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Huang X, Lin Z, Zheng ZM, Shi JL, Lu KY, Wang JR, Li MQ, Shao J. A Hypoxia-Decidual Macrophage Regulatory Axis in Normal Pregnancy and Spontaneous Miscarriage. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9710. [PMID: 39273657 PMCID: PMC11395248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The significance of hypoxia at the maternal-fetal interface is proven to be self-explanatory in the context of pregnancy. During the first trimester, low oxygen conditions play a crucial role in processes such as angiogenesis, trophoblast invasion and differentiation, and immune regulation. Recently, there has been increasing research on decidual macrophages, which contribute to the maintenance of immune tolerance, placental and fetal vascular development, and spiral artery remodeling, to investigate the effects of hypoxia on their biological behaviors. On these grounds, this review describes the dynamic changes in oxygen levels at the maternal-fetal interface throughout gestation, summarizing current knowledge on how the hypoxic environment sustains a successful pregnancy by regulating retention, differentiation and efferocytosis of decidual macrophages. Additionally, we explore the relationship between spontaneous miscarriages and an abnormal hypoxia-macrophage axis, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms. However, further studies are essential to elucidate these pathways in greater detail and to develop targeted interventions that could improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Huang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zhi Lin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Zi-Meng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jia-Lu Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Ke-Yu Lu
- Xing Lin College, Nantong University, Nantong 226236, China
| | - Jia-Rui Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jun Shao
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200010, China
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Yue W, Huiling Z, Yuxin L, Ling W, Feng G, Qicai L. Neu5Gc regulates decidual macrophages leading to abnormal embryo implantation. Genes Immun 2024; 25:149-157. [PMID: 38499667 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-024-00268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Repeated implantation failure (RIF) is one of the most prominent problems in the field of assisted reproduction. Neu5Gc on the surface of decidual macrophages (dMΦ) leads to different activation patterns of dMΦ, which affects embryo implantation and development. Cmah-/- (Neu5Gc-deficient) mice induced to produce anti-Neu5Gc antibodies in vivo were given a special diet rich in Neu5Gc and their fertility was monitored. The long-term diet rich in Neu5Gc induced the decrease of endometrial receptivity of female mice. The pregnancy rate of female mice fed the normal diet was 63.6% (n = 11) and the average number of embryos was 9.571 ± 1.272, while the pregnancy rate of female mice fed the diet rich in Neu5Gc was 36.4% (n = 11) and the average number of embryos in pregnant mice was 5.750 ± 3.304. The intake of Neu5Gc and the production of anti-Neu5Gc antibody led to M1 polarization of endometrial dMΦ and abnormal embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Yue
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Zhou Huiling
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Liu Yuxin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Wang Ling
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Gao Feng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
| | - Liu Qicai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Medical University, China, Fuzhou.
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Yin T, Li X, Li Y, Zang X, Liu L, Du M. Macrophage plasticity and function in cancer and pregnancy. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1333549. [PMID: 38274812 PMCID: PMC10808357 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1333549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
As the soil of life, the composition and shaping process of the immune microenvironment of the uterus is worth exploring. Macrophages, indispensable constituents of the innate immune system, are essential mediators of inflammation and tissue remodeling as well. Recent insights into the heterogeneity of macrophage subpopulations have renewed interest in their functional diversity in both physiological and pathological settings. Macrophages display remarkable plasticity and switch from one phenotype to another. Intrinsic plasticity enables tissue macrophages to perform a variety of functions in response to changing tissue contexts, such as cancer and pregnancy. The remarkable diversity and plasticity make macrophages particularly intriguing cells given their dichotomous role in either attacking or protecting tumors and semi-allogeneic fetuses, which of both are characterized functionally by immunomodulation and neovascularization. Here, we reviewed and compared novel perspectives on macrophage biology of these two settings, including origin, phenotype, differentiation, and essential roles in corresponding microenvironments, as informed by recent studies on the heterogeneity of macrophage identity and function, as well as their mechanisms that might offer opportunities for new therapeutic strategies on malignancy and pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingxuan Yin
- Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Lu Liu
- Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Meirong Du
- Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
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Stope MB, Mustea A, Sänger N, Einenkel R. Immune Cell Functionality during Decidualization and Potential Clinical Application. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051097. [PMID: 37240742 DOI: 10.3390/life13051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to a vast influx in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, leukocytes represent 40-50% of the decidua at the time of implantation. Their importance for the implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition are known yet not fully understood. Thus, in idiopathic infertility, decidual immune-related factors are speculated to be the cause. In this review, the immune cell functions in the decidua were summarized, and clinical diagnostics, as well as interventions, were discussed. There is a rising number of commercially available diagnostic tools. However, the intervention options are still limited and/or poorly studied. In order for us to make big steps towards the proper use of reproductive immunology findings, we need to understand the mechanisms and especially support translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias B Stope
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Mustea
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebekka Einenkel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Sang Y, Li Y, Xu L, Chen J, Li D, Du M. Dysfunction of CCR1 + decidual macrophages is a potential risk factor in the occurrence of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1045532. [PMID: 36532057 PMCID: PMC9755158 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1045532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) puzzles 1-3% of women of childbearing age worldwide. Immunological factors account for more than 60% of cases of unexplained RPL (URPL); however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, using single-cell sequencing data and functional experiments with clinical samples, we identified a distinct population of CCR1+ decidual macrophages (dMφ) that were preferentially enriched in the decidua from normal early pregnancies but were substantially decreased in patients with URPL. Specific gene signatures endowed CCR1+ dMφ with immunosuppressive and migration-regulatory properties, which were attenuated in URPL. Additionally, CCR1+ dMφ promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to promote trophoblast migration and invasion by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Decidual stromal cell (DSC)-derived CCL8 was the key regulator of CCR1+ dMφ as CCL8 recruited peripheral CCR1+ monocytes, induced a CCR1+ dMφ-like phenotype, and reinforced the CCR1+ dMφ-exerted modulation of trophoblasts. In patients with URPL, CCL8 expression in DSCs was decreased and trophoblast EMT was defective. Our findings revealed that CCR1+ dMφ play an important role in immune tolerance and trophoblast functions at the maternal-fetal interface. Additionally, decreased quantity and dysregulated function of CCR1+ dMφ result in URPL. In conclusion, we provide insights into the crosstalk between CCR1+ dMφ, trophoblasts, and DSCs at the maternal-fetal interface and macrophage-targeted interventions of URPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Sang
- National Health Council (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- National Health Council (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Xu
- National Health Council (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- National Health Council (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Dajin Li
- National Health Council (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Meirong Du, ; Dajin Li,
| | - Meirong Du
- National Health Council (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China,*Correspondence: Meirong Du, ; Dajin Li,
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Qin D, Xu H, Chen Z, Deng X, Jiang S, Zhang X, Bao S. The peripheral and decidual immune cell profiles in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Front Immunol 2022; 13:994240. [PMID: 36177021 PMCID: PMC9513186 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.994240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects 1-2% of couples of reproductive age. Immunological analysis of the immune status in RPL patients might contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of RPL. However, the exact immune cell composition in RPL patients is still unclear. Here, we used flow cytometry to investigate the immune cell profiles of peripheral blood and decidual tissue of women who experienced RPL. We divided peripheral immune cells into 14 major subgroups, and the percentages of T, natural killer T (NKT)-like and B cells in peripheral blood were increased in RPL patients. The decidual immune cells were classified into 14 major subpopulations and the percentages of decidual T, NKT-like cells and CD11chi Mφ were increased, while those of CD56hi decidual NK cells and CD11clo Mφ were decreased in RPL patients. The spearmen correlation analysis showed that the proportion of peripheral and decidual immune cells did not show significant correlations with occurrences of previous miscarriages. By using flow cytometry, we depicted the global peripheral and decidual immune landscape in RPL patients. The abnormalities of peripheral and decidual immune cells may be involved in RPL, but the correlations with the number of previous miscarriages need further verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengke Qin
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihui Xu
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zechuan Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xujing Deng
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shihua Bao, ; Xiaoming Zhang,
| | - Shihua Bao
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shihua Bao, ; Xiaoming Zhang,
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Wang LL, Li ZH, Wang H, Kwak-Kim J, Liao AH. Cutting edge: the regulatory mechanisms of macrophage polarization and function during pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103627. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Sun Y, Wu S, Zhou Q, Li X. Trophoblast-derived interleukin 9 mediates immune cell conversion and contributes to maternal-fetal tolerance. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103379. [PMID: 34534877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the maternal-fetal crosstalk, fetal derived trophoblast cells can secret several molecules to regulate immune tolerance such as cytokines and chemokines, besides human leukocyte antigens (HLA) providing. However, the mechanism of these factors in pregnancy is still unknown. Our previous study showed that IL9 could be secreted by trophoblasts and exerted a positive effect on trophoblasts themselves through autocrine signaling. Given the immunoregulatory function of IL9 and its expression in trophoblasts, we hypothesize that IL9 contributes to maternal-fetal tolerance by regulating immune cells, especially CD14+ dendritic cells (DCs) and naïve CD4 + T cells who have essential roles in maternal-fetal immune tolerance. We performed a series of experiments, finding that HTR8/SVneo cells could secrete IL9 in vitro, and this secretion was decreased under hypoxia; both CD14 + DCs and naïve CD4 + T cells expressed IL9 receptors, indicating potential interactions among these cells. In CD14 + DCs, trophoblast-derived IL9 promoted the immature differentiation, and induced the secretion of Th2 cytokines, including IL4 and IL10, shifting the Th1/Th2 ratio to Th2. In naïve CD4 + T cells, IL9 also increased Foxp3 expression and promoted the secretion of Treg cytokines, including TGFβ and IL10, inhibiting pro-inflammatory Th17. Therefore, trophoblasts may act as fetal-derived immune cells to maintain maternal-fetal tolerance by secreting IL9. Given that trophoblast derived IL9 is decreased in preeclampsia, our study provides a new insight into maternal-fetal immunology and immunological disorders in abnormal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Obstetric Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suwen Wu
- Obstetric Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiongjie Zhou
- Obstetric Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaotian Li
- Obstetric Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Obstetric Department, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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