Defective production of LIF, M-CSF and Th2-type cytokines by T cells at fetomaternal interface is associated with pregnancy loss.
Development of CD4+ helper T (Th) cells into type 1 (Th1) or type 2 (Th2) effectors can be influenced by hormones enhanced during pregnancy. Progesterone, at concentrations comparable to those found at fetomaternal interface, promotes the production of IL-4 and IL-5, whereas relaxin promotes the production of IFN-gamma by T cells. Furthermore, Th1-type cytokines promote allograft rejection and, therefore, may compromise pregnancy, whereas Th2-type cytokines, which inhibit Th1 responses, may allow allograft tolerance. In addition, T cell production of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) and macrophage-stimulating factor (M-CSF), which are essential for embryo implantation and development, are up-regulated by IL-4 and progesterone. Finally, a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the defective production of LIF, M-CSF and Th2-type cytokines by T cells present at feto maternal interface and the pregnancy loss has been observed.
Piccinni
M P
MP
Department of Internal Medicine, Immunoallergology Unit, University of Florence, 85 viale Morgagni, 50134, Florence, Italy. mppiccinni@hotmail.com
Scaletti
C
C
Vultaggio
A
A
Maggi
E
E
Romagnani
S
S
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology; D006131:Growth Inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D023001:Transplantation Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000276:immunology
D016207:Cytokines; D006131:Growth Inhibitors; D015850:Interleukin-6; C507837:LIF protein, human; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D008222:Lymphokines; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor