The role of gamma/delta T-cell receptor-positive cells in pregnancy: part II.
OBJECTIVE
We have previously demonstrated a significantly increased ratio of gamma/delta T-cell receptor (TCR)-positive progesterone receptor(PR)-positive cells in the peripheral blood of healthy pregnant women compared to that of recurrent aborters or non-pregnant individuals. Treatment of pregnancy lymphocytes with a pan anti-gamma/delta TCR antibody inhibits progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) production, increases natural killer (NK) activity, and alters the cytokine profile. The present study was aimed at investigating the role of the different gamma/delta subpopulations in these phenomena.


METHODS
Peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy pregnant women were incubated with either anti-gamma1.4 and delta1, or anti-gamma9 and delta2 antibodies. The effect of these treatments on PR induction and interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-12 expression were tested by immunocytochemistry. NK activity of anti-gamma/delta treated lymphocytes was also determined.


RESULTS
In peripheral blood of healthy pregnant women, the most frequently occurring chain combination was gamma1.4/delta1, whereas in recurrent aborters, the gamma9/delta2 combination was predominant. Treatment of normal pregnancy lymphocytes with a mixture of gamma1.4 and delta1 antibodies resulted in a significantly reduced NK activity and increased PR and IL-10 expression, whereas treatment with a mixture of gamma9 and delta2 antibodies significantly reduced IL-10 production and slightly increased IL-12 production and NK activity. These data suggest the presence of two functionally distinct subpopulations in the peripheral blood of pregnant women.
Barakonyi
A
A
Department of Microbiology, University Medical School of Pecs, Hungary.
Polgar
B
B
Szekeres-Bartho
J
J
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000276:immunology; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology*; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016207:Cytokines; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone