligand for TIM-3 has established the Galectin-9/TIM-3 pathway as an important regulator of Th1 immunity and tolerance induction. METHODS The aim of our study was to investigate the expression and function of Galectin-9 and TIM-3 molecules by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the possible role of Galectin-9/TIM-3 pathway in the immunoregulation of healthy pregnancy and early-onset preeclampsia. We determined TIM-3 and Gal-9 expression and cytotoxicicty of peripheral lymphocytes of early-onset preeclamptic women and healthy pregnant woman using flow cytometry. RESULTS Investigating peripheral lymphocytes of women with early-onset preeclampsia, our results showed a decreased TIM-3 expression by T cells, cytotoxic T cells, NK cells and CD56(dim) NK cells compared to healthy pregnant women. Interestingly, we found a notably increased frequency of Galectin-9 positive cells in each investigated lymphocyte population in the case of early-onset preeclamptic patients. We further demonstrated increased cytotoxic activity by cytotoxic T and CD56(dim) NK cells in women with early-onset preeclampsia. Our findings showed that the strongest cellular cytotoxic response of lymphocytes occurred in the TIM-3 positive subpopulations of different lymphocytes subsets in early-onset preeclampsia. CONCLUSION These data suggest that Gal-9/TIM-3 pathway could play an important role in the immune regulation during pregnancy and the altered Galectin-9 and TIM-3 expression could result an enhanced systemic inflammatory response including the activation of Th1 lymphocytes in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Miko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Matyas Meggyes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Barbara Bogar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Nora Schmitz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Aliz Barakonyi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Akos Varnagy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Balint Farkas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Peter Tamas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Jozsef Bodis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Julia Szekeres-Bartho
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
- * E-mail:
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