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Baumgarten SC, Wyatt MA, Ainsworth AJ, Fedyshyn B, Van Oort CC, Shenoy CC, Enninga EAL. Evaluation of the maternal systemic immune system during frozen euploid embryo transfer according to cycle outcome. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104261. [PMID: 38865895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Infertility affects 15 % of couples in the US, and many turn to assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization and subsequent frozen embryo transfer (FET) to become pregnant. This study aimed to perform a broad assessment of the maternal immune system to determine if there are systemic differences on the day of FET in cycles that result in a live birth compared to those that do not. Women undergoing FET of euploid embryos were recruited and blood was collected on the day of FET as well as at early timepoints in pregnancy. Sixty immune and angiogenic proteins were measured in plasma, and gene expression of 92 immune-response related genes were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We found plasma concentrations of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and macrophage derived chemokine (MDC) were significantly lower on the day of FET in cycles that resulted in a live birth. We also found genes encoding C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), CD8 subunit alpha (CD8A) and SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3) were upregulated in PBMCs on the day of FET in cycles that resulted in live birth. Measurements of immune mediators from maternal blood could serve as prognostic markers during FET to guide clinical decision making and further our understanding of implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Baumgarten
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Michelle A Wyatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Alessandra J Ainsworth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Bohdana Fedyshyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Chelsie C Van Oort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Chandra C Shenoy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Elizabeth Ann L Enninga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, United States.
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Baines KJ, West RC. Sex differences in innate and adaptive immunity impact fetal, placental, and maternal health†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:256-270. [PMID: 37418168 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The differences between males and females begin shortly after birth, continue throughout prenatal development, and eventually extend into childhood and adult life. Male embryos and fetuses prioritize proliferation and growth, often at the expense of the fetoplacental energy reserves. This singular focus on growth over adaptability leaves male fetuses and neonates vulnerable to adverse outcomes during pregnancy and birth and can have lasting impacts throughout life. Beyond this prioritization of growth, male placentas and fetuses also respond to infection and inflammation differently than female counterparts. Pregnancies carrying female fetuses have a more regulatory immune response, whereas pregnancies carrying male fetuses have a stronger inflammatory response. These differences can be seen as early as the innate immune response with differences in cytokine and chemokine signaling. The sexual dimorphism in immunity then continues into the adaptive immune response with differences in T-cell biology and antibody production and transfer. As it appears that these sex-specific differences are amplified in pathologic pregnancies, it stands to reason that differences in the placental, fetal, and maternal immune responses in pregnancy contribute to increased male perinatal morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will describe the genetic and hormonal contributions to the sexual dimorphism of fetal and placental immunity. We will also discuss current research efforts to describe the sex-specific differences of the maternal-fetal interface and how it impacts fetal and maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Baines
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rachel C West
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Immunopathological insights into villitis of unknown etiology on the basis of transplant immunology. Placenta 2023; 131:49-57. [PMID: 36473393 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) is an inflammatory disease characterized by the infiltration of maternal CD8 +T cells into the placental villi. Although the pathogenesis of VUE is still debated, dysregulation of the immune system appears to be an important factor in the development of the disease. Interaction of maternal T cells with the fetal antigens seems to be the trigger for the VUE onset. In this context, graft vs host disease (GVHD) and allographic rejection seem to share similarities in the VUE immunopathological mechanism, especially those related to immunoregulation. In this review, we compared the immunological characteristics of VUE with allograft rejection, and GVHD favoring a better knowledge of VUE pathogenesis that may contribute to VUE therapeutics strategies in the future.
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Histone methyltransferase Nsd2 ensures maternal–fetal immune tolerance by promoting regulatory T-cell recruitment. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:634-643. [PMID: 35322173 PMCID: PMC9061842 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00849-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are fundamentally important for maintaining systemic immune homeostasis and are also required for immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy. Recent studies have suggested that epigenetic regulation is critically involved in Treg development and function. However, the role of H3K36me has not yet been investigated. Here, we found that the H3K36me2 methyltransferase Nsd2 was highly expressed in Tregs. Although loss of Nsd2 did not impair systemic Treg development or function, the level of Tregs at the maternal-fetal interface was significantly decreased in pregnant Nsd2 conditional knockout mice. Consequently, maternal-fetal immune tolerance was disrupted in the absence of Nsd2 in Tregs, and the pregnant mice showed severe fetal loss. Mechanistically, Nsd2 was found to upregulate CXCR4 expression via H3K36me2 modification to promote Treg cell recruitment into the decidua and suppress the anti-fetal immune response. Overall, our data identified Nsd2 as a critical epigenetic regulator of Treg recruitment for maternal-fetal tolerance.
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Saito S. Reconsideration of the Role of Regulatory T Cells during Pregnancy: Differential Characteristics of Regulatory T Cells between the Maternal-Fetal Interface and Peripheral Sites and between Early and Late Pregnancy. Med Princ Pract 2022; 31:403-414. [PMID: 36195068 PMCID: PMC9801372 DOI: 10.1159/000527336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in implantation of the embryo and maintenance of pregnancy after allogeneic mating. Implantation failure, miscarriage, and preeclampsia are associated with decreased numbers of Treg cells or with dysfunctional Treg cells. Treg cells are classified into naturally occurring Treg (nTreg) cells or thymus-derived Treg (tTreg) cells that differentiate in the thymus and induce tolerance to self-antigens, while induced Treg (iTreg) or peripheral Treg (pTreg) cells differentiate in the periphery and induce transient tolerance to foreign antigens. Memory nTreg or iTreg cells were recently reported to accumulate in the uterus during early pregnancy and contribute to the establishment of pregnancy. Miscarriage is characterized by the downregulation of the total numbers of Treg cells rather than a downregulation of the numbers of paternal/fetal antigen-specific Treg cells. In addition to the volume of paternal/fetal antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, the number of paternal/fetal antigen-specific Treg cells, which protect the fetus/placenta against maternal immune cell attack, increases after the second trimester of pregnancy. Clonal Treg cells which are surrogate markers of paternal/fetal antigen-specific Treg cells in humans may be involved in the development of preeclampsia during the mid- to late pregnancy stage, as evidenced by their downregulation in the decidua of preeclamptic cases. This review summarizes recent findings on Treg cells and discusses the roles, in the maintenance of pregnancy, of different types of Treg cells such as paternal/fetal antigen-specific Treg, pregnancy-associated memory Treg, nTreg (or tTreg), and iTreg (or pTreg cells).
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Bert S, Ward EJ, Nadkarni S. Neutrophils in pregnancy: New insights into innate and adaptive immune regulation. Immunology 2021; 164:665-676. [PMID: 34287859 PMCID: PMC8561097 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunology of pregnancy has been the focus of many studies to better understand how the mother is able to tolerate the presence of a semi-allogeneic fetus. Far from the initial view of pregnancy as a state of immunosuppression, successful fetal development from implantation to birth is now known to be under the control of an intricate balance of immune cells. The balance between pro-inflammatory functions used to promote embryo implantation and placental development and immunosuppressive activity to maintain maternal tolerance of the fetus is an immunological phenotype unique to pregnancy, which is dependent on the time of gestation. Neutrophils are one of a host of innate immune cells detected at the maternal-fetal interface, but very little is known of their function. In this review, we explore the emerging functions of neutrophils during pregnancy and their interactions with and regulation of T cells, a key adaptive immune cell population essential for the establishment of fetal-maternal tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Bert
- William Harvey Research InstituteBarts and the London School of MedicineQueen Mary UniversityLondonUK
| | - Eleanor J. Ward
- William Harvey Research InstituteBarts and the London School of MedicineQueen Mary UniversityLondonUK
| | - Suchita Nadkarni
- William Harvey Research InstituteBarts and the London School of MedicineQueen Mary UniversityLondonUK
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Wei Y, Ding J, Li J, Cai S, Liu S, Hong L, Yin T, Zhang Y, Diao L. Metabolic Reprogramming of Immune Cells at the Maternal-Fetal Interface and the Development of Techniques for Immunometabolism. Front Immunol 2021; 12:717014. [PMID: 34566973 PMCID: PMC8458575 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.717014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunity and metabolism are interdependent and coordinated, which are the core mechanisms for the body to maintain homeostasis. In tumor immunology research, immunometabolism has been a research hotspot and has achieved groundbreaking changes in recent years. However, in the field of maternal-fetal medicine, research on immunometabolism is still lagging. Reports directly investigating the roles of immunometabolism in the endometrial microenvironment and regulation of maternal-fetal immune tolerance are relatively few. This review highlights the leading techniques used to study immunometabolism and their development, the immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface and their metabolic features required for the implementation of their functions, explores the interaction between immunometabolism and pregnancy regulation based on little evidence and clues, and attempts to propose some new research directions and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiu Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinli Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Songchen Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Hong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
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8
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Relationship between CCR5 +FoxP3 + Treg cells and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak expiratory flow in patients with severe asthma. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2021; 38:262-268. [PMID: 34408594 PMCID: PMC8362744 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2021.106202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe asthma is a special clinical problem. CD4+CD25highCD127lowFoxp3+ Tregs play a role in maintaining appropriate immunological response. It is a known fact that Treg cells with CCR5 expression represent strong suppressive activity. It has been shown that a low number or altered function of FoxP3+ Tregs is associated with the inflammatory process and airway obstruction in asthma. Aim To evaluate whether CCR5 Tregs expression and surface density on FoxP3+ Treg cells depend on the severity of asthma. Material and methods The study included 50 patients with asthma (25 with severe and 25 with mild-to-moderate asthma). The control group comprised 25 healthy volunteers. The phenotype of CD4+CD25highCD127lowFoxp3+CCR5+ cells was evaluated by multicolour flow cytometry. The degree of airflow obstruction was assessed by spirometry as forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Results The absolute count of FoxP3+ Treg cells in patients with severe asthma was significantly decreased in comparison with the control group. MFI (median fluorescence intensity) of CCR5 expression on FoxP3+ Treg cells was significantly decreased in severe asthma compared to the mild-to-moderate asthma and control groups. CCR5 expression on FoxP3+ Treg cells as MFI positively correlated with lung function parameters FEV1% and PEF% in patients with severe asthma. Conclusions High CCR5 Tregs expression as MFI is associated with improved in lung function parameters: FEV1% and PEF% in patients with severe asthma. The measurement of CCR5 expression on the surface of peripheral blood FoxP3+ Treg cells as MFI could be an additional tool to estimate the severity of asthma.
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Bonacina F, Martini E, Svecla M, Nour J, Cremonesi M, Beretta G, Moregola A, Pellegatta F, Zampoleri V, Catapano AL, Kallikourdis M, Norata GD. Adoptive transfer of CX3CR1 transduced-T regulatory cells improves homing to the atherosclerotic plaques and dampens atherosclerosis progression. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2069-2082. [PMID: 32931583 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Loss of immunosuppressive response supports inflammation during atherosclerosis. We tested whether adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with Tregulatory cells (Tregs), engineered to selectively migrate in the atherosclerotic plaque, would dampen the immune-inflammatory response in the arterial wall in animal models of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). METHODS AND RESULTS FH patients presented a decreased Treg suppressive function associated to an increased inflammatory burden. A similar phenotype was observed in Ldlr -/- mice accompanied by a selective increased expression of the chemokine CX3CL1 in the aorta but not in other districts (lymph nodes, spleen, and liver). Treg overexpressing CX3CR1 were thus generated (CX3CR1+-Tregs) to drive Tregs selectively to the plaque. CX3CR1+-Tregs were injected (i.v.) in Ldlr -/- fed high-cholesterol diet (western type diet, WTD) for 8 weeks. CX3CR1+-Tregs were detected in the aorta, but not in other tissues, of Ldlr -/- mice 24 h after ACT, corroborating the efficacy of this approach. After 4 additional weeks of WTD, ACT with CX3CR1+-Tregs resulted in reduced plaque progression and lipid deposition, ameliorated plaque stability by increasing collagen and smooth muscle cells content, while decreasing the number of pro-inflammatory macrophages. Shotgun proteomics of the aorta showed a metabolic rewiring in CX3CR1+-Tregs treated Ldlr -/- mice compared to controls that was associated with the improvement of inflammation-resolving pathways and disease progression. CONCLUSION ACT with vasculotropic Tregs appears as a promising strategy to selectively target immune activation in the atherosclerotic plaque.
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MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer
- Adult
- Animals
- Aortic Diseases/immunology
- Aortic Diseases/metabolism
- Aortic Diseases/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/prevention & control
- Atherosclerosis/immunology
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/prevention & control
- CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1/genetics
- CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II/immunology
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II/metabolism
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Middle Aged
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- Prospective Studies
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/metabolism
- Retrospective Studies
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/transplantation
- Transduction, Genetic
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Bonacina
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Martini
- Adaptive Immunity Lab, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Monika Svecla
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Jasmine Nour
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cremonesi
- Adaptive Immunity Lab, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giangiacomo Beretta
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Moregola
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Zampoleri
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Centro SISA per lo Studio dell'Aterosclerosi, Ospedale Bassini, Cinisello Balsamo, Italy
| | - Alberico Luigi Catapano
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Marinos Kallikourdis
- Adaptive Immunity Lab, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Danilo Norata
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Centro SISA per lo Studio dell'Aterosclerosi, Ospedale Bassini, Cinisello Balsamo, Italy
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Hu X, Zhu Q, Wang Y, Wang L, Li Z, Mor G, Liao A. Newly characterized decidual Tim-3+ Treg cells are abundant during early pregnancy and driven by IL-27 coordinately with Gal-9 from trophoblasts. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2454-2466. [PMID: 33107565 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the mechanism of Tim-3+ regulatory T (Treg)-cell accumulation in the decidua during early pregnancy and is its disruption associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)? SUMMARY ANSWER IL-27 and Gal-9 secreted by trophoblasts activate the Tim-3 signaling pathway in CD4+ T cells and Treg cells and so promote accumulation of Tim-3+ Treg cells, the abnormal expression of IL-27 and Gal-9 is associated with impaired immunologic tolerance in RPL patients. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Tim-3+ Treg cells are better suppressors of Teff cell proliferation, and display higher proliferative activity than Tim-3- Treg cells. Tim-3+ Treg cells are tissue-specific promoters of T-cell dysfunction in many tumors. These cells express a unique factor that influences and shapes the tumor microenvironment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The animal study included 80 normal pregnant mice. In human study, decidua tissues in the first trimester for flow cytometry analysis were collected from 32 normal pregnant women and 23 RPL patients. Placenta tissues for immunohistochemistry analysis were collected from 15 normal pregnant women. Placenta tissues for western blot analysis were collected from 5 normal pregnant women, 5 RPL patients and 5 women who have experienced one miscarriage. Blood samples for in vitro experiments were collected from 30 normal pregnant women. This study was performed between January 2017 and March 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In this study, we investigated the kinetics of Tim-3+ CD4+ T-cell accumulation, and the proportions of Tim-3+ Treg cells throughout murine pregnancies using flow cytometry. We compared Tim-3 expression on decidual CD4+ T cells and Treg cells during normal pregnancies with expression on the same cell populations in women suffering from RPL. IL-27 and Gal-9 transcription and protein expression in the placenta were determined by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. An in vitro co-culture model consisting of peripheral CD4+ T cells and primary trophoblasts from early pregnancy was used to mimic the maternal-fetal environment. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The percentage of Tim-3+ Treg cells present in mouse uteri fluctuates as gestation proceeds but does not change in the spleen. Levels of Tim3+ Treg cells in uteri peaked at pregnancy Day 6.5 (E 6.5), then progressively diminished, and fell to non-pregnant levels by E18.5. In pregnant mice, Tim-3+ Treg cells constituted 40-70% of Treg cells in uteri but were present at much lower abundance in spleens. About 60% of decidual Treg cells were Tim-3 positive at E6.5. Of these decidual Tim3+ Treg cells, nearly 90% were PD-1 positive. However, only about 16% of Tim3- Treg cells expressed PD-1. Blocking the Tim-3 signaling pathway decreased the proportion of Treg cells and led to embryo resorption. Moreover, much lower Tim-3 expression was observed on CD4+ T cells and Treg cells in women who had suffered from RPL at 6-9 gestational weeks compared with those who had normal pregnancies at matched gestations. In a normal pregnancy, Tim-3 expression on decidual CD4+ T cells is induced initially by IL-27. Then Gal-9-Tim-3 interaction promotes differentiation of decidual Tim-3+ CD4+ T cells into Treg cells. IL-27 and Gal-9 cooperatively induced Tim-3+ Treg cells in vitro. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We did not investigate the kinetics of human decidual Tim-3+ CD4+ T and Tim-3+ Treg cell populations throughout pregnancy due to limited availability of second and third trimester decidua. In addition, functional suppressive data on the decidual Tim-3+ Treg cells are lacking due to limited and low quantities of these cells in decidua. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings might have therapeutic clinical implications in RPL. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81871186) and National Key Research & Developmental Program of China (2018YFC1003900, 2018YFC1003904). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Hu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Liling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
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11
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Eikmans M, van der Zwan A, Claas FHJ, van der Hoorn ML, Heidt S. Got your mother in a whirl: The role of maternal T cells and myeloid cells in pregnancy. HLA 2020; 96:561-579. [PMID: 32841539 DOI: 10.1111/tan.14055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate development of the placenta is required for healthy pregnancy to occur. After implantation of the fertilized blastocyst, fetal trophoblasts invade the endometrium and myometrium of the mother's uterus to establish placentation. In this process, fetal trophoblasts encounter maternal immune cells. In this review, we focus on the role of maternal T cells and myeloid cells (macrophages, dendritic cells) in pregnancy and their interaction with trophoblasts. To retain immunologic tolerization, trophoblasts evade immune recognition by T cells and produce factors that modulate their phenotype and function. On top of that, the local environment at the maternal-fetal interface favors expansion of regulatory T cells. Macrophages and dendritic cells are essential in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. They produce soluble factors and act as antigen-presenting cells, thereby interacting with T cells. Herein, M2 macrophages, immature dendritic cells, CD4+ Th2 cells, and regulatory T cells represent an axis that maintains a local immune tolerant environment. We consider outstanding issues concerning these cell types and their pathways, which need to be addressed in future investigations. Data from recent single-cell sequencing experiments of the placental bed, to study heterogeneity of maternal immune cells and to predict cell-cell interactions, are discussed. Novel ways for long-term culturing of primary trophoblasts allow for cell-cell interaction studies in a functional way. Future directions should include study of the functionality of currently known and newly identified decidual immune cell subsets in healthy and complicated pregnancies, and their interaction with and modulation by trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eikmans
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anita van der Zwan
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frans H J Claas
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sebastiaan Heidt
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Alvisi G, Brummelman J, Puccio S, Mazza EM, Tomada EP, Losurdo A, Zanon V, Peano C, Colombo FS, Scarpa A, Alloisio M, Vasanthakumar A, Roychoudhuri R, Kallikourdis M, Pagani M, Lopci E, Novellis P, Blume J, Kallies A, Veronesi G, Lugli E. IRF4 instructs effector Treg differentiation and immune suppression in human cancer. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:3137-3150. [PMID: 32125291 PMCID: PMC7260038 DOI: 10.1172/jci130426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms responsible for the high immunosuppressive capacity of CD4+ Tregs in tumors are not well known. High-dimensional single-cell profiling of T cells from chemotherapy-naive individuals with non-small-cell lung cancer identified the transcription factor IRF4 as specifically expressed by a subset of intratumoral CD4+ effector Tregs with superior suppressive activity. In contrast to the IRF4- counterparts, IRF4+ Tregs expressed a vast array of suppressive molecules, and their presence correlated with multiple exhausted subpopulations of T cells. Integration of transcriptomic and epigenomic data revealed that IRF4, either alone or in combination with its partner BATF, directly controlled a molecular program responsible for immunosuppression in tumors. Accordingly, deletion of Irf4 exclusively in Tregs resulted in delayed tumor growth in mice while the abundance of IRF4+ Tregs correlated with poor prognosis in patients with multiple human cancers. Thus, a common mechanism underlies immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment irrespective of the tumor type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Alvisi
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jolanda Brummelman
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Puccio
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilia M.C. Mazza
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Paoluzzi Tomada
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Agnese Losurdo
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Humanitas Cancer Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Zanon
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Clelia Peano
- Division of Genetic and Biomedical Research, UOS Milan, National Research Council, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Genomic Unit and
| | - Federico S. Colombo
- Humanitas Flow Cytometry Core, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Scarpa
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Alloisio
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Biomedical Science Department, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ajithkumar Vasanthakumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rahul Roychoudhuri
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signalling and Development, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marinos Kallikourdis
- Adaptive Immunity Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan
| | - Massimiliano Pagani
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi,” Milan, Italy
| | - Egesta Lopci
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Novellis
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jonas Blume
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Axel Kallies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Giulia Veronesi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Lugli
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Flow Cytometry Core, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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13
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Huang X, Liu L, Xu C, Peng X, Li D, Wang L, Du M. Tissue-resident CD8 + T memory cells with unique properties are present in human decidua during early pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 84:e13254. [PMID: 32329123 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Resident memory T (TRM ) cells reside in the uterus during pregnancy may play an important role in balancing maternal-fetal tolerance with anti-infectious immunity. Although CD8+ TRM and decidual CD8+ T cells have been extensively characterized, the properties of decidual CD8+ TRM (dTRM ) cells remain poorly defined. METHOD OF STUDY We investigated the heterogeneity, phenotypes, and functions of dTRM cells, and compared the proportion of dTRM cells between normal pregnancy and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) using flow cytometry. Moreover, we cocultured peripheral CD8+ T (CD8+ pT) cells with trophoblast, or decidual stomal cells (DSCs) in the presence or absence of anti-TGF-β antibody or TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor to explore the effects of maternal-fetal environment on decidual CD8+ TRM cell formation. RESULTS We found that CD69+ CD103+ TRM cells were abundant in CD8+ dT cells but not in CD4+ dT cells with effector-memory (EM, CD45RA- CCR7- ) phenotypes. The percentage of dTRM cells from RSA patients was significantly higher than that from normal pregnancy. Furthermore, dTRM cells showed increased expressions of chemokine receptors, T-cell exhaustion-related molecules, and produced more anti-inflammatory cytokines and effector cytokines upon stimulation. Moreover, DSCs produced a considerable level of TGF-β and upregulated CD103 expression on CD69+ CD8+ pT cells, which can be significantly reversed by blocking TGF-β receptor. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that TRM cells with unique properties are present in the decidua during human early pregnancy. They possess an enhanced capacity to produce effector cytokines and regulatory molecules, which might be important in the balance between maternal-fetal immune tolerance and the capacity to aggressively respond to infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Huang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfang Xu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiandong Peng
- Shanghai Jiai Genetics & IVF Institute, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Dajin Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Shigeta N, Kumasawa K, Tanaka A, Badger Wing J, Nakamura H, Sakaguchi S, Kimura T. Dynamics of effector and naïve Regulatory T cells throughout pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 140:103135. [PMID: 32339846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a specialized subset of T cells possessing immunosuppressive functions indispensable for the maintenance of self-tolerance and pregnancy. However, how functional Treg cells dynamically change and are engaged in feto-maternal tolerance during human pregnancy is still unclear. Recent studies have shown that functionally distinct and immunosuppressive subsets of Treg cells, i.e., effector Treg (eTreg) and naïve Treg (nTreg) cells, can be delineated by combinations of molecular markers and that their proportions differ in normal and disease states. In this study, we examined how the proportion of eTreg and nTreg cells in peripheral blood changes in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy and the postpartum period. During the 2nd trimester the proportion of eTreg cells was reduced while nTreg cells was increased. This pattern was maintained throughout the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The kinetics of eTreg reduction highly correlated with migration of eTreg cells into feto-maternal interface while stable nTreg proportion paralleled with their expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2 and production of thymic emigrant naïve Treg cells. These results suggest that further studies on divergence of functional Treg proportions will be helpful for predicting instability of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Shigeta
- Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Osaka university, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Immunology frontier research center, Osaka university, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kumasawa
- Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Osaka university, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Department of obstetrics and gynecology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Immunology frontier research center, Osaka university, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - James Badger Wing
- Immunology frontier research center, Osaka university, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hitomi Nakamura
- Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Osaka university, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shimon Sakaguchi
- Immunology frontier research center, Osaka university, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kimura
- Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Osaka university, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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15
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Wilsher S, Newcombe JR, Allen WRT. The immunolocalization of Galectin-1 and Progesterone-Induced Blocking Factor (PIBF) in equine trophoblast: Possible roles in trophoblast invasion and the immunological protection of pregnancy. Placenta 2019; 85:32-39. [PMID: 31445347 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.08.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The proteins galectin-1 and Progesterone Induced Blocking Factor (PIBF) are present on human and murine trophoblast and are thought to influence both immunomodulation and trophoblast invasion. In equids, the invasive component of the placenta, the endometrial cups, stimulate maternal cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. It was therefore of interest to know if galectin-1 or PIBF could be immunolocalised to the invasive and/or non-invasive components of the equine placenta. MATERIALS Horse and mule (♀ horse X ♂ donkey) embryos and placental tissues between Days 12 and 124 of gestation were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies raised against galectin-1 and PIBF. RESULTS Galectin-1 stained the non-invasive trophoblast between Days 15 and 20 but thereafter stained only the invasive trophoblast cells of the chorionic girdle, both before and after they invaded the endometrium to form the endometrial cups. PIBF, on the other hand, stained both the invasive and non-invasive trophoblast throughout the period of gestation studied. Of particular interest was the relative lack of staining of the endometrial cup cells in mule compared to horse pregnancies for galectin-1 and PIBF prior to the earlier and more rapid death and desquamation of the mule cup cells. DISCUSSION The expression of galectin-1 and PIBF proteins in equine trophoblast and the marked difference in lifespan between the endometrial cups in intraspecies horse versus interspecies mule pregnancies support a likely role for these two proteins protecting the fetal trophoblast from maternal immune attack and/or modulation of the invasiveness of endometrial cup cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Wilsher
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Al Daid Road, Bridge No.6, Al Atain Area, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; The Paul Mellon Laboratory of Equine Reproduction, "Brunswick", Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 9BJ, UK.
| | - J R Newcombe
- Newcombe and East Veterinary Surgeons, Brownhills, West Midlands, WS8 6LS, UK
| | - W R Twink Allen
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Al Daid Road, Bridge No.6, Al Atain Area, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; The Paul Mellon Laboratory of Equine Reproduction, "Brunswick", Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 9BJ, UK
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16
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Moldenhauer LM, Schjenken JE, Hope CM, Green ES, Zhang B, Eldi P, Hayball JD, Barry SC, Robertson SA. Thymus-Derived Regulatory T Cells Exhibit Foxp3 Epigenetic Modification and Phenotype Attenuation after Mating in Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:647-657. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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17
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Chaouat G. A unified (but in fact not fully testable) model of preeclampsia triggering. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 132:49-53. [PMID: 30947086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this summary of my presentation in the last Reunion workshop I discuss a few assertions on preeclampsia, then turn on a (not fully testable) model where an embryonic defect in expression of embryo/ placental regulatory proteins results in complement activation, itself responsible for a down regulation of the T regs activity, resulting in a very early lack of complete down regulation of the preimplantation decidual inflammation, causing in the post implantation stage a low grade but chronic inflammatory state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Chaouat
- U976 INSERM Hopital Saint Louis Pavillon Bazin, 75010 Paris France.
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18
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Terzieva A, Dimitrova V, Djerov L, Dimitrova P, Zapryanova S, Hristova I, Vangelov I, Dimova T. Early Pregnancy Human Decidua is Enriched with Activated, Fully Differentiated and Pro-Inflammatory Gamma/Delta T Cells with Diverse TCR Repertoires. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030687. [PMID: 30764544 PMCID: PMC6387174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a state where high and stage-dependent plasticity of the maternal immune system is necessary in order to equilibrate between immunosuppression of harmful responses towards the fetus and ability to fight infections. TCR γδ cells have been implicated in the responses in infectious diseases, in the regulation of immune responses, and in tissue homeostasis and repair. The variety of functions makes γδ T cells a particularly interesting population during pregnancy. In this study, we investigated the proportion, phenotype and TCR γ and δ repertoires of γδ T cells at the maternal–fetal interface and in the blood of pregnant women using FACS, immunohistochemistry and spectratyping. We found an enrichment of activated and terminally differentiated pro-inflammatory γδ T-cell effectors with specific location in the human decidua during early pregnancy, while no significant changes in their counterparts in the blood of pregnant women were observed. Our spectratyping data revealed polyclonal CDR3 repertoires of the δ1, δ2 and δ3 chains and γ2, γ3, γ4 and γ5 chains and oligoclonal and highly restricted CDR3γ9 repertoire of γδ T cells in the decidua and blood of pregnant women. Early pregnancy induces recruitment of differentiated pro-inflammatory γδ T-cell effectors with diverse TCR repertoires at the maternal–fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Terzieva
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Violeta Dimitrova
- Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Lyubomir Djerov
- Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Petya Dimitrova
- Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Silvina Zapryanova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Iana Hristova
- Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Ivaylo Vangelov
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
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19
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Robertson SA, Care AS, Moldenhauer LM. Regulatory T cells in embryo implantation and the immune response to pregnancy. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:4224-4235. [PMID: 30272581 DOI: 10.1172/jci122182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
At implantation, the embryo expresses paternally derived alloantigens and evokes inflammation that can threaten reproductive success. To ensure a robust placenta and sustainable pregnancy, an active state of maternal immune tolerance mediated by CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) is essential. Tregs operate to inhibit effector immunity, contain inflammation, and support maternal vascular adaptations, thereby facilitating trophoblast invasion and placental access to the maternal blood supply. Insufficient Treg numbers or inadequate functional competence are implicated in idiopathic infertility and recurrent miscarriage as well as later-onset pregnancy complications stemming from placental insufficiency, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. In this Review, we summarize the mechanisms acting in the conception environment to drive the Treg response and discuss prospects for targeting the T cell compartment to alleviate immune-based reproductive disorders.
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20
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Hosseini A, Dolati S, Hashemi V, Abdollahpour‐Alitappeh M, Yousefi M. Regulatory T and T helper 17 cells: Their roles in preeclampsia. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6561-6573. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Hosseini
- Stem Cell Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Drug Applied Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Department of ImmunologyFaculty of MedicineTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Student's Research CommitteeTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Sanam Dolati
- Stem Cell Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Drug Applied Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Department of ImmunologyFaculty of MedicineTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Student's Research CommitteeTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Vida Hashemi
- Department of Basic ScienceFaculty of MedicineMaragheh University of Medical SciencesMaraghehIran
| | - Meghdad Abdollahpour‐Alitappeh
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver DiseasesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Department of ImmunologyFaculty of MedicineTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
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21
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Garetto S, Sardi C, Martini E, Roselli G, Morone D, Angioni R, Cianciotti BC, Trovato AE, Franchina DG, Castino GF, Vignali D, Erreni M, Marchesi F, Rumio C, Kallikourdis M. Tailored chemokine receptor modification improves homing of adoptive therapy T cells in a spontaneous tumor model. Oncotarget 2018; 7:43010-43026. [PMID: 27177227 PMCID: PMC5190004 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, tumor Adoptive Cell Therapy (ACT), using administration of ex vivo-enhanced T cells from the cancer patient, has become a promising therapeutic strategy. However, efficient homing of the anti-tumoral T cells to the tumor or metastatic site still remains a substantial hurdle. Yet the tumor site itself attracts both tumor-promoting and anti-tumoral immune cell populations through the secretion of chemokines. We attempted to identify these chemokines in a model of spontaneous metastasis, in order to “hijack” their function by expressing matching chemokine receptors on the cytotoxic T cells used in ACT, thus allowing us to enhance the recruitment of these therapeutic cells. Here we show that this enabled the modified T cells to preferentially home into spontaneous lymph node metastases in the TRAMP model, as well as in an inducible tumor model, E.G7-OVA. Due to the improved homing, the modified CD8+ T cells displayed an enhanced in vivo protective effect, as seen by a significant delay in E.G7-OVA tumor growth. These results offer a proof of principle for the tailored application of chemokine receptor modification as a means of improving T cell homing to the target tumor, thus enhancing ACT efficacy. Surprisingly, we also uncover that the formation of the peri-tumoral fibrotic capsule, which has been shown to impede T cell access to tumor, is partially dependent on host T cell presence. This finding, which would be impossible to observe in immunodeficient model studies, highlights possible conflicting roles that T cells may play in a therapeutic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Garetto
- Adaptive Immunity Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
| | - Claudia Sardi
- Adaptive Immunity Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
| | - Elisa Martini
- Adaptive Immunity Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
| | - Giuliana Roselli
- Adaptive Immunity Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
| | - Diego Morone
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
| | - Roberta Angioni
- Adaptive Immunity Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
| | | | - Anna Elisa Trovato
- Adaptive Immunity Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
| | | | | | - Debora Vignali
- Adaptive Immunity Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
| | - Marco Erreni
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
| | - Federica Marchesi
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy.,Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiano Rumio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marinos Kallikourdis
- Adaptive Immunity Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy.,Humanitas University, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
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22
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CCR5 Is Involved in Interruption of Pregnancy in Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii during Early Pregnancy. Infect Immun 2017. [PMID: 28630065 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00257-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis can cause abortion in pregnant humans and other animals; however, the mechanism of abortion remains unknown. C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) is essential for host defense against Toxoplasma gondii infection. To investigate the relationship between CCR5 and abortion in toxoplasmosis, we inoculated wild-type and CCR5-deficient (CCR5-/-) mice with T. gondii tachyzoites intraperitoneally on day 3 of pregnancy (embryonic day 3 [E3]). The pregnancy rate decreased as pregnancy progressed in infected wild-type mice. Histopathologically, no inflammatory lesions were observed in the fetoplacental tissues. Although wild-type mice showed a higher parasite burden at the implantation sites than did CCR5-/- mice at E6 (3 days postinfection [dpi]), T. gondii antigen was detected only in the uterine tissue and not in the fetoplacental tissues. At E8 (5 dpi), the embryos in infected wild-type mice showed poor development compared with those of infected CCR5-/- mice, and apoptosis was observed in poorly developed embryos. Compared to uninfected mice, infected wild-type mice showed increased CCR5 expression at the implantation site at E6 and E8. Furthermore, analyses of mRNA expression in the uterus of nonpregnant and pregnant mice suggested that a lack of the CCR5 gene and the downregulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and CCL3 expression at E6 (3 dpi) are important factors for the maintenance of pregnancy following T. gondii infection. These results suggested that CCR5 signaling is involved in embryo loss in T. gondii infection during early pregnancy and that apoptosis is associated with embryo loss rather than direct damage to the fetoplacental tissues.
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23
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Arenas-Hernandez M, Romero R, St Louis D, Hassan SS, Kaye EB, Gomez-Lopez N. An imbalance between innate and adaptive immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface occurs prior to endotoxin-induced preterm birth. Cell Mol Immunol 2016; 13:462-73. [PMID: 25849119 PMCID: PMC4947814 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2015.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. A transition from an anti-inflammatory state to a pro-inflammatory state in the mother and at the maternal-fetal interface has been implicated in the pathophysiology of microbial-induced preterm labor. However, it is unclear which immune cells mediate this transition. We hypothesized that an imbalance between innate and adaptive immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface will occur prior to microbial-induced preterm labor. Using an established murine model of endotoxin-induced PTB, our results demonstrate that prior to delivery there is a reduction of CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the uterine tissues. This reduction is neither linked to a diminished number of Tregs in the spleen, nor to an impaired production of IL10, CCL17, or CCL22 by the uterine tissues. Endotoxin administration to pregnant mice does not alter effector CD4+ T cells at the maternal-fetal interface. However, it causes an imbalance between Tregs (CD4+ and CD8+), effector CD8+ T cells, and Th17 cells in the spleen. In addition, endotoxin administration to pregnant mice leads to an excessive production of CCL2, CCL3, CCL17, and CCL22 by the uterine tissues as well as abundant neutrophils. This imbalance in the uterine microenvironment is accompanied by scarce APC-like cells such as macrophages and MHC II+ neutrophils. Collectively, these results demonstrate that endotoxin administration to pregnant mice causes an imbalance between innate and adaptive immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Molecular Obstetrics and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Derek St Louis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Emily B Kaye
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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The Balance between Conventional DCs and Plasmacytoid DCs Is Pivotal for Immunological Tolerance during Pregnancy in the Mouse. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26984. [PMID: 27229324 PMCID: PMC4882543 DOI: 10.1038/srep26984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs), which can shape their functions depending on the microenvironment, are crucial for the delicate balance of immunity and tolerance during pregnancy. However, the mechanism underlying the microenvironment-educated plasticity of DC differentiation during pregnancy remains largely unclear. Here, we found that the differentiation of conventional DCs (cDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) is regulated in a tissue-specific manner during pregnancy. The ratio of cDCs and pDCs remained constant in the spleen. However, the ratio changed in the para-aortic lymph nodes (LNs), where cDC percentages were significantly reduced concurrent with an increase in pDCs from E8.5 to E16.5. Moreover, the expansion of pDCs and T regulatory (Treg) cells was correlated in the para-aortic LNs, and pDCs had more potential to induce regulatory T cells (Tregs) compared with cDCs (independent of IDO expression). Notably, the balance between cDCs and pDCs is disrupted in IFN-γ-induced abnormal pregnancy, accompanied by lower Treg percentages in the para-aortic LNs and decidua. To further identify the underlying mechanism, we found that elevated IFN-γ can increase the levels of GM-CSF to alter the differentiation of pDCs into cDCs in vivo. Therefore, we provide a novel regulatory mechanism underlying pregnancy-related immune tolerance that involves the balance of DC subsets, which may offer a new target for the prevention of human spontaneous abortion.
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Ramhorst R, Grasso E, Paparini D, Hauk V, Gallino L, Calo G, Vota D, Pérez Leirós C. Decoding the chemokine network that links leukocytes with decidual cells and the trophoblast during early implantation. Cell Adh Migr 2016; 10:197-207. [PMID: 26891097 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2015.1135285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokine network is central to the innate and adaptive immunity and entails a variety of proteins and membrane receptors that control physiological processes such as wound healing, angiogenesis, embryo growth and development. During early pregnancy, the chemokine network coordinates not only the recruitment of different leukocyte populations to generate the maternal-placental interface, but also constitutes an additional checkpoint for tissue homeostasis maintenance. The normal switch from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory predominant microenvironment characteristic of the post-implantation stage requires redundant immune tolerance circuits triggered by key master regulators. In this review we will focus on the recruitment and conditioning of maternal immune cells to the uterus at the early implantation period with special interest on high plasticity macrophages and dendritic cells and their ability to induce regulatory T cells. We will also point to putative immunomodulatory polypeptides involved in immune homeostasis maintenance at the maternal-placental interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Ramhorst
- a Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-CONICET , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Esteban Grasso
- a Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-CONICET , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Daniel Paparini
- a Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-CONICET , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Vanesa Hauk
- a Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-CONICET , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Lucila Gallino
- a Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-CONICET , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Guillermina Calo
- a Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-CONICET , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Daiana Vota
- a Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-CONICET , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Claudia Pérez Leirós
- a Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-CONICET , Buenos Aires , Argentina
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Lombardelli L, Logiodice F, Aguerre-Girr M, Kullolli O, Haller H, Casart Y, Berrebi A, L'Faqihi-Olive FE, Duplan V, Romagnani S, Maggi E, Rukavina D, Le Bouteiller P, Piccinni MP. Interleukin-17-producing decidual CD4+ T cells are not deleterious for human pregnancy when they also produce interleukin-4. Clin Mol Allergy 2016; 14:1. [PMID: 26798325 PMCID: PMC4721137 DOI: 10.1186/s12948-016-0039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trophoblast expressing paternal HLA-C antigens resemble a semiallograft, and could be rejected by maternal CD4+ T lymphocytes. We examined the possible role in human pregnancy of Th17 cells, known to be involved in allograft rejection and reported for this reason to be responsible for miscarriages. We also studied Th17/Th1 and Th17/Th2 cells never investigated before. We defined for the first time the role of different Th17 subpopulations at the embryo implantation site and the role of HLA-G5, produced by the trophoblast/embryo, on Th17 cell differentiation. Methods Cytokine production by CD4+ purified T cell and T clones from decidua of normal pregnancy, unexplained recurrent abortion, and ectopic pregnancy at both embryo implantation site and distant from that site were analyzed for protein and mRNA production. Antigen-specific T cell lines were derived in the presence and in the absence of HLA-G5. Results We found an associated spontaneous production of IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-4 along with expression of CD161, CCR8 and CCR4 (Th2- and Th17-type markers) in fresh decidua CD4+ T cells during successful pregnancy. There was a prevalence of Th17/Th2 cells (producing IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22 and IL-4) in the decidua of successful pregnancy, but the exclusive presence of Th17 (producing IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22) and Th17/Th1 (producing IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22 and IFN-γ) cells was found in the decidua of unexplained recurrent abortion. More importantly, we observed that Th17/Th2 cells were exclusively present at the embryo implantation site during tubal ectopic pregnancy, and that IL-4, GATA-3, IL-17A, ROR-C mRNA levels increased in tubal biopsies taken from embryo implantation sites, whereas Th17, Th17/Th1 and Th1 cells are exclusively present apart from implantation sites. Moreover, soluble HLA-G5 mediates the development of Th17/Th2 cells by increasing IL-4, IL-17A and IL-17F protein and mRNA production of CD4+ T helper cells. Conclusion No pathogenic role of decidual Th17 cells during pregnancy was observed. Indeed, a beneficial role for these cells was observed when they also produced IL-4. HLA-G5 could be the key feature of the uterine microenvironment responsible for the development of Th17/Th2 cells, which seem to be crucial for successful embryo implantation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12948-016-0039-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Lombardelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and DENOTHE Excellence Center, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Logiodice
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and DENOTHE Excellence Center, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Maryse Aguerre-Girr
- INSERM UMR1043, CNRS UMR5282, Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse-Purpan, Université de Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Ornela Kullolli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and DENOTHE Excellence Center, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Herman Haller
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ysabel Casart
- INSERM UMR1043, CNRS UMR5282, Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse-Purpan, Université de Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Alain Berrebi
- Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France
| | - Fatima-Ezzahra L'Faqihi-Olive
- INSERM UMR1043, CNRS UMR5282, Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse-Purpan, Université de Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Valérie Duplan
- INSERM UMR1043, CNRS UMR5282, Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse-Purpan, Université de Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Sergio Romagnani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and DENOTHE Excellence Center, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and DENOTHE Excellence Center, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Daniel Rukavina
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Philippe Le Bouteiller
- INSERM UMR1043, CNRS UMR5282, Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse-Purpan, Université de Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Piccinni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and DENOTHE Excellence Center, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Clark DA. Mouse is the new woman? Translational research in reproductive immunology. Semin Immunopathol 2016; 38:651-668. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-015-0553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Saito S, Shima T, Nakashima A, Inada K, Yoshino O. Role of Paternal Antigen-Specific Treg Cells in Successful Implantation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 75:310-6. [PMID: 26706630 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal lymphocytes recognize fetal antigens, so tolerance is necessary to prevent rejection. Seminal plasma is important for induction of paternal antigen-specific Treg cells in the uterine draining lymph nodes and the pregnant uterus. Elimination of Treg cells during implantation or early pregnancy induces implantation failure or fetal resorption in mice. Immunosuppressive therapy with an anti-TNF antibody or the immunosuppressive agent tacrolimus improves the pregnancy rate in women with repeated implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss of unknown etiology, suggesting that Treg cells play an essential role in successful implantation and pregnancy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kumiko Inada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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29
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Prins JR, Zhang B, Schjenken JE, Guerin LR, Barry SC, Robertson SA. Unstable Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and altered dendritic cells are associated with lipopolysaccharide-induced fetal loss in pregnant interleukin 10-deficient mice. Biol Reprod 2015. [PMID: 26224007 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.128694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal interleukin (IL) 10 deficiency elevates susceptibility to fetal loss induced by the model Toll-like receptor agonist lipopolysaccharide, but the mechanisms are not well elucidated. Here, we show that Il10 null mutant (Il10(-/-)) mice exhibit altered local T cell responses in pregnancy, exhibiting pronounced hyperplasia in para-aortic lymph nodes draining the uterus with >6-fold increased CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells compared with wild-type controls. Among these CD4(+) cells, Foxp3(+) T regulatory (Treg) cells were substantially enriched, with 11-fold higher numbers at Day 9.5 postcoitum. Lymph node hypertrophy in Il10(-/-) mice was associated with more activated phenotypes in dendritic cells and macrophages, with elevated expression of MHCII, scavenger receptor, and CD80. Affymetrix microarray revealed an altered transcriptional profile in Treg cells from pregnant Il10(-/-) mice, with elevated expression of Ctse (cathepsin E), Il1r1, Il12rb2, and Ifng. In vitro, Il10(-/-) Treg cells showed reduced steady-state Foxp3 expression, and polyclonal stimulation caused greater loss of Foxp3 and reduced capacity to suppress IL17 in CD4(+)Foxp3(-) T cells. We conclude that despite a substantially expanded Treg cell pool, the diminished stability of Treg cells, increased numbers of effector T cells, and altered phenotypes in dendritic cells and macrophages in pregnancy all potentially confer vulnerability to inflammation-induced fetal loss in Il10(-/-) mice. These findings suggest that IL10 has a pivotal role in facilitating robust immune protection of the fetus from inflammatory challenge and that IL10 deficiency could contribute to human gestational disorders in which altered T cell responses are implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelmer R Prins
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bihong Zhang
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Leigh R Guerin
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Simon C Barry
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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30
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Ondondo B, Colbeck E, Jones E, Smart K, Lauder SN, Hindley J, Godkin A, Moser B, Ager A, Gallimore A. A distinct chemokine axis does not account for enrichment of Foxp3(+) CD4(+) T cells in carcinogen-induced fibrosarcomas. Immunology 2015; 145:94-104. [PMID: 25495686 PMCID: PMC4405327 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The frequency of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells is often significantly increased in the blood of tumour-bearing mice and people with cancer. Moreover, Treg cell frequencies are often higher in tumours compared with blood and lymphoid organs. We wished to determine whether certain chemokines expressed within the tumour mass selectively recruit Treg cells, thereby contributing to their enrichment within the tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte pool. To achieve this goal, the chemokine profile of carcinogen-induced fibrosarcomas was determined, and the chemokine receptor expression profiles of both CD4+ Foxp3− and CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells were compared. These analyses revealed that the tumours are characterized by expression of inflammatory chemokines (CCL2, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CCL12, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CX3CL1), reflected by an enrichment of activated Foxp3− and Foxp3+ T cells expressing T helper type 1-associated chemokine receptors. Notably, we found that CXCR3+ T cells were significantly enriched in the tumours although curiously we found no evidence that CXCR3 was required for their recruitment. Instead, CXCR3 marks a population of activated Foxp3− and Foxp3+ T cells, which use multiple and overlapping ligand receptor pairs to guide their migration to tumours. Collectively, these data indicate that enrichment of Foxp3+ cells in tumours characterized by expression of inflammatory chemokines, does not occur via a distinct chemokine axis, thus selective chemokine blockade is unlikely to represent a meaningful therapeutic strategy for preventing Treg cell accumulation in tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Ondondo
- Institute of Infection Immunity and Biochemistry, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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Shima T, Inada K, Nakashima A, Ushijima A, Ito M, Yoshino O, Saito S. Paternal antigen-specific proliferating regulatory T cells are increased in uterine-draining lymph nodes just before implantation and in pregnant uterus just after implantation by seminal plasma-priming in allogeneic mouse pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2015; 108:72-82. [PMID: 25817463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Paternal antigen-specific regulatory T (PA-specific Treg) cells play an important role in feto-maternal tolerance. To detect the PA-specific Tregs, female BALB/c mice were mated with male DBA/2 mice. Mls Ia antigen on DBA/2 mice is recognized by the T-cell receptor Vβ6; thus, CD4(+)Foxp3(+)Vβ6(+) cells are recognized as PA-specific Treg cells. CD4(+)CD25(+)Vβ6(+) cells effectively suppressed the allo-reactive proliferation of lymphocytes compared with that of CD4(+)CD25(+)Vβ6(-) cells. Vβ6(+) PA-specific Treg cells expressed CCR4 and CCR5 on their surface. The frequency of Ki67(+) PA-specific Treg cells among Treg cells was significantly increased in draining lymph nodes on day 3.5 post-coitus (pc; 6.8±1.1%, p<0.05) and day 5.5 pc (7.2±1.1%, p<0.05) in allogeneic pregnant mice compared with that in nonpregnant mice (2.7±0.2%). The frequency of Ki67(+) PA-specific Treg cells in the uterus increased significantly after day 5.5 pc in allogeneic pregnant mice compared with that in nonpregnant mice (8.8±2.8% vs. 1.2±1.3%, p<0.05). However, Ki67(-)PA-specific Tregs did not change during pregnancy. To analyze the role of seminal fluid or sperm in Treg expansion, female BALB/c mice were mated with vasectomized DBA/2 male mice (VAS) or seminal vesicle-excised DBA/2 male mice (SVX). The frequency of Ki67(+) PA-specific Treg cells did not increase in draining lymph nodes or uterus in BALB/c×DBA/2 (SVX) allogeneic mating mice. These findings suggest that the priming by seminal fluid is important for the induction of proliferating PA-specific Tregs in uterine-draining lymph nodes just before implantation and pregnant uterus after implantation, resulting in successful implantation and the maintenance of allogeneic pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Shima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Kumiko Inada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Akemi Ushijima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mika Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shigeru Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
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Schumacher A, Zenclussen AC. The Paternal Contribution to Fetal Tolerance. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 868:211-25. [PMID: 26178852 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-18881-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Recognition of foreign paternal antigens expressed in the semi-allogeneic fetus by maternal immune cells is a requirement for successful pregnancy. However, despite intensive research activity during the last decades, the precise mechanisms contributing to the acceptance of the paternal alloantigens are still puzzling and pregnancy remains a fascinating phenomenon. Moreover, most studies focused on the maternal and fetal contribution to pregnancy success, and relatively little is known about the paternal involvement. In the current review, we address the contribution of paternal-derived factors to fetal-tolerance induction. First, we discuss data suggesting that in both humans and mice, the female body gets prepared for a pregnancy in every cycle, also in regard to male alloantigens delivered at coitus. Then, we provide an overview about factors present in seminal fluid and how these factors influence immune responses in the female reproductive tract. We further discuss ways of paternal alloantigen presentation and identify the immune modulatory properties of seminal fluid-derived factors with a special focus on Treg biology. Finally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of seminal fluid in different clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schumacher
- Department of Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Gerhart-Hauptmann Straße 35, 39108, Magdeburg, Germany
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Mesdag V, Salzet M, Vinatier D. Le trophoblaste : chef d’orchestre de la tolérance immunologique maternelle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 43:657-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Inada K, Shima T, Ito M, Ushijima A, Saito S. Helios-positive functional regulatory T cells are decreased in decidua of miscarriage cases with normal fetal chromosomal content. J Reprod Immunol 2014; 107:10-9. [PMID: 25453751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2014.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory (Treg) T cells play essential roles in the maintenance of allogeneic pregnancy in mice and humans. Recent data show that Foxp3 expression occurs in both immuno-suppressive Treg and -nonsuppressive effector T (Teff) cells upon activation in humans. Samstein et al. (2012) reported that inducible Treg (iTreg) cells enforce maternal-fetal tolerance in placental mammals. Therefore, we should reanalyze which types of Treg cell play an important role in the maintenance of allogeneic pregnancy. In this study, we studied the frequencies of naïve Treg cells, effector Treg cells, Foxp3(+) Teff cells, Helios(+) naturally occurring Treg (nTreg) cells, and Helios(-) iTreg cells using flow cytometry. The frequencies of effector Treg cells and Foxp3(+) Teff cells among CD4(+)Foxp3(+) cells in the decidua of miscarriage cases with a normal embryo karyotype (n=8) were significantly lower (P=0.0105) and significantly higher (P=0.0258) than those in normally progressing pregnancies (n=11), respectively. However, these frequencies in miscarriages with an abnormal embryo karyotype (n=15) were similar to those in normally progressing pregnancies. The frequencies of these cell populations in the three groups were unchanged in peripheral blood; on the other hand, most of the effector Treg cells in the decidua were Helios(+) nTreg cells and these frequencies were significantly higher than those in peripheral blood, while those among effector Treg and naïve Treg cells in the decidua and peripheral blood were similar among the three groups. These data suggest that decreased Helios(+) effector nTreg might play an important role in the maintenance of pregnancy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Inada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mika Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Akemi Ushijima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shigeru Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
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Vaginal challenge with an SIV-based dual reporter system reveals that infection can occur throughout the upper and lower female reproductive tract. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004440. [PMID: 25299616 PMCID: PMC4192600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of new HIV infections occur in women as a result of heterosexual intercourse, overcoming multiple innate barriers to infection within the mucosa. However, the avenues through which infection is established, and the nature of bottlenecks to transmission, have been the source of considerable investigation and contention. Using a high dose of a single round non-replicating SIV-based vector containing a novel dual reporter system, we determined the sites of infection by the inoculum using the rhesus macaque vaginal transmission model. Here we show that the entire female reproductive tract (FRT), including the vagina, ecto- and endocervix, along with ovaries and local draining lymph nodes can contain transduced cells only 48 hours after inoculation. The distribution of infection shows that virions quickly disseminate after exposure and can access target cells throughout the FRT, with an apparent preference for infection in squamous vaginal and ectocervical mucosa. JRFL enveloped virions infect diverse CD4 expressing cell types, with T cells resident throughout the FRT representing the primary target. These findings establish a new perspective that the entire FRT is susceptible and virus can reach as far as the ovary and local draining lymph nodes. Based on these findings, it is essential that protective mechanisms for prevention of HIV acquisition must be present at protective levels throughout the entire FRT to provide complete protection. There is currently a great effort world-wide to develop interventions such as vaccines and microbicides to decrease, or hopefully block, HIV transmission. To model the infection of women, the field utilizes the rhesus macaque vaginal transmission model. Understanding the initial events leading to infection after viral challenge of the female reproductive tract (FRT) is crucial for the development of functional prevention strategies. To this end, we developed a novel method for detecting infection in the rhesus macaque FRT after vaginal inoculation. This method utilizes single round replication defective vector that expresses dual reporter proteins, Luciferase and mCherry. Monitoring Luciferase expression allows us to identify the sites of infection within the intact FRT, while fluorescent protein mCherry allows us to visualize the single infected cells. Our studies revealed that virus can access the entire upper and lower reproductive tract. Infection occurs primarily in vaginal and ectocervical tissue, but can spread as far as the ovary and local draining lymph nodes. All classically defined susceptible cell types can be infected with the broadly tropic HIV envelope utilized in this study. Prevention strategies aimed at protecting from HIV infection should consider the entire FRT architecture as potentially susceptible and design interventions accordingly.
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Pakravan N, Ghaffarinia A, Jalili C, Riazi-Rad F, Tajedini M, Mostafaie A. Seminal vesicle fluid ameliorates autoimmune response within central nervous system. Cell Mol Immunol 2014; 12:116-8. [PMID: 25242273 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2014.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Pakravan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ameneh Ghaffarinia
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Cyrus Jalili
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Farhad Riazi-Rad
- Department of Immunology, Pasture Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Tajedini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mostafaie
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Ruocco MG, Chaouat G, Florez L, Bensussan A, Klatzmann D. Regulatory T-cells in pregnancy: historical perspective, state of the art, and burning questions. Front Immunol 2014; 5:389. [PMID: 25191324 PMCID: PMC4139600 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we first revisit the original concept of "suppressor T-cells" in pregnancy, put it in a historical perspective, and then highlight the main data that licensed its resurrection and revision into the concept of "regulatory T-cells" (Tregs) in pregnancy. We review the evidence for a major role of Tregs in murine and human pregnancy and discuss Treg interactions with dendritic and uterine natural killer cells, other players of maternal-fetal tolerance. Finally, we highlight what we consider as the most important questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ruocco
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
- INSERM, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
| | | | - Laura Florez
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
- INSERM, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
| | | | - David Klatzmann
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
- INSERM, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Biotherapy (CIC-BTi) and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (i2B), Paris, France
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Du MR, Wang SC, Li DJ. The integrative roles of chemokines at the maternal-fetal interface in early pregnancy. Cell Mol Immunol 2014; 11:438-48. [PMID: 25109684 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2014.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryos express paternal antigens that are foreign to the mother, but the mother provides a special immune milieu at the fetal-maternal interface to permit rather than reject the embryo growth in the uterus until parturition by establishing precise crosstalk between the mother and the fetus. There are unanswered questions in the maintenance of pregnancy, including the poorly understood phenomenon of maternal tolerance to the allogeneic conceptus, and the remarkable biological roles of placental trophoblasts that invade the uterine wall. Chemokines are multifunctional molecules initially described as having a role in leukocyte trafficking and later found to participate in developmental processes such as differentiation and directed migration. It is increasingly evident that the gestational uterine microenvironment is characterized, at least in part, by the differential expression and secretion of chemokines that induce selective trafficking of leukocyte subsets to the maternal-fetal interface and regulate multiple events that are closely associated with normal pregnancy. Here, we review the expression and function of chemokines and their receptors at the maternal-fetal interface, with a special focus on chemokine as a key component in trophoblast invasiveness and placental angiogenesis, recruitment and instruction of immune cells so as to form a fetus-supporting milieu during pregnancy. The chemokine network is also involved in pregnancy complications.
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Grasso E, Paparini D, Hauk V, Salamone G, Leiros CP, Ramhorst R. Differential migration and activation profile of monocytes after trophoblast interaction. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97147. [PMID: 24849800 PMCID: PMC4029600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages at the maternal-placental interface coordinate opposite demands under the control of trophoblast cells such as the response against pathogens on one hand, and apoptotic cell clearance and wound healing with the production of suppressor cytokines. Here, we investigated whether trophoblast cells induce maternal monocyte activation towards an alternative activated macrophage profile and whether bacterial or viral stimuli modulate their migratory properties. We used an in vitro model of the maternal-placental interface represented by co-cultures of CD14+ cells isolated from fertile women with first trimester trophoblast cell line (Swan-71 cells) in the presence or absence of pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP) stimuli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN) or poly [I:C]). Maternal CD14+ cells showed increased CD16 and CD39 expression, both markers associated to an alternative activation profile, with no changes in CD80 expression after trophoblast cell interaction. These changes were accompanied by increased IL-10 and decreased IL-12 production by CD14+ cells. After stimulation with LPS, PGN or poly [I:C], monocytes co-cultured with trophoblast cells had lower production of TNF-α and IL-1β compared with non co-cultured monocytes. Interestingly, monocyte migration towards trophoblast cells was prevented in the presence of LPS or PGN but not after 24h of stimulation with poly [I:C]. LPS or PGN also decreased CCR5, CXCL-8 and CCL5 expression. Finally, trophoblast cells co-cultured with monocytes in the presence of pathological stimuli failed to increase chemokine expression, indicating a bidirectional effect. In conclusion, trophoblast might 'instruct' maternal monocytes to express an alternative activation profile and restrain their early recruitment under pathological threats as one of the first strategies to avoid potential tissue damage at the maternal-placental interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Grasso
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN- CONICET (National Research Council), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Paparini
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN- CONICET (National Research Council), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Hauk
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN- CONICET (National Research Council), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Salamone
- Immunology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Hematológicas e Instituto de Estudios Oncológicos “Fundación Maissa”; Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Perez Leiros
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN- CONICET (National Research Council), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN- CONICET (National Research Council), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Schumacher A, Zenclussen AC. Regulatory T cells: regulators of life. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:158-70. [PMID: 24661545 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy still represents one of the most fascinating paradoxical phenomena in science. Immediately after conception, the maternal immune system is challenged by the presence of foreign paternal antigens in the semen. This triggers mechanisms of recognition and tolerance that all together allow the embryo to implant and later the fetus to develop. Tolerance mechanisms to maintain pregnancy are of special interest as they defy the classical immunology rules. Several cell types, soluble factors, and immune regulatory molecules have been proposed to contribute to fetal tolerance. Within these, regulatory T cells (Treg) are one of the most studied immune cell populations lately. They are reportedly involved in fetal acceptance. Here, we summarize several aspects of Treg biology in normal and pathologic pregnancies focusing on Treg frequencies, subtypes, antigen specificity, and activity as well as on factors influencing Treg generation, recruitment, and function. This review also highlights the contribution of fetal Treg in tolerance induction and addresses the role of Treg in autoimmune diseases and infections during gestation. Finally, the potential of Treg as a predictive marker for the success of assisted reproductive techniques and for therapeutic interventions is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schumacher
- Department of Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Alijotas-Reig J, Llurba E, Gris JM. Potentiating maternal immune tolerance in pregnancy: a new challenging role for regulatory T cells. Placenta 2014; 35:241-8. [PMID: 24581729 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The maternal immune system needs to adapt to tolerate the semi-allogeneic conceptus. Since maternal allo-reactive lymphocytes are not fully depleted, other local/systemic mechanisms play a key role in altering the immune response. The Th1/Th2 cytokine balance is not essential for a pregnancy to be normal. The immune cells, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+, also known as regulatory T cells (Tregs), step in to regulate the allo-reactive Th1 cells. In this review we discuss the role of Tregs in foeto-maternal immune tolerance and in recurrent miscarriage as well as their potential use as a new target for infertility treatment. Animal and human experiments showed Treg cell number and/or function to be diminished in miscarriages. Murine miscarriage can be prevented by transferring Tregs from normal pregnant mice. Tregs at the maternal-fetal interface prevented fetal allo-rejection by creating a "tolerant" microenvironment characterised by the expression of IL-10, TGF-β and haem oxygenase isoform 1 (HO-1) rather than by lowering Th1 cytokines. Tregs increase placental HO-1. In turn, HO-1 may lead to up-regulation of TGF-β, IL-10 and CTLA-4. In vivo experiments showed Tregs sensitisation from paternal antigens to be essential for maternal-fetal tolerance. Tregs increase throughout pregnancy and diminish in late puerperium. Recent data also support the capacity of Tregs to block maternal effector T cells, thereby reducing the maternal-fetal pathological responses to paternal antigens. These findings also permit us to consider new strategies for improving pregnancy outcomes, i.e., anti-TNF blockers and granulocyte-colony stimulating factors as well as novel approaches to therapeutically exploiting Treg + cell memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alijotas-Reig
- Systemic Autoimmune Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine I, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autonoma, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - E Llurba
- High Obstetric Risk Unit, Obstetric Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autonoma, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Ma Gris
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Obstetric Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autonoma, Barcelona, Spain
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Arck P, Solano ME, Walecki M, Meinhardt A. The immune privilege of testis and gravid uterus: same difference? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:509-520. [PMID: 24076096 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The fetus in the gravid uterus and the developing spermatogenic cells in the adult testis both comprise special challenges for the host immune system. Protection of the neoantigens of the fetus and male germ cells from immune attack, defined as immune privilege, is fundamental for the propagation of species. Immune privilege is not simply the absence of leukocytes, but involves immune and non-immune cells acting synergistically together at multiple levels to create a unique tolerogenic environment. A number of the pathways are shared by the testis and gravid uterus. Amongst them steroid hormones, namely testosterone in the male and progesterone in the female, seem to function as key molecules that govern the local production of immunoregulatory factors which finally control the overall immune environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Arck
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - María Emilia Solano
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Walecki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35385 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35385 Giessen, Germany.
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CC chemokine receptor 5: the interface of host immunity and cancer. DISEASE MARKERS 2014; 2014:126954. [PMID: 24591756 PMCID: PMC3925608 DOI: 10.1155/2014/126954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Solid tumors are embedded in a stromal microenvironment consisting of immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, as well as nonimmune cells, such as endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Chemokines are a type of small secreted chemotactic cytokine and together with their receptors play key roles in the immune defense. Critically, they regulate cancer cellular migration and also contribute to their proliferation and survival. The CCR5 chemokine receptor is involved in leucocytes chemotaxis to sites of inflammation and plays an important role in the macrophages, T cells, and monocytes recruitment. Additionally, CCR5 may have an indirect effect on cancer progression by controlling the antitumor immune response, since it has been demonstrated that its expression could promote tumor growth and contribute to tumor metastasis, in different types of malignant tumors. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a CCR5 antagonist may inhibit tumor growth, consisting of a possible therapeutic target. In this context, the present review focuses on the establishment of CCR5 within the interface of host immunity, tumor microenvironment, and its potential as a targeting to immunotherapy.
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Chaouat G. Effectors regulatory T cells in pregnancy (and autoimmunity?). Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 3:861-9. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.3.6.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Du M, Piao H, Li D. The 3rd international conference on reproductive immunology in Shanghai: September 27-29, 2013. Shanghai, China. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 71:203-9. [PMID: 24330090 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM After the first and second international conferences on reproductive immunology held by Dr. DaJin Li in Shanghai, the related investigators all over the world hope to get together to share their latest findings with each other. METHOD OF STUDY Drs. DaJin Li and MeiRong Du sponsored and organized the third international conference on reproductive immunology at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, Shanghai, China, in the autumn of 2013. RESULTS This congress brought together more than 100 International and National investigators representing a wide range of scientific disciplines. All the investigators actively work on reproductive immunology using human or large and small animal models. A range of reproductive immunological topics including the maternal-fetal immune regulation, reproductive tract mucosal immunology, immunocontraception, and pregnancy complications were highlighted and discussed in this conference. CONCLUSION This conference supplied a good platform for the international reproductive immunologists to exchange their latest study progression and discuss the development direction of reproductive immunology in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- MeiRong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital & Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
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Regulatory T cells in nonlymphoid tissues. Nat Immunol 2013; 14:1007-13. [PMID: 24048122 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Both Foxp3(+)CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and local immune responses in nonlymphoid tissues have long been recognized as important elements of a well-orchestrated immune system, but only recently have these two fields of study begun to intersect. There is growing evidence that Treg cells are present in various nonlymphoid tissues in health and disease, that they have a unique phenotype and that their functions go beyond the classical modulation of immune responses. Thus, tissue Treg cells might add yet another level to classification of the Treg cell compartment into functional and/or phenotypic subtypes. In this Review, we summarize recent findings in this new field, discussing knowns and unknowns about the origin, phenotype, function and memory of nonlymphoid tissue-resident Treg cells.
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Robertson SA, Prins JR, Sharkey DJ, Moldenhauer LM. Seminal fluid and the generation of regulatory T cells for embryo implantation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 69:315-30. [PMID: 23480148 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T regulatory (Treg) cells are essential mediators of the maternal immune adaptation necessary for embryo implantation. In mice, insufficient Treg cell activity results in implantation failure, or constrains placental function and fetal growth. In women, Treg cell deficiency is linked with unexplained infertility, miscarriage, and pre-eclampsia. To devise strategies to improve Treg cell function, it is essential to define the origin of the Treg cells in gestational tissues, and the regulators that control their functional competence and recruitment. Male seminal fluid is a potent source of the Treg cell-inducing agents TGFβ and prostaglandin E, and coitus is one key factor involved in expanding the pool of inducible Treg cells that react with paternal alloantigens shared by conceptus tissues. In mice, coitus initiates a sequence of events whereby female dendritic cells cross-present seminal fluid antigens and activate T cells, which in turn circulate via the blood to be sequestered into the endometrium. Similar events may occur in the human genital tract, where seminal fluid induces immune cell changes that appear competent to prime Treg cells. Improved understanding of how seminal fluid influences Treg cells in women should ultimately assist in the development of new therapies for immune-mediated pathologies of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Ondondo B, Jones E, Godkin A, Gallimore A. Home sweet home: the tumor microenvironment as a haven for regulatory T cells. Front Immunol 2013; 4:197. [PMID: 23874342 PMCID: PMC3712544 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a fundamental role in maintaining immune balance by preventing autoreactivity and immune-mediated pathology. However this role of Tregs extends to suppression of anti-tumor immune responses and remains a major obstacle in the development of anti-cancer vaccines and immunotherapies. This feature of Treg activity is exacerbated by the discovery that Treg frequencies are not only elevated in the blood of cancer patients, but are also significantly enriched within tumors in comparison to other sites. These observations have sparked off the quest to understand the processes through which Tregs become elevated in cancer-bearing hosts and to identify the specific mechanisms leading to their accumulation within the tumor microenvironment. This manuscript reviews the evidence for specific mechanisms of intra-tumoral Treg enrichment and will discuss how this information may be utilized for the purpose of manipulating the balance of tumor-infiltrating T cells in favor of anti-tumor effector cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Ondondo
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute (ORCRB), University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
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50
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The CXCR4 mutations in WHIM syndrome impair the stability of the T-cell immunologic synapse. Blood 2013; 122:666-73. [PMID: 23794067 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-10-461830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
WHIM (warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, myelokathexis) syndrome is a rare disease characterized by diverse symptoms indicative of aberrantly functioning immunity. It is caused by mutations in the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which impair its intracellular trafficking, leading to increased responsiveness to chemokine ligand and retention of neutrophils in bone marrow. Yet WHIM symptoms related to adaptive immunity, such as delayed IgG switching and impaired memory B-cell function, remain largely unexplained. We hypothesized that the WHIM-associated mutations in CXCR4 may affect the formation of immunologic synapses between T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). We show that, in the presence of competing external chemokine signals, the stability of T-APC conjugates from patients with WHIM-mutant CXCR4 is disrupted as a result of impaired recruitment of the mutant receptor to the immunologic synapse. Using retrogenic mice that develop WHIM-mutant T cells, we show that WHIM-mutant CXCR4 inhibits the formation of long-lasting T-APC interactions in ex vivo lymph node slice time-lapse microscopy. These findings demonstrate that chemokine receptors can affect T-APC synapse stability and allow us to propose a novel mechanism that contributes to the adaptive immune response defects in WHIM patients.
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