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Asiimwe R, Knott B, Greene ME, Wright E, Bell M, Epstein D, Yates SD, Cheung MD, Gonzalez MV, Fry S, Boydston E, Clevenger S, Locke JE, George JF, Burney R, Arora N, Duncan VE, Richter HE, Gunn D, Freud AG, Little SC, Porrett PM. Inhibition of NFAT promotes loss of tissue resident uterine natural killer cells and attendant pregnancy complications in humans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.07.583906. [PMID: 38559147 PMCID: PMC10979847 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.07.583906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Uterine natural killer cells (uNKs) are a tissue resident lymphocyte population that are critical for pregnancy success. Although mouse models have demonstrated that NK deficiency results in abnormal placentation and poor pregnancy outcomes, the generalizability of this knowledge to humans remains unclear. Here we identify uterus transplant (UTx) recipients as a human population with reduced endometrial NK cells and altered pregnancy phenotypes. We further show that the NK reduction in UTx is due to impaired transcriptional programming of NK tissue residency due to blockade of the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). NFAT-dependent genes played a role in multiple molecular circuits governing tissue residency in uNKs, including early residency programs involving AP-1 transcription factors as well as TGFβ-mediated upregulation of surface integrins. Collectively, our data identify a previously undescribed role for NFAT in uterine NK tissue residency and provide novel mechanistic insights into the biologic basis of pregnancy complications due to alteration of tissue resident NK subsets in humans. One Sentence Summary Role of NFAT in uterine NK cell tissue residency.
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Ku CW, Ong LS, Goh JP, Allen J, Low LW, Zhou J, Tan TC, Lee YH. Defects in protective cytokine profiles in spontaneous miscarriage in the first trimester. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:36-46. [PMID: 36096448 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study differences in cytokine expression profiles between women with ongoing pregnancy and those experiencing spontaneous miscarriage, among women who presented with threatened miscarriage before week 16 of gestation. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Academic hospital. PATIENT(S) In this prospective cohort study, 155 pregnant women, comprising normal pregnant women recruited from antenatal clinics (n = 97) and women with threatened miscarriage recruited from an emergency walk-in clinic (n = 58). INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Sixty-five serum cytokines quantified using multiplex immunoassay correlated with miscarriage outcomes. RESULT(S) Among women presenting with threatened miscarriage, those who eventually miscarried had significantly lower levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12p70, IL-17A, B-cell-activating factor, B lymphocyte chemoattractant, basic nerve growth factor, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and tumor necrosis factor-α and higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A, IL-21, and stromal cell-derived factor 1α than those with ongoing pregnancy. Comparisons between normal pregnancies and women with threatened miscarriage who eventually miscarried revealed significant differences across 7 cytokines: B-cell-activating factor; B lymphocyte chemoattractant; basic nerve growth factor; IL-17A; fractalkine/CX3CL1; vascular endothelial growth factor A; and CCL22. Vascular endothelial growth factor A exhibited a negative correlation with the progesterone level (r = -0.270). The cluster of significant cytokines alludes to T cell proliferation, B-cell proliferation, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and apoptosis as important pathways that determine pregnancy outcomes. Bioinformatic analysis further revealed alteration of the suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins family of Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling axis by cytokines as a plausible key molecular mechanism in spontaneous miscarriage. CONCLUSION(S) This study demonstrates that the regulated balance between the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways is crucial to maintaining pregnancy. A better understanding of the cytokines associated with immunomodulatory effects may lead to novel targets for the prediction and treatment of spontaneous miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Wai Ku
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Jody Paige Goh
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Louise Wenyi Low
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Obstetrics and Gynecology-Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jieliang Zhou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Obstetrics and Gynecology-Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Thiam Chye Tan
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Obstetrics and Gynecology-Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Yie Hou Lee
- Obstetrics and Gynecology-Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Translational 'Omics and Biomarkers Group, KK Research Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
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Wei X, Yang X. The central role of natural killer cells in preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1009867. [PMID: 36865565 PMCID: PMC9972679 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1009867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a disease that is unique to pregnancy and affects multiple systems. It can lead to maternal and perinatal mortality. The precise etiology of PE is unclear. Patients with PE may have systemic or local immune abnormalities. A group of researchers has proposed that the immune communication between the fetus and mother is primarily moderated by natural killer (NK) cells as opposed to T cells, since NK cells are the most abundant immune cells in the uterus. This review examines the immunological roles of NK cells in the pathogenesis of PE. Our aim is to provide obstetricians with a comprehensive and updated research progress report on NK cells in PE patients. It has been reported that decidual NK (dNK) cells contribute to the process of uterine spiral artery remodeling and can modulate trophoblast invasion. Additionally, dNK cells can stimulate fetal growth and regulate delivery. It appears that the count or proportion of circulating NK cells is elevated in patients with or at risk for PE. Changes in the number or function of dNK cells may be the cause of PE. The Th1/Th2 equilibrium in PE has gradually shifted to an NK1/NK2 equilibrium based on cytokine production. An improper combination of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-C may lead to insufficient activation of dNK cells, thereby causing PE. In the etiology of PE, NK cells appear to exert a central effect in both peripheral blood and the maternal-fetal interface. To maintain immune equilibrium both locally and systemically, it is necessary to take therapeutic measures directed at NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Wei
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Shojaei Z, Jafarpour R, Mehdizadeh S, Bayatipoor H, Pashangzadeh S, Motallebnezhad M. Functional prominence of natural killer cells and natural killer T cells in pregnancy and infertility: A comprehensive review and update. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 238:154062. [PMID: 35987030 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, complicated connections are formed between a mother and a fetus. In a successful pregnancy, the maternal-fetal interface is affected by dynamic changes, and the fetus is protected against the mother's immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the immune system cells in the female reproductive system that play an essential role in the physiology of pregnancy. NK cells not only exist in peripheral blood (PB) but also can exist in the decidua. Studies have suggested multiple roles for these cells, including decidualization, control of trophoblast growth and invasion, embryo acceptance and maintenance by the mother, and facilitation of placental development during pregnancy. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are another group of NK cells that play a crucial role in the maintenance of pregnancy and regulation of the immune system during pregnancy. Studies show that NK and NKT cells are not only effective in maintaining pregnancy but also can be involved in infertility-related diseases. This review focuses on NK and NKT cells biology and provides a detailed description of the functions of these cells in implantation, placentation, and immune tolerance during pregnancy and their role in pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Shojaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Jafarpour
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saber Mehdizadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hashem Bayatipoor
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Pashangzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Motallebnezhad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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5
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Reproductive immune microenvironment. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 152:103654. [PMID: 35728349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
About 10 %-12 % of couples in the world suffer from infertility, and immunological factors are being paid more and more attention. Attempts to induce peripheral immune tolerance in pregnant women by injecting husband cells have been widely promoted, but ultimately proved unsuccessful. Over the past two decades, our understanding of how the immune system is involved in gametogenesis and embryonic development, especially in early pregnancy, has undergone a major shift, going from the periphery to the local area of reproductive tissue. However, a holistic overview of immune responses in reproductive organs and tissues is currently lacking. Here, we further highlight the importance of regional immunity research for understanding reproductive health by reviewing the research mileage of the testis, ovary, and uterine immune microenvironment. We propose the concept of "reproductive immune microenvironment (RIM)" by summarizing the common features and basic functions of the tissue microenvironment in which immune cells reside, including the interstitial space of the testis, the ovarian stroma and the endometrium. The establishment of the concept of RIM not only focuses on the comprehensive description of the immune response in reproductive tissues, but also provides a macroscopic perspective for a deeper understanding of the immune etiology of reproductive system-related diseases.
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Xu X, Zhou Y, Fu B, Wei H. Uterine NK cell functions at maternal-fetal interface. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:327-338. [PMID: 35551350 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, maternal decidual tissue interacts with fetal trophoblasts. They constitute the maternal-fetal interface responsible for supplying nutrition to the fetus. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are the most abundant immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy and play critical roles throughout pregnancy. This review provides current knowledge about the functions of uNK cells. uNK cells have been shown to facilitate remodeling of the spiral artery, control the invasion of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells, contribute to the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance, protect against pathogen infection, and promote fetal development. Pregnancy-trained memory of uNK cells improves subsequent pregnancy outcomes. In addition, this review describes the distinct functions of three uNK cell subsets: CD27-CD11b-, CD27+ and CD27-CD11b+ uNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Xu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Binqing Fu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
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Role of Natural Killer Cells during Pregnancy and Related Complications. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010068. [PMID: 35053216 PMCID: PMC8773865 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A high number of leucocytes reside in the human endometrium and are distributed differentially during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. During early pregnancy, decidual natural killer (dNK) cells are the most common type of natural killer (NK) cells in the uterus. The increase in the number of uterine NK (uNK) cells during the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, followed by further increase of dNK cells in early pregnancy, has heightened interest in their involvement during pregnancy. Extensive research has revealed various roles of dNK cells during pregnancy including the formation of new blood vessels, migration of trophoblasts, and immunological tolerance. The present review article is focused on the significance of NK cells during pregnancy and their role in pregnancy-related diseases. The article will provide an in-depth review of cellular and molecular interactions during pregnancy and related disorders, with NK cells playing a pivotal role. Moreover, this study will help researchers to understand the physiology of normal pregnancy and related complications with respect to NK cells, so that future research work can be designed to alleviate the complications.
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Poniedziałek-Czajkowska E, Mierzyński R. Could Vitamin D Be Effective in Prevention of Preeclampsia? Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113854. [PMID: 34836111 PMCID: PMC8621759 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevention of preeclampsia (PE) remains one of the most significant problems in perinatal medicine. Due to the possible unpredictable course of hypertension in pregnancy, primarily PE and the high complication rate for the mother and fetus/newborn, it is urgent to offer pregnant women in high-risk groups effective methods of preventing the PE development or delaying its appearance. In addition, due to the association of PE with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in later life, effective preeclampsia prevention could also be important in reducing their incidence. Ideal PE prophylaxis should target the pathogenetic changes leading to the development of PE and be safe for the mother and fetus, inexpensive and freely available. Currently, the only recognized method of PE prevention recommended by many institutions around the world is the use of a small dose of acetylsalicylic acid in pregnant women with risk factors. Unfortunately, some cases of PE are diagnosed in women without recognized risk factors and in those in whom prophylaxis with acetylsalicylic acid is not adequate. Hence, new drugs which would target pathogenetic elements in the development of preeclampsia are studied. Vitamin D (Vit D) seems to be a promising agent due to its beneficial effect on placental implantation, the immune system, and angiogenic factors. Studies published so far emphasize the relationship of its deficiency with the development of PE, but the data on the benefits of its supplementation to reduce the risk of PE are inconclusive. In the light of current research, the key issue is determining the protective concentration of Vit D in a pregnant woman. The study aims to present the possibility of using Vit D to prevent PE, emphasizing its impact on the pathogenetic elements of preeclampsia development.
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Wu H, You Q, Jiang Y, Mu F. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors as therapeutic agents for recurrent spontaneous abortion (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:847. [PMID: 34643255 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12487] [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: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a troublesome pregnancy disorder that manifests as sequential early pregnancy losses; its causes are diverse and complex. Among the known possible causes of RSA, the development of an immune disorder in response to the embryo appears to be the most pronounced. The imbalance between immune rejection and immune tolerance contributes to pregnancy loss in females with RSA, wherein the abnormal ratio of T helper (Th)1 cell‑related cytokines [predominantly tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α] and Th2 cell‑related cytokines is a strong risk factor for RSA. TNF‑α is a pro‑inflammatory cytokine and TNF inhibitors have been effective in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory diseases, such as ulcerative colitis. Based on their immunomodulatory properties, TNF inhibitors have been used in the treatment of RSA to reduce the immune rejection rate and improvement in pregnancy outcomes has been observed in females suffering from RSA who were treated with TNF inhibitors. The aim of the present review was to interpret the involvement of TNF‑α in the immunological disorder underlying RSA and summarize the clinical outcomes of TNF inhibitor treatment in patients with RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wu
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Qingxia You
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Fangxiang Mu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, P.R. China
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Kanter JR, Mani S, Gordon SM, Mainigi M. Uterine natural killer cell biology and role in early pregnancy establishment and outcomes. F&S REVIEWS 2021; 2:265-286. [PMID: 35756138 PMCID: PMC9232176 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective While immune cells were originally thought to only play a role in maternal tolerance of the semiallogenic fetus, an active role in pregnancy establishment is becoming increasingly apparent. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are of specific interest because of their cyclic increase in number during the window of implantation. As a distinct entity from their peripheral blood counterparts, understanding the biology and function of uNK cells will provide the framework for understanding their role in early pregnancy establishment and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Evidence Review This review discusses unique uNK cell characteristics and presents clinical implications resulting from their dysfunction. We also systematically present existing knowledge about uNK cell function in three processes critical for successful human embryo implantation and placentation: stromal cell decidualization, spiral artery remodeling, and extravillous trophoblast invasion. Finally, we review the features of uNK cells that could help guide future investigations. Results It is clear the uNK cells are intimately involved in multiple facets of early pregnancy. This is accomplished directly, through the secretion of factors that regulate stromal cells and trophoblast function; and indirectly, via interaction with other maternal cell types present at the maternal-fetal interface. Current work also suggests that uNK cells are a heterogenous population, with subsets that potentially accomplish different functions. Conclusion Establishment of pregnancy through successful embryo implantation and placentation requires crosstalk between multiple maternal cell types and invading fetal trophoblast cells. Defects in this process have been associated with multiple adverse perinatal outcomes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, placenta accreta, and recurrent miscarriage though the mechanism underlying development of these defects remain unclear. Abnormalities in NK cell number and function which would disrupt physiological maternal-fetal crosstalk, could play a critical role in abnormal implantation and placentation. It is therefore imperative to dissect the unique physiological role of uNK cells in pregnancy and use this knowledge to inform clinical practice by determining how uNK cell dysfunction could lead to reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Kanter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sneha Mani
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott M. Gordon
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Poniedziałek-Czajkowska E, Mierzyński R, Dłuski D, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B. Prevention of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy-Is There a Place for Metformin? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132805. [PMID: 34202343 PMCID: PMC8268471 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132805] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The possibility of prophylaxis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) such as preeclampsia (PE) and pregnancy-induced hypertension is of interest due to the unpredictable course of these diseases and the risks they carry for both mother and fetus. It has been proven that their development is associated with the presence of the placenta, and the processes that initiate it begin at the time of the abnormal invasion of the trophoblast in early pregnancy. The ideal HDP prophylaxis should alleviate the influence of risk factors and, at the same time, promote physiological trophoblast invasion and maintain the physiologic endothelium function without any harm to both mother and fetus. So far, aspirin is the only effective and recommended pharmacological agent for the prevention of HDPs in high-risk groups. Metformin is a hypoglycemic drug with a proven protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Respecting the anti-inflammatory properties of metformin and its favorable impact on the endothelium, it seems to be an interesting option for HDP prophylaxis. The results of previous studies on such use of metformin are ambiguous, although they indicate that in a certain group of pregnant women, it might be effective in preventing hypertensive complications. The aim of this study is to present the possibility of metformin in the prevention of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with respect to its impact on the pathogenic elements of development
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12
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Huhn O, Zhao X, Esposito L, Moffett A, Colucci F, Sharkey AM. How Do Uterine Natural Killer and Innate Lymphoid Cells Contribute to Successful Pregnancy? Front Immunol 2021; 12:607669. [PMID: 34234770 PMCID: PMC8256162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.607669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are the most abundant immune cells in the uterine mucosa both before and during pregnancy. Circumstantial evidence suggests they play important roles in regulating placental development but exactly how they contribute to the successful outcome of pregnancy is still unclear. Uterine ILCs (uILCs) include subsets of tissue-resident natural killer (NK) cells and ILCs, and until recently the phenotype and functions of uILCs were poorly defined. Determining the specific roles of each subset is intrinsically challenging because of the rapidly changing nature of the tissue both during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and high dimensional flow and mass cytometry approaches have recently been used to analyse uILC populations in the uterus in both humans and mice. This detailed characterisation has significantly changed our understanding of the heterogeneity within the uILC compartment. It will also enable key clinical questions to be addressed including whether specific uILC subsets are altered in infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy disorders such as foetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. Here, we summarise recent advances in our understanding of the phenotypic and functional diversity of uILCs in non-pregnant endometrium and first trimester decidua, and review how these cells may contribute to successful placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oisín Huhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Esposito
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M. Sharkey
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Fu YY, Ren CE, Qiao PY, Meng YH. Uterine natural killer cells and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13433. [PMID: 33896061 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), termed as two or more consecutive pregnancy loss is a great problem for some women of childbearing age. A large number of evidence confirm that there may be an immune background of RSA. As a member of the innate immune system, uterine natural killer (uNK) cells account for about 70% of total lymphocytes during pregnancy and play a critical role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. This review mainly introduces the phenotype, origin, receptor, and function of uNK cells to illuminate its relationship with RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Yao Fu
- Clinical Medical Colleges, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chun-E Ren
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Peng-Yun Qiao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yu-Han Meng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Genebrier S, Tarte K. The flawless immune tolerance of pregnancy. Joint Bone Spine 2021; 88:105205. [PMID: 33962032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2021.105205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Genebrier
- Unité Inserm U1236, Faculté de médecine, Université de Rennes 1, 2, avenue du Pr Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes, France; CHU de Rennes, Pôle Biologie, Rennes, France
| | - Karin Tarte
- Unité Inserm U1236, Faculté de médecine, Université de Rennes 1, 2, avenue du Pr Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes, France; CHU de Rennes, Pôle Biologie, Rennes, France.
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15
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Huber WJ, Sauerbrun-Cutler MT, Krueger PM, Lambert-Messerlian G, Sharma S. Human chorionic gonadotropin-mediated modulation of pregnancy-compatible peripheral blood natural killer cells in frozen embryo transfer cycles. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13324. [PMID: 33245601 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To evaluate pregnancy-compatible phenotypic and functional changes in peripheral blood natural killer (pNK) cells during frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. METHOD OF STUDY Peripheral blood was collected from patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer cycles at three separate time points in the cycle. pNK cell phenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry. Impact of pregnancy status on pNK cell cytotoxicity was characterized by two methods: (1) a three-dimensional endovascular tube formation approach and (2) a NK cell-specific K562 cell kill assay. RESULTS A total of 35 patients were enrolled, 15 with clinical pregnancies and 20 with negative serum β-hCG levels. Overall percentage of CD45+ CD3- CD56+ pNK cell did not change during the FET cycle. Pregnancy resulted in an increase in CD45+ CD3- CD56+ pNK cell population on the day of serum β-hCG. pNK cells from non-pregnant patients caused significant tube disruption when compared to pregnant patients. Addition of serum from pregnant women reduced the tube disruption by pNK cells from non-pregnant patients. pNK cells from pregnant patients showed significantly lower cytotoxicity toward K562 cells in serum-free conditions. The addition of pregnancy serum decreased non-pregnant pNK cell cytotoxicity. Pregnancy status had no impact on VEGF-A and VEGF-C serum levels. Recombinant hCG added to non-pregnant serum resulted in a significant reduction in non-pregnant pNK cell-mediated K562 cell kill. CONCLUSION There was no difference in pNK cell populations based on timing of the FET cycle. However, pregnancy increased the percentage of CD45+ CD3- CD56+ pNK cells. Additionally, pNK cells from pregnant women have reduced cytotoxicity and this is possibly mediated by hCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren J Huber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - May-Tal Sauerbrun-Cutler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Paula M Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Geralyn Lambert-Messerlian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Surendra Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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16
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Sojka DK. Uterine Natural Killer Cell Heterogeneity: Lessons From Mouse Models. Front Immunol 2020; 11:290. [PMID: 32153593 PMCID: PMC7046796 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the most abundant lymphocytes at the maternal-fetal interface. Epidemiological data implicate NK cells in human pregnancy outcomes. Discoveries using mouse NK cells have guided subsequent advances in human NK cell biology. However, it remains challenging to identify mouse and human uterine NK (uNK) cell function(s) because of the dynamic changes in the systemic-endocrinological and local uterine structural microenvironments during pregnancy. This review discusses functional similarities and differences between mouse and human NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy K Sojka
- Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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17
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Meyer N, Zenclussen AC. Immune Cells in the Uterine Remodeling: Are They the Target of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals? Front Immunol 2020; 11:246. [PMID: 32140155 PMCID: PMC7043066 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sufficient uterine remodeling is essential for fetal survival and development. Pathologies related to poor remodeling have a negative impact on maternal and fetal health even years after birth. Research of the last decades yielded excellent studies demonstrating the key role of immune cells in the remodeling processes. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the relevance of immune cells for uterine remodeling during pregnancy and further discusses immunomodulatory effects of man-made endocrine disrupting chemicals on immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Meyer
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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18
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Lu H, Jin LP, Huang HL, Ha SY, Yang HL, Chang RQ, Li DJ, Li MQ. Trophoblast-derived CXCL12 promotes CD56 bright CD82 - CD29 + NK cell enrichment in the decidua. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 83. [PMID: 31650642 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Decidual natural killer (dNK) cells play key roles in maternal-fetal immune regulation, trophoblast invasion, and vascular remodeling, and most dNK cell populations are CD56bright CD16- NK cells. However, the enrichment and redistribution of dNK cells in the local decidua have not been clarified yet. METHOD OF STUDY A total of 45 women with normal pregnancies and 8 unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients were included. We isolated primary human dNK (n = 53) and peripheral blood NK (pNK) cells (n = 5) from specimen and analyzed CD56, CD82, and CD29 by flow cytometry (FCM). We assessed their adhesion ability by cell counts of NK cells adhered to decidual stromal cells (DSCs) in a co-culture system. RESULTS We found that RSA patients had more CD56dim dNK cells with lower CD82 and higher CD29 than women with normal pregnancies. There were negative correlations of CD82 to CD29 on CD56dim and CD56+ dNK cells. In normal pregnancies, dNK cells had lower CD82 and higher CD29 expression with a stronger adhesion ability than pNK cells. Blocking CD82 on dNK cells increased the adhesive ability and CD29 expression, while blocking CD29 decreased the adhesive ability. Co-culturing dNK cells with trophoblast cells decreased CD82 expression and increased the adhesive ability of dNK cells and the percentage of CD56bright NK cells, while blocking trophoblast-derived CXCL12 increased CD82 expression, decreased CD29 expression, and impaired the adhesive ability of NK cells. CONCLUSION Trophoblast cells enhance the adhesive ability of NK cells to DSCs via the CXCL12/CD82/CD29 signaling pathway and contribute to CD56bright NK cell enrichment in the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Lu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ping Jin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Lan Huang
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yao Ha
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Qi Chang
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Tal R, Shaikh S, Pallavi P, Tal A, López-Giráldez F, Lyu F, Fang YY, Chinchanikar S, Liu Y, Kliman HJ, Alderman M, Pluchino N, Kayani J, Mamillapalli R, Krause DS, Taylor HS. Adult bone marrow progenitors become decidual cells and contribute to embryo implantation and pregnancy. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000421. [PMID: 31513564 PMCID: PMC6742226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidua is a transient uterine tissue shared by mammals with hemochorial placenta and is essential for pregnancy. The decidua is infiltrated by many immune cells promoting pregnancy. Adult bone marrow (BM)-derived cells (BMDCs) differentiate into rare populations of nonhematopoietic endometrial cells in the uterus. However, whether adult BMDCs become nonhematopoietic decidual cells and contribute functionally to pregnancy is unknown. Here, we show that pregnancy mobilizes mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the circulation and that pregnancy induces considerable adult BMDCs recruitment to decidua, where some differentiate into nonhematopoietic prolactin-expressing decidual cells. To explore the functional importance of nonhematopoietic BMDCs to pregnancy, we used Homeobox a11 (Hoxa11)-deficient mice, having endometrial stromal-specific defects precluding decidualization and successful pregnancy. Hoxa11 expression in BM is restricted to nonhematopoietic cells. BM transplant (BMT) from wild-type (WT) to Hoxa11-/- mice results in stromal expansion, gland formation, and marked decidualization otherwise absent in Hoxa11-/- mice. Moreover, in Hoxa11+/- mice, which have increased pregnancy losses, BMT from WT donors leads to normalized uterine expression of numerous decidualization-related genes and rescue of pregnancy loss. Collectively, these findings reveal that adult BMDCs have a previously unrecognized nonhematopoietic physiologic contribution to decidual stroma, thereby playing important roles in decidualization and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshef Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Shafiq Shaikh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Pallavi Pallavi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Aya Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Francesc López-Giráldez
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis (YCGA), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Fang Lyu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Yuan-Yuan Fang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Shruti Chinchanikar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Harvey J. Kliman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Myles Alderman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Nicola Pluchino
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jehanzeb Kayani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ramanaiah Mamillapalli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Diane S. Krause
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Hugh S. Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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20
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Toth B, Vomstein K, Togawa R, Böttcher B, Hudalla H, Strowitzki T, Daniel V, Kuon RJ. The impact of previous live births on peripheral and uterine natural killer cells in patients with recurrent miscarriage. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:72. [PMID: 31472670 PMCID: PMC6717647 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0514-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peripheral and uterine natural killer cells (pNK and uNK cells) are key players in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and are disturbed in patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM). Different immunologic risk factors have been proposed between patients with primary RM (pRM, no previous live birth) and secondary RM (sRM, ≥ 1 previous live birth). However, so far, the study populations mainly consisted of small subgroups. Therefore, we aimed to analyse pNK and uNK cells in a large, well defined study population within a prospective study. METHODS In total, n = 575 RM patients (n = 393 pRM, n = 182 sRM) were screened according to a standard protocol for established risk factors as well as pNK and uNK cells. Peripheral blood levels of CD45+CD3-CD56+CD16+ NK cells were determined by flow cytometry and uterine CD56+ NK cells by immunohistochemistry in mid-luteal non-pregnant RM patients. Exclusion of patients with ≥1 established risk factor revealed n = 248 idiopathic RM patients (iRM, n = 167 primary iRM (ipRM), n = 81 secondary iRM (isRM)). RESULTS Patients with pRM and ipRM showed significant higher absolute numbers and percentages of pNK cells compared to sRM and isRM patients (pRM/ipRM vs sRM/isRM, mean ± SD /μl: 239.1 ± 118.7/244.9 ± 112.9 vs 205.1 ± 107.9/206.0 ± 105.6, p = 0.004/ p = 0.009; mean ± SD %: 12.4 ± 5.5/12.8 ± 5.4 vs 11.1 ± 4.6/11.1 ± 4.3, p = 0.001; p = 0.002). Only patients with isRM showed significantly higher uNK levels compared to patients with ipRM (mean ± SD /mm2 288.4 ± 239.3 vs 218.2 ± 184.5, p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS The demonstrated differences in pNK and uNK cells in RM patients depending on previous live birth might indicate differences in NK cell recruitment and potentially different underlying immune disorders between pRM and sRM. As there is an overlap in the distribution of the NK cell results, further studies with focus on NK cell function are needed in order to clearly identify RM patients with distinct immune abnormalities. The clinical relevance of our findings should be interpreted cautiously until specificity and sensitivity are further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Toth
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - K Vomstein
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - R Togawa
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - B Böttcher
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - H Hudalla
- Department of Neonatology, Heidelberg University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Th Strowitzki
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - V Daniel
- Transplantation-Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 672, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - R J Kuon
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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21
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Baek H, Yang H, Lee JH, Kang NH, Lee J, Bae H, Hwang DS. Prophylactic Effects of Bee Venom Phospholipase A2 in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Pregnancy Loss. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11070404. [PMID: 31336883 PMCID: PMC6669565 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11070404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous abortion represents a common form of embryonic loss caused by early pregnancy failure. In the present study, we investigated the prophylactic effects of bee venom phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2), a regulatory T cell (Treg) inducer, on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced abortion mouse model. Fetal loss, including viable implants, the fetal resorption rate, and the fetal weight, were measured after LPS and bvPLA2 treatment. The levels of serum and tissue inflammatory cytokines were determined. To investigate the involvement of the Treg population in bvPLA2-mediated protection against fetal loss, the effect of Treg depletion was evaluated following bvPLA2 and LPS treatment. The results clearly revealed that bvPLA2 can prevent fetal loss accompanied by growth restriction in the remaining viable fetus. When the LPS-induced abortion mice were treated with bvPLA2, Treg cells were significantly increased compared with those in the non-pregnant, PBS, and LPS groups. After LPS injection, the levels of proinflammatory cytokines were markedly increased compared with those in the PBS mouse group, while bvPLA2 treatment showed significantly decreased TNF-α and IFN-γ expression compared with that in the LPS group. The protective effects of bvPLA2 treatment were not detected in Treg-depleted abortion-prone mice. These findings suggest that bvPLA2 has protective effects in the LPS-induced abortion mouse model by regulating Treg populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Baek
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea
| | - HyeJin Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea
| | - Na-Hoon Kang
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea
| | - Jinwook Lee
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea.
| | - Deok-Sang Hwang
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea.
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22
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are members of a rapidly expanding family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). While most previously studied NK cells were derived from the mouse spleen and circulate in the blood, recently others and we found tissue-resident NK (trNK) cells in many tissues that resemble group 1 ILCs (ILC1s). During pregnancy, NK cells are the most abundant lymphocytes in the uterus at the maternal-fetal interface and are involved in placental vascular remodeling. Prior studies suggested that these uterine NK (uNK) cells are mostly derived from circulating NK cells. However, the murine virgin uterus contains mostly trNK cells and it has been challenging to determine their contribution to uNK cells in pregnancy as well as other potential function(s) of uNK cells due to the dynamic microenvironment in the pregnant uterus. This review focuses on the origins and functions of the heterogeneous populations of uNK cells during the course of murine pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy K Sojka
- Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Liping Yang
- Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Wayne M Yokoyama
- Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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23
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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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24
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Ander SE, Diamond MS, Coyne CB. Immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface. Sci Immunol 2019; 4:eaat6114. [PMID: 30635356 PMCID: PMC6744611 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aat6114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 314] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy poses an immunological challenge because a genetically distinct (nonself) fetus must be supported within the pregnant female for the required gestational period. Placentation, or the establishment of the fetally derived placenta, is a common strategy used by eutherian mammals to protect the fetus and promote its growth. However, the substantial morphological differences of the placental architecture among species suggest that the process of placentation results from convergent evolution. Although there are considerable similarities in placental function across placental mammals, there are important differences that arise owing to species-specific immunological (and other biological) constraints. This Review focuses on the immunological similarities and differences that occur at the maternal-fetal interface in the context of human and mouse pregnancies. We discuss how the decidua and placenta of these different species form key immunological barriers that sustain maternal tolerance yet generate innate immune responses that prevent microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E Ander
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Carolyn B Coyne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- R. K. Mellon Pediatric Research Institute, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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25
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Das UN. Circulating MicroRNAs and Bioactive Lipids in Pre-Eclampsia and Its Cardiovascular Sequelae. Am J Hypertens 2018; 31:1079-1086. [PMID: 30052752 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpy117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Undurti N Das
- UND Life Sciences, Battle Ground, Washington, USA
- BioScience Research Centre, GVP College of Engineering Campus, Visakhapatnam, India
- Department of Medicine, GVP Hospital, Visakhapatnam, India
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26
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Kofod L, Lindhard A, Hviid TVF. Implications of uterine NK cells and regulatory T cells in the endometrium of infertile women. Hum Immunol 2018; 79:693-701. [PMID: 29990511 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A range of studies have shown that the complex process of implantation and an establishment of a pregnancy also involves immune factors. Disturbances in these underlying immune mechanisms might lead to implantation and pregnancy failure and may be involved in the pathogenesis of unexplained infertility. Several studies have reported that imbalances in uterine NK (uNK) cell abundance are associated with infertility; however, controversies exist. An increased amount of CD56+ uNK cells along with a decrease in CD16+ uNK cells have been associated with normal fertility in some studies. Very few studies of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the pre-implantation endometrium have been performed. Results are sparse and controversial, studies reporting both increased and decreased numbers of Tregs, respectively, in women suffering from infertility. In conclusion, studies imply that uNK cells, Tregs and HLA-G carry pivotal roles regarding the establishment of a healthy pregnancy, and that abnormal immune mechanisms involving these parameters may be associated with infertility. However, more research in early phases of the reproductive cycle, such as investigating the conditions in the endometrium before implantation, is needed to further clarify the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Kofod
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anette Lindhard
- The Fertility Clinic, The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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27
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Faas MM, De Vos P. Innate immune cells in the placental bed in healthy pregnancy and preeclampsia. Placenta 2018; 69:125-133. [PMID: 29748088 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells in the placental bed are important for adequate development of the placental bed. The most prominent immune cells in the placental bed early in pregnancy are uterine natural killer cells (uNK) cells and macrophages. Also dendritic cells and mast cells can be found in the early placental bed. These cells not only have an immune regulatory function, but are also involved in the regulation of trophoblast invasion, angiogenesis and spiral artery remodeling. In preeclampsia, one of the major complications of pregnancy, decreased trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling has been found. This is associated with decreased numbers of uNK cells, increased numbers of macrophages around the spiral arteries and similar or increased numbers of dendritic cells in the placental bed. In this review, we discuss the current insights in the functions of uNK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells and mast cells in the placental bed in humans during healthy pregnancy and during preeclampsia. As animal models are instrumental in understanding the role of immune cells in the placental bed, we also review studies on the function and phenotype of these innate immune cells in experimental preeclampsia. A better understanding of the dynamics and functional changes of these immune cells in the placental bed may eventually lead to new therapeutic targets for preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke M Faas
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul De Vos
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Lambouras M, Liew SH, Horvay K, Abud HE, Stringer JM, Hutt KJ. Examination of the ovotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil in mice. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1053-1060. [PMID: 29589294 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1169-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Undesirable side effects of cancer treatments are common and include damage to the ovary, and depletion of the follicle reserve, which if severe enough, can lead to infertility and early menopause. Antimetabolite drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), are not considered to be detrimental to the ovary, but the ovotoxicity of 5-FU has not been evaluated in any detail. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 5-FU on follicle number. METHODS In this study, adult female C57Bl6 mice (n = 4-6 animals/group) received a single dose of saline or 5-FU (150 mg/kg) and markers of ovarian damage and follicle depletion were assessed 12 h and 7 days later. RESULTS Exposure to 5-FU did not alter primordial and primary follicle numbers. Atresia of secondary and antral follicles was increased significantly 12 h after 5-FU treatment, but atresia rates returned to levels similar to that of saline treated controls at 7 days. The number of corpora lutea were reduced 7 days after exposure to 5-FU, possibly as a consequence of earlier follicular atresia. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that a single dose of 5-FU is mildly ovotoxic, but any effects on ovarian function are likely transient because the primordial follicle population is not depleted. Collectively, these data support the notion that 5-FU is unlikely to impact on the long-term fertility of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lambouras
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - S H Liew
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - K Horvay
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - H E Abud
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - J M Stringer
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia. .,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, 19 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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29
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Activated NK cells cause placental dysfunction and miscarriages in fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Nat Commun 2017; 8:224. [PMID: 28794456 PMCID: PMC5550461 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Miscarriage and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are devastating complications in fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). We previously reported the mechanisms for bleeding diatheses, but it is unknown whether placental, decidual immune cells or other abnormalities at the maternal-fetal interface contribute to FNAIT. Here we show that maternal immune responses to fetal platelet antigens cause miscarriage and IUGR that are associated with vascular and immune pathologies in murine FNAIT models. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cell recruitment and survival beyond mid-gestation lead to elevated NKp46 and CD107 expression, perforin release and trophoblast apoptosis. Depletion of NK cells restores normal spiral artery remodeling and placental function, prevents miscarriage, and rescues hemorrhage in neonates. Blockade of NK activation receptors (NKp46, FcɣRIIIa) also rescues pregnancy loss. These findings shed light on uNK antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity of invasive trophoblasts as a pathological mechanism in FNAIT, and suggest that anti-NK cell therapies may prevent immune-mediated pregnancy loss and ameliorate FNAIT.Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a gestational disease caused by maternal immune responses against fetal platelets. Using a FNAIT mouse model and human trophoblast cell lines, here the authors show that uterine natural killer cell-mediated trophoblast apoptosis contributes to FNAIT pathogenesis.
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30
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Uterine NK cells and macrophages in pregnancy. Placenta 2017; 56:44-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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31
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Ma L, Li G, Cao G, Zhu Y, Du MR, Zhao Y, Wang H, Liu Y, Yang Y, Li YX, Li DJ, Yang H, Wang YL. dNK cells facilitate the interaction between trophoblastic and endothelial cells via VEGF-C and HGF. Immunol Cell Biol 2017; 95:695-704. [PMID: 28653669 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2017.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Decidual NK (dNK) cells, identified as CD56brightCD16-CD3-, account for ~70% of lymphocytes within the uterine wall during early pregnancy. Accumulating evidence suggests that tight interactions between placental trophoblasts and dNK cells are critical for trophoblast cell differentiation. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be explored in detail. In the present study, conditioned medium (CM) was collected from cultured primary human dNK cells. Primary cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) or the human trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo was treated with dNK-CM and co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a three-dimensional Matrigel scaffold, and the formation of tube structures was dynamically monitored with live cell imaging. Trophoblast invasion was analyzed with a transwell invasion assay. The data demonstrated that the treatment of HTR8/SVneo cells or CTBs with dNK-CM remarkably promoted trophoblast invasion and tube formation in the presence of HUVECs. The epithelial marker E-cadherin was reduced, while the expression of endothelial markers NCAM, VE-cadherin and integrin β1 was significantly promoted in the HTR8/SVneo cells upon treatment with dNK-CM. Antibody blocking experiments revealed that the dNK cells promoted trophoblast invasion through the production of IL-8 and HGF, and they induced trophoblast differentiation toward endothelial phenotype by producing VEGF-C and HGF. These results provide new evidence to clarify the finely tuned interactions between trophoblasts and dNK cells at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guanlin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guangming Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchun Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mei-Rong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital and Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanlei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital and Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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32
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Kenchegowda D, Natale B, Lemus MA, Natale DR, Fisher SA. Inactivation of maternal Hif-1α at mid-pregnancy causes placental defects and deficits in oxygen delivery to the fetal organs under hypoxic stress. Dev Biol 2016; 422:171-185. [PMID: 27940158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A critical transition occurs near mid-gestation of mammalian pregnancy. Prior to this transition, low concentrations of oxygen (hypoxia) signaling through Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) functions as a morphogen for the placenta and fetal organs. Subsequently, functional coupling of the placenta and fetal cardiovascular system for oxygen (O2) transport is required to support the continued growth and development of the fetus. Here we tested the hypothesis that Hif-1α is required in maternal cells for placental morphogenesis and function. We used Tamoxifen-inducible Cre-Lox to inactivate Hif-1α in maternal tissues at E8.5 (MATcKO), and used ODD-Luciferase as a reporter of hypoxia in placenta and fetal tissues. MATcKO of Hif-1α reduced the number of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and Tpbpa-positve trophoblast cells in the maternal decidua at E13.5 -15.5. There were dynamic changes in all three layers of E13.5-15.5 MATcKO placenta. Of note was the under-development of the labyrinth at E15.5 associated with reduced Ki67 and increased TUNEL staining consistent with reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Labyrinth defects were particularly evident in placentas connected to effectively HIF-1α heterozygous null embryos. MATcKO had no effect on basal ODD-Luciferase activity in fetal organs (heart, liver, brain) at any stage, but at E13.5-15.5 resulted in enhanced induction of the ODD-Luciferase hypoxia reporter when the dam's inspired O2 was reduced to 8% for 4 hours. MATcKO also slowed the growth after E13.5 of fetuses that were effectively heterozygous for Hif-1α, with most being non-viable at E15.5. The hearts of these E15.5 fetuses were abnormal with reduction in size, thickened epicardium and mesenchymal septum. We conclude that maternal HIF-1α is required for placentation including recruitment of uNK and trophoblast cells into the maternal decidua and other trophoblast cell behaviors. The placental defects render the fetus vulnerable to O2 deprivation after mid-gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreswamy Kenchegowda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Bryony Natale
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maria A Lemus
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David R Natale
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Steven A Fisher
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Decidual natural killer cells and the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2016; 59:1224-1231. [PMID: 27905000 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-0337-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
During early pregnancy, an orchestrated evolutionary maternal adaption toward tolerance of the semiallogeneic fetus is required to ensure decidualization and early embryo development. Remodeling of the immune system involves natural killer cells (NKs), macrophages, T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) altering the microenvironment in the deciduas. In particular, a unique population of NK cells with a CD56brightCD16- phenotype in the decidua has been proposed to play a key role in the maternal adaptation to pregnancy. However, there is a tendency for pregnancy immunology to reflect transplantation immunology regarding the assumption that the maternal immune system should be suppressed. This tendency is misleading. We discuss how the immune system is formed in early deciduas and the interactions between maternal NK cells and fetal growth. We propose that the maternal immune response must not be fully suppressed and is even necessary for the local response of uterine NK cells.
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34
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Meng CY, Li ZY, Fang WN, Song ZH, Yang DD, Li DD, Yang Y, Peng JP. Cytochrome P450 26A1 modulates natural killer cells in mouse early pregnancy. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 21:697-710. [PMID: 27860312 PMCID: PMC5345621 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 26A1 (CYP26A1) has a spatiotemporal expression pattern in the uterus, with a significant increase in mRNA and protein levels during peri‐implantation. Inhibiting the function or expression of CYP26A1 can cause pregnancy failure, suggesting an important regulatory role of CYP26A1 in the maintenance of pregnancy. However, little is known about the exact mechanism involved. In this study, using a pCR3.1‐cyp26a1 plasmid immunization mouse model and a Cyp26a1‐MO (Cyp26a1‐specific antisense oligos) knockdown mouse model, we report that the number of Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) lectin‐positive uterine natural killer (uNK) cells was reduced in pCR3.1‐cyp26a1 plasmid immunized and Cyp26a1‐MO‐treated mice. In contrast, the percentage of CD3−CD49b+NK cells in the uteri from the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group in both models. Similarly, significantly up‐regulated expression of CD49b (a pan‐NK cell marker), interferon gamma, CCL2, CCR2 (CCL2 receptor) and CCL3 were detected in the uteri of pCR3.1‐cyp26a1‐ and Cyp26a1‐MO‐treated mice. Transcriptome analysis suggested that CYP26A1 might regulate NK cells through chemokines. In conclusion, the present data suggest that silencing CYP26A1 expression/function can decrease the number of uNK cells and significantly increase the percentage of CD3−CD49b+NK cells in the uteri of pregnant mice. These findings provide a new line of evidence correlating the deleterious effects of blocking CYP26A1 in pregnancy with the aberrant regulation of NK cells in the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-Yin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Ning Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dan-Dan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dan-Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Pian Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Tal R, Liu Y, Pluchino N, Shaikh S, Mamillapalli R, Taylor HS. A Murine 5-Fluorouracil-Based Submyeloablation Model for the Study of Bone Marrow-Derived Cell Trafficking in Reproduction. Endocrinology 2016; 157:3749-3759. [PMID: 27427897 PMCID: PMC6285241 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Bone marrow (BM)-derived cells (BMDCs) contribute to endometrial regeneration. Our objective was to develop a nongonadotoxic mouse BM transplant (BMT) model using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for investigating BMDCs trafficking in reproduction. Female C57BL/6J mice received either single (CTX-1) or paired (CTX-2) 5-FU (150 mg/kg) dose, or single (CTX-1+SCF) or paired-dose (CTX-3+SCF) 5-FU with stem cell factor (SCF). Control mice received BMT only or saline. BM cells (20 × 106) from transgenic green-fluorescent protein (GFP) mice were injected iv. For fertility experiment, mice were mated on day 28 after BMT. Alternatively, mice were killed 1 month after BMT and BMDCs recruitment to the uterus was determined. Mice receiving 5-FU ± SCF showed intact ovarian function and fertility. CTX-3+SCF resulted in greatest BM donor chimerism at 1 month (∼45%). Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that 6.6% of total uterine cells in CTX-3+SCF mice were GFP+ BMDCs. Remarkably, this was about 40- and 80-fold greater than BMDCs in uterus of CTX-1 or BMT only mice (6.6% vs 0.16% vs 0.08%, respectively, P < .001). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that BMDCs in the uterus were mostly localized to the endometrial stroma (71.8%). The majority of endometrial BMDCs colocalized with the pan-leuokocyte CD45 marker (58.5%), but 41.5% were CD45-negative. Cytokeratin and CD31 staining showed that the GFP+CD45- cells were not epithelial or endothelial, confirming their stromal identity. We demonstrate that paired-dose 5-FU regimen results in efficient BM donor chimerism while maintaining ovarian function and fertility. This model could be used for studying BMDCs trafficking to the uterus in various reproductive physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshef Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Nicola Pluchino
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Shafiq Shaikh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Ramanaiah Mamillapalli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
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Croy BA, Ashkar AA, Minhas K, Greenwood JD. Can Murine Uterine Natural Killer Cells Give Insights Into the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/107155760000700104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Anne Croy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - James D. Greenwood
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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37
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Aksu S, Çalışkan E, Cakiroglu Y. Evaluation of endometrial natural killer cell expression of CD4, CD103, and CD16 cells in women with unexplained infertility. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 117:70-5. [PMID: 27505845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether natural killer cell (NK) concentrations in the mid-secretory endometrial tissue of women with unexplained infertility differ from those in the mid-secretory endometrial tissue of fertile women. METHODS This study was conducted with 22 patients with unexplained infertility caused by unsuccessful ovulation induced with gonadotrophins and 12 healthy fertile women, who formed a control group. Mid-secretory endometrial tissue samples were obtained with a Pipelle catheter, and the endometrial NK cell phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS The median number of CD4+ cells in the endometrium was significantly lower in women with unexplained infertility compared with in the fertile controls (3.31 vs. 5.81; p=0.02). The CD4(+)/CD8(+) cell ratio in the unexplained-infertility group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.42 vs. 0.76, p=0.01). The median number of CD103(+) cells in the endometrium of the infertile group was significantly lower than that in the endometrium of the control group (4.40 vs. 6.73, p=0.02). The median number of CD16(+) cells was significantly higher in infertile women than in control women (0.12 vs. 0.001, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS Significant reductions in the numbers of CD4(+) and CD103(+) cells as well as in the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio but an increased number of CD16(+) cells in the endometrium of infertile women suggest that disordered NK cell activity may be a contributor to the etiology of unexplained infertility.
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38
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Alvares C, Cruz J, Romano C, Brandão F. Serum profile of cytokines interferon gamma and interleukin-10 in ewes subjected to artificial insemination by cervical retraction. Theriogenology 2016; 85:1262-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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39
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Redhead ML, Portilho NA, Felker AM, Mohammad S, Mara DL, Croy BA. The Transcription Factor NFIL3 Is Essential for Normal Placental and Embryonic Development but Not for Uterine Natural Killer (UNK) Cell Differentiation in Mice. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:101. [PMID: 26985000 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.138495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice ablated for the gene encoding the transcription factor Nfil3 lack peripheral natural killer (NK) cells but retain tissue-resident NK cells, particularly in mucosal sites, including virgin uterus. We undertook a time course histological study of implantation sites from syngeneically (Nfil3(-/-)) and allogeneically (BALB/c) mated Nfil3(-/-) females. We also examined implantation sites from Rag2(-/-)Il2rg(-/-) females preconditioned by adoptive transfer of Nfil3(-/-) marrow or uterine cell suspensions to identify the Nfil3(-/-) pregnancy aberrations that could be attributed to nonlymphoid cells. Uterine NKs (UNKs) reactive and nonreactive with the lectin Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) differentiate, localize, and mature within Nfil3(-/-) implantation sites, although at reduced abundance. The DBA nonreactive UNK cells were enriched following Nfil3(-/-) marrow transplantation. Uterine lumen closure, early embryonic development, and differentiation of antimesometrial decidua were delayed in Nfil3(-/-) implantation sites. Major disturbances to the decidual-trophoblast interface that did not lead to fetal death were attributed to NFIL3 deficiency in trophoblast. At midgestation, vessels of the placental labyrinth were enlarged, suggestive of reduced branching morphogenesis. A major term complication in most Nfil3(-/-) × Nfil3(-/-) pregnancies but not Nfil3(-/-) × Nfil3(+/-) pregnancies was dystocia. These studies highlight the differentiation potential and functions of Nfil3(-/-) UNK cell progenitors and illustrate that much of the implantation site histopathology associated with this strain is due to Nfil3 deletion in nonlymphoid cell lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L Redhead
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathália A Portilho
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allison M Felker
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shuhiba Mohammad
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle L Mara
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - B Anne Croy
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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40
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Dong H, Yu C, Mu J, Zhang J, Lin W. Role of EFNB2/EPHB4 signaling in spiral artery development during pregnancy: An appraisal. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 83:12-8. [PMID: 26501487 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
EFNB2 and EPHB4, which belong to a large tyrosine kinase receptor superfamily, are molecular markers of arterial and venous blood vessels, respectively. EFNB2/EPHB4 signaling plays an important role in physiological and pathological angiogenesis, and its role in tumor vessel development has been extensively studied. Pregnancy and tumors share similar features, including continuous cell proliferation and increased demand for a blood supply. Our previous studies showed that Efnb2 and Ephb4 were expressed dynamically in the spiral arteries, uterine natural killer cells, and trophoblasts during mouse gestation Days 6.5-12.5. Moreover, uterine natural killer cells and trophoblasts are required for the modification of spiral arteries. Oxygen tension within the pregnant uterus, which contributes to the vascular development, also affects EFNB2 and EPHB4 expression. Considering the role of EFNB2/EPHB4 signaling in embryonic and tumor vascular development, and its dynamic expression in the decidua and placenta, we hypothesize that EFNB2 and EPHB4 are involved in the regulation of spiral artery remodeling. Investigating this hypothesis will help clarify the mechanisms of pathological pregnancy that may underlie abnormal spiral artery development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Dong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoran Yu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Mu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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41
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Spradley FT, Palei AC, Granger JP. Immune Mechanisms Linking Obesity and Preeclampsia. Biomolecules 2015; 5:3142-76. [PMID: 26569331 PMCID: PMC4693273 DOI: 10.3390/biom5043142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by hypertension occurring after the twentieth week of pregnancy. It is a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries and its pervasiveness is increasing within developed countries including the USA. However, the mechanisms mediating the pathogenesis of this maternal disorder and its rising prevalence are far from clear. A major theory with strong experimental evidence is that placental ischemia, resulting from inappropriate remodeling and widening of the maternal spiral arteries, stimulates the release of soluble factors from the ischemic placenta causing maternal endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Aberrant maternal immune responses and inflammation have been implicated in each of these stages in the cascade leading to PE. Regarding the increased prevalence of this disease, it is becoming increasingly evident from epidemiological data that obesity, which is a state of chronic inflammation in itself, increases the risk for PE. Although the specific mechanisms whereby obesity increases the rate of PE are unclear, there are strong candidates including activated macrophages and natural killer cells within the uterus and placenta and activation in the periphery of T helper cells producing cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 and the anti-angiogenic factor sFlt-1 and B cells producing the agonistic autoantibodies to the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1-aa). This review will focus on the immune mechanisms that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension in PE with an emphasis on the potential importance of inflammatory factors in the increased risk of developing PE in obese pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank T Spradley
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, Women's Health Research Center, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
| | - Ana C Palei
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, Women's Health Research Center, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
| | - Joey P Granger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, Women's Health Research Center, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
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Croy BA, Burke SD, Barrette VF, Zhang J, Hatta K, Smith GN, Bianco J, Yamada AT, Adams MA. Identification of the primary outcomes that result from deficient spiral arterial modification in pregnant mice. Pregnancy Hypertens 2015; 1:87-94. [PMID: 22279618 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2010.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia, an acute complication of human pregnancy, is associated within complete physiological modification of decidual spiral arteries. This is thought to promote oxidative stress from perfusion/reperfusion of the placenta and to restrict placental and fetal growth. Alymphoid (genotype Rag2(-/-)/Il2rg(-/-)) mice, sufficient in dendritic and myeloid cell functions, lack spiral arterial modification with individual spiral arteries having ~1.7x the vascular resistance and 0.66x the blood velocity of +/+ mice. Their placentae are measurably hypoxic yet neither placental growth nor fetal survival is impaired and gestational hypertension is not seen. Thus, lymphocytes rather than vascular adaptations appear to be the pivotal contributors to the clinical complications of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Anne Croy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Kingston ON Canada K7L 3N6
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43
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Rätsep MT, Felker AM, Kay VR, Tolusso L, Hofmann AP, Croy BA. Uterine natural killer cells: supervisors of vasculature construction in early decidua basalis. Reproduction 2015; 149:R91-102. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian pregnancy involves tremendousde novomaternal vascular construction to adequately support conceptus development. In early mouse decidua basalis (DB), maternal uterine natural killer (uNK) cells oversee this process directing various aspects during the formation of supportive vascular networks. The uNK cells recruited to early implantation site DB secrete numerous factors that act in the construction of early decidual vessels (neoangiogenesis) as well as in the alteration of the structural components of newly developing and existing vessels (pruning and remodeling). Although decidual and placental development sufficient to support live births occur in the absence of normally functioning uNK cells, development and structure of implantation site are optimized through the presence of normally activated uNK cells. Human NK cells are also recruited to early decidua. Gestational complications including recurrent spontaneous abortion, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm labor are linked with the absence of human NK cell activation via paternally inherited conceptus transplantation antigens. This review summarizes the roles that mouse uNK cells normally play in decidual neoangiogenesis and spiral artery remodeling in mouse pregnancy and briefly discusses changes in early developmental angiogenesis due to placental growth factor deficiency.
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IFN-γ induces aberrant CD49b⁺ NK cell recruitment through regulating CX3CL1: a novel mechanism by which IFN-γ provokes pregnancy failure. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1512. [PMID: 25375377 PMCID: PMC4260728 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a pleiotropic lymphokine, has important regulatory effects on many cell types. Although IFN-γ is essential for the initiation of uterine vascular modifications and maintenance of decidual integrity, IFN-γ administration can also cause pregnancy failure in many species. However, little is known about the effector mechanisms involved. In this study, using an IFN-γ-induced abortion mouse model, we reported that no Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin-positive uterine natural killer (uNK) cells were observed in the uteri from IFN-γ-induced abortion mice. By contrast, the percentage of CD3−CD49b+ NK cells in the uterus and blood from a foetal resorption group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Similarly, significantly upregulated expression of CD49b (a pan-NK cell marker), CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 (CX3CL1 receptor) was detected in the uteri of IFN-γ-induced abortion mice. Using isolated uterine stromal cells, we showed that upregulated expression of CX3CL1 by IFN-γ was dependent on a Janus family kinase 2-signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (JAK2-STAT1) pathway. We further demonstrated the chemotactic activity of CX3CL1 in uterine stromal cell conditioned medium on primary splenic NK cells. Finally, we observed increased recruitment of CD49b+ NK cells into the endometrium after exogenous CX3CL1 administration. Collectively, our findings indicate that IFN-γ can significantly increase uterine CX3CL1 expression via activation of the JAK2-STAT1 pathway, thus inducing CD49b+ NK cell uterine homing, and eventually provoke foetal loss. Thus, we provide a new line of evidence correlating the deleterious effects of IFN-γ on pregnancy with the aberrant regulation of CX3CL1 and CD49b+ NK cells.
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45
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Clark DA. Popular myths in reproductive immunology. J Reprod Immunol 2014; 104-105:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Leukocyte population dynamics and detection of IL-9 as a major cytokine at the mouse fetal-maternal interface. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107267. [PMID: 25259859 PMCID: PMC4178026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite much interest in the mechanisms regulating fetal-maternal interactions, information on leukocyte populations and major cytokines present in uterus and placenta remains fragmentary. This report presents a detailed and quantitative study of leukocyte populations at the mouse fetal-maternal interface, including a comparison between pregnancies from syngeneic and allogeneic crosses. Our results provide evidence for drastic differences not only in the composition of leukocyte populations in the uterus during pregnancy, but also between uterine and placental tissues. Interestingly, we have observed a significant decrease in the number of myeloid Gr1+ cells including monocytes, and myeloid CD11c+ cells including DCs in placenta from an allogeneic pregnancy. In addition, we have compared the expression levels of a panel of cytokines in non-pregnant (NP) or pregnant mouse uterus, in placenta, or in their isolated resident leukocytes. Qualitative and quantitative differences have emerged between NP, pregnant uterus and placenta. Unexpectedly, IL-9 was the major cytokine in NP uterus, and was maintained at high levels during pregnancy both in uterus and placenta. Moreover, we have found that pregnancy is associated with an increase in uterine IL-1a and a significant decrease in uterine G-CSF and GM-CSF. Comparing allogeneic versus syngeneic pregnancy, less allogeneic placental pro-inflammatory cytokines CCL2 (MCP-1), CXCL10 (IP-10) and more IL1-α in whole uterus was reproducibly observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing a detailed overview of the leukocyte and cytokine repertoire in the uterus of virgin females and at the fetal-maternal interface, including a comparison between syngeneic and allogeneic pregnancy. This is also the first evidence for the presence of IL-9 in NP uterus and at the maternal-fetal interface, suggesting a major role in the regulation of local inflammatory or immune responses potentially detrimental to the conceptus.
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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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Abstract
The pregnancy disorders associated with placental ischemia share many similar pathological and pathophysiological features and are associated with the failure to deliver adequate nutrients and oxygen to the placenta. The origins of this deficiency are a subject of intense study. In this article, I review the genesis and consequences of this pathology addressing the similarities and the differences with the different disorders and addressing current gaps in our knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Roberts MD
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Epidemiology and Clinical and Translational Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15213
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49
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Lockwood CJ, Huang SJ, Chen CP, Huang Y, Xu J, Faramarzi S, Kayisli O, Kayisli U, Koopman L, Smedts D, Buchwalder LF, Schatz F. Decidual cell regulation of natural killer cell-recruiting chemokines: implications for the pathogenesis and prediction of preeclampsia. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 183:841-56. [PMID: 23973270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
First trimester human decidua is composed of decidual cells, CD56(bright)CD16(-) decidual natural killer (dNK) cells, and macrophages. Decidual cells incubated with NK cell-derived IFN-γ and either macrophage-derived TNF-α or IL-1β synergistically enhanced mRNA and protein expression of IP-10 and I-TAC. Both chemokines recruit CXCR3-expressing NK cells. This synergy required IFN-γ receptor 1 and 2 mediation via JAK/STAT and NFκB signaling pathways. However, synergy was not observed on neutrophil, monocyte, and NK cell-recruiting chemokines. Immunostaining of first trimester decidua localized IP-10, I-TAC, IFN-γR1, and -R2 to vimentin-positive decidual cells versus cytokeratin-positive interstitial trophoblasts. Flow cytometry identified high CXCR3 levels on dNK cells and minority peripheral CD56(bright)CD16(-) pNK cells and intermediate CXCR3 levels on the majority of CD56(dim)CD16(+) pNK cells. Incubation of pNK cells with either IP-10 or I-TAC elicited concentration-dependent enhanced CXCR3 levels and migration of both pNK cell subsets that peaked at 10 ng/mL, whereas each chemokine at a concentration of 50 ng/mL inhibited CXCR3 expression and pNK cell migration. Deciduae from women with preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, displayed significantly lower dNK cell numbers and higher IP-10 and I-TAC levels versus gestational age-matched controls. Significantly elevated IP-10 levels in first trimester sera from women eventually developing preeclampsia compared with controls, identifying IP-10 as a novel, robust early predictor of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Yallampalli C, Chauhan M, Endsley J, Sathishkumar K. Calcitonin gene related family peptides: importance in normal placental and fetal development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 814:229-40. [PMID: 25015815 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1031-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Synchronized molecular and cellular events occur between the uterus and the implanting embryo to facilitate successful pregnancy outcome. Nevertheless, the molecular signaling network that coordinates strategies for successful decidualization, placentation and fetal growth are not well understood. The discovery of calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptides (CT/CGRP) highlighted new signaling mediators in various physiological processes, including reproduction. It is known that CGRP family peptides including CGRP, adrenomedulin and intermedin play regulatory functions during implantation, trophoblast proliferation and invasion, and fetal organogenesis. In addition, all the CGRP family peptides and their receptor components are found to be expressed in decidual, placental and fetal tissues. Additionally, plasma levels of peptides of the CGRP family were found to fluctuate during normal gestation and to induce placental cellular differentiation, proliferation, and critical hormone signaling. Moreover, aberrant signaling of these CGRP family peptides during gestation has been associated with pregnancy disorders. It indicates the existence of a possible regulatory role for these molecules during decidualization and placentation processes, which are known to be particularly vulnerable. In this review, the influence of the CGRP family peptides in these critical processes is explored and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Yallampalli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA,
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