CD1 Antigen Presentation and Autoreactivity in the Pregnant Human Uterus.
OBJECTIVE
CD11c(HI) human decidual macrophages express several isoforms of CD1 molecules. Their expression pattern and function required investigation.


METHODS
CD11c(HI) macrophages were isolated from decidua. Expression of CD1 isoforms and their ability to present lipid antigens to T cells was studied.


RESULTS
CD1a, CD1c, and CD1d were all expressed on CD11c(HI) dMϕ, a pattern differing from those previously observed. Exposure of peripheral monocytes and dendritic cells to lipid isolates from decidua led to increased surface CD1a levels only. The CD1a and CD1c on dMϕ were able to present the appropriate lipid antigens to lipid antigen-specific T cells. Finally, autoreactivity of decidual T cells to CD1a was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The unique pattern of expression of CD1 isoforms on CD11c(HI) dMϕ is consistent with organ-specific roles of CD1 in human T-cell responses. dMϕ are able to present lipid antigens to both peripheral and decidual T cells and are major antigen-presenting cells in human decidua.
Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Leigh
L
Guerin
Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Vernon
V
Wu
Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Brandy
B
Houser
Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Tamara
T
Tilburgs
Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Annemieke
A
de Jong
Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
D Branch
DB
Moody
Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Jack L
JL
Strominger
D017951:Antigen Presentation; D018949:Antigens, CD1 / Q000276:immunology*; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D003656:Decidua / Q000276:immunology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020014:K562 Cells; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D018949:Antigens, CD1; D016207:Cytokines
Cytokines; gene expression; immunology; leukocytes; uterus