title: Accumulation of CRTH2-positive T-helper 2 and T-cytotoxic 2 cells at implantation sites of human decidua in a prostaglandin D(2)-mediated manner.
abstract: T-helper (Th) 2-type cytokines predominate in decidua, plausibly accounting for protection of a semiallograft, the embryo and placenta, from attack by the maternal immune system. However, localization of Th2 and T-cytotoxic (Tc) 2 cells in decidua has not been reported, presumably because of the difficulty in detecting intracellular cytokines in tissues. Here, by staining tissues for a novel surface maker of Th2/Tc2, the chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule CRTH2, which is expressed on Th2 cells, we show that CRTH2(+) Th2 cells and CRTH2(+) Tc2 cells are significantly increased at the materno-fetal interface (implantation site) in decidua. We also show that trophoblast, uterine epithelium and endometrial glands all express haematopoietic-type prostaglandin (PG) D(2) synthase (hPGDS). Since CRTH2 is a chemoattractant receptor for PGD(2) and mediates PGD(2)-dependent migration of blood Th2 cells, our findings suggest that Th2 and Tc2 cells may be recruited to the materno-fetal interface, at least in part in a PGD(2)-mediated manner.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
authors.forename: Toshihiko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Michimata
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tsuda
authors.forename: Masatoshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sakai
authors.forename: Masaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fujimura
authors.forename: Kinya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nagata
authors.forename: Masataka
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Shigeru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saito
mesh_terms: D002469:Cell Separation; D003656:Decidua / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D015230:Prostaglandin D2 / Q000502:physiology*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D011982:Receptors, Prostaglandin; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D011982:Receptors, Prostaglandin; D015230:Prostaglandin D2; C036293:prostaglandin D2 receptor