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Ansariniya H, Hadinedoushan H, Zare F, Idali F, Shabani M, Mosaffa N. Study the effect of recombinant leukemia inhibitory factor on maintenance of pregnancy and frequency of regulatory T cells in abortion-prone mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110908. [PMID: 37713786 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) can have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. Understanding the mechanisms behind abortion is crucial for developing potential treatments. Among various models of abortion, the CBA/J(♀) × DBA/2J(♂) model stands out as the most extensively studied. This model reveals the influence of an altered immune system on resorption during pregnancy. The leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) holds considerable importance as a secretory glycoprotein essential for successful implantation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been found to produce high levels of LIF in both mice and humans. LIF plays a vital role in the development of Tregs by upregulating the expression of the Foxp3 transcription factor while downregulating the expression of RORγt. To investigate the impact of recombinant LIF (rLIF) on pregnancy maintenance and Treg cell frequency in abortion-prone (AP) mice, a specific recombinant protein was used in this study. The AP group consisted of CBA/J(♀) × DBA/2J(♂) mice, while the control group comprised CBA/J(♀) × BALB/c(♂) mice. Intraperitoneal injections of rLIF were administered to the AP group on the third day of pregnancy, and its effects on Treg cell frequency and pregnancy maintenance were examined during this period. Following rLIF injections on the fourteenth day of pregnancy, the expression of Foxp3 significantly increased in AP mice (p = 0.02,0.008). Additionally, AP mice injected with rLIF demonstrated a significant reduction in resorption rate (p = 0.01) and a notable increase in birth rate (p = 0.01,0.0005). These findings provide new insights into the potential benefits of LIF in treating RSA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ansariniya
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hossein Hadinedoushan
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fateme Zare
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Farah Idali
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Shabani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nariman Mosaffa
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Zare F, Amiri MM, Hadinedoushan H, Dehghan-Manshadi M, Mansouri F, Fesahat F, Saboor-Yaraghi AA. Contraceptive and molecular function of a novel recombinant vaccine based human leukemia inhibitory factor on Balb/c mice: An experimental in vivo study. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103195. [PMID: 32927320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The functional competence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), as immunocontraceptive vaccine in mice, was investigated. Balb/c mice were divided into two groups of vaccinated and controls. The recombinant human LIF (rhLIF) protein and phosphate buffer saline was emulsified with Freund's adjuvant and injected into vaccinated and control groups, respectively. Theinhibition of implantation was evaluated in mice uterine. The concentration of secreted interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-4 were measured in cultured splenocyte of mice stimulated by rhLIF. The expressions of immune responsive gene 1 (IRG-1), cochlin (COCH), amphiregulin(Ar), and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) genes were determined. Mice were assessed for inhibition of fertility after delivery, reversibility of immune response against rhLIF, and survival rate. Active immunization of mice with rhLIF resulted in reduction of the implantation and fertility rate up to 80.49% and 75%, respectively. All mice produced a high titer of anti-rhLIF antibodies in serums and vaginal fluids washes after 16 weeks; however, these antibodies were cleared from vaginal fluid washes after six months. A significant down-regulation in mRNA levels of IRG-1, Ar and HB-EGF was observed in vaccinated group compared to controls; however, no significant change in the expression profile of cochlin gene was detected. The results showed that rhLIF prevented pregnancy in a high percentage of female mice. Although the immunization of female Balb/c mice with rhLIF inhibited fertility and expression of genes associated with this molecule, further studies are needed to support this protein as a suitable candidate for contraceptive vaccine in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Zare
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Amiri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hossein Hadinedoushan
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahdi Dehghan-Manshadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Fesahat
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Saboor-Yaraghi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Han M, Yao Y, Zeng W, Wang Y, Feng L, Zhao J. Complexes of trophoblastic peptides and heat shock protein 70 as a novel contraceptive vaccine in a mouse model. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 32:457-65. [PMID: 26847794 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The concept of contraceptive vaccines has interested reproductive biologists and immunologists for nearly 2 decades, but no approach has been approved. In this study, a new immunocontraceptive vaccine that targets placental trophoblasts was expored. We demonstrated that after in-vitro binding with heat shock protein 70, trophoblast-derived peptides can activate T cells both in vitro and in vivo. The activated T cells have a Th1 bias and specifically cause cytolysis of trophoblasts, leading to the termination of pregnancy. Such activated T cells seem to have an effect on early gestation, rather than influencing preimplantation. We did not observe side-effects of this vaccine in mice. In conclusion, a novel contraceptive strategy is described that uses heat shock protein 70-trophoblastic peptide complexes to generate a specific T-cell immune response against placental trophoblasts. This type of vaccine targeting the post-implantation phase does not generate a permanent effect but possibly raises an ethical issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wangjiang Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lin Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Swegen A, Aitken RJ. Prospects for immunocontraception in feral horse population control: exploring novel targets for an equine fertility vaccine. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:853-863. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Feral horses populate vast land areas and often induce significant ecological and economic damage throughout the landscape. Non-lethal population control methods are considered favourable in light of animal welfare, social and ethical considerations; however, no single effective, safe and species-specific contraceptive agent is currently available for use in free-ranging wild and feral horses. This review explores aspects of equine reproductive physiology that may provide avenues for the development of specific and long-lasting immunocontraceptive vaccines and some of the novel strategies that may be employed to facilitate appropriate antigen discovery in future research. Potential antigen targets pertaining to spermatozoa, the ovary and oocyte, as well as the early conceptus and its associated factors, are reviewed in the context of their suitability for immunocontraceptive vaccine development.
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Barbosa T, Barral-Netto M. Challenges in the research and development of new human vaccines. Braz J Med Biol Res 2015; 46:103-8. [PMID: 23558931 PMCID: PMC3854358 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20131873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of vaccinology was born from the observations by the fathers of vaccination, Edward Jenner and Louis Pasteur, that a permanent, positive change in the way our bodies respond to life-threatening infectious diseases can be obtained by specific challenge with the inactivated infectious agent performed in a controlled manner, avoiding the development of clinical disease upon exposure to the virulent pathogen. Many of the vaccines still in use today were developed on an empirical basis, essentially following the paradigm established by Pasteur, "isolate, inactivate, and inject" the disease-causing microorganism, and are capable of eliciting uniform, long-term immune memory responses that constitute the key to their proven efficacy. However, vaccines for pathogens considered as priority targets of public health concern are still lacking. The literature tends to focus more often on vaccine research problems associated with specific pathogens, but it is increasingly clear that there are common bottlenecks in vaccine research, which need to be solved in order to advance the development of the field as a whole. As part of a group of articles, the objective of the present report is to pinpoint these bottlenecks, exploring the literature for common problems and solutions in vaccine research applied to different situations. Our goal is to stimulate brainstorming among specialists of different fields related to vaccine research and development. Here, we briefly summarize the topics we intend to deal with in this discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Barbosa
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Salvador, BA, Brasil.
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Lekhwani S, Vaswani ND, Ghalaut VS, Shanker V, Singh R. Immunocontraceptives: How far from reality? Adv Biomed Res 2014; 3:247. [PMID: 25590025 PMCID: PMC4283252 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.146369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite high expectations of safer, effective, economical, longer acting contraceptives, to date, there are no licensed contraceptive vaccines available in the market. Nevertheless, a role for vaccines undoubtedly exists as an aid to birth spacing and as a nonsurgical means of generating sterility. The research concerned in the area so far has been successful on the feline population, with room still for exhaustive studies on humans. The future of contraceptive vaccines holds great promise in terms of comfort, price, efficacy, rare complications, and possibly nonselective action on animal populations as well as on humans. This brief review deals with the basic aspects of immunocontraceptives along with the efforts done so far. There is a need for further research in aspects involving the rate of evolution of contraception resistance based on genetics, resistance phenotypes, or cross generation effects. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and luteinizing-hormone have not been investigated in humans, as both reported impotency in animals; the follicle-stimulating hormone has been shown to cause oligospermia; zona pellucida has also not been studied in humans as it causes irreversible oophoritis, while the sperm has the potential for success in humans based on the data from immunoreproductive studies. Even as the position of the human chorionic gonadotropin vaccine looks hopeful, research on other possible targets continue with an eventual aim of discovering a vaccine that is more immunogenically effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Lekhwani
- Department of Biochemistry, Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - ND Vaswani
- Department of Pediatrics, Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | | | - Vijay Shanker
- Department of Biochemistry, Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Ragini Singh
- Department of Pathology, Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
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Lemons AR, Naz RK. Birth control vaccine targeting leukemia inhibitory factor. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 79:97-106. [PMID: 22139866 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The population explosion and unintended pregnancies resulting in elective abortions continue to impose major public health issues. This calls for a better method of contraception. Immunocontraception has been proposed as a valuable alternative that can fulfill most, if not all, of the properties of an ideal contraceptive. There are several targets that are being explored for contraceptive vaccine development. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a member of interleukin-6 family, is required for embryo development and successful blastocyst implantation in several mammalian species. The present study was conducted to examine if LIF can be a target for the development of a birth control vaccine. Three sequences from LIF and two sequences from LIF-receptor (LIF-R) that span the regions involved in ligand-receptor binding were delineated, and peptides were synthesized based upon these sequences. Antibodies raised against these five peptides reduced LIF bioactivity in an in vitro culture assay using BA/F3 mLIF-R-mpg130 cells. Vaccines were prepared by conjugating these peptides to various carrier proteins. Immunization of female mice with these peptide vaccines induced a long-lasting, circulating as well as local antibody response in various parts of the genital tract, and resulted in a significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibition in fertility in all the three trials; the LIF-R peptide vaccines proved to be a better vaccine target. The data indicate that LIF/LIF-R is an excellent target for the development of a birth control vaccine. This is the first study, to our knowledge, that examined LIF/LIF-R as a target for immunocontraception. The findings of this study can be easily translated to humans since LIF/LIF-R is also important for implantation and pregnancy in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Lemons
- Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
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