Inhibition of Lymphocyte Activation by Antisera to Embryonic Antigens Shared With Human Placental Trophoblast*

ABSTRACT: In order to further examine the inhibition of lymphocyte activation reported with conventional antisera to human trophoblast membranes, we studied their effects on cells stimulated by antigen in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) and by the mitogen phytohemagglutinin. The results were compared with the effects of antisera known to recognize intrinsic membrane determinants on activated T cells (DR antigens and placental alkaline phosphatase) and with those of antisera to normal human serum components such as transferrin which may bind to the activated lymphocyte membrane. The results indicated that antibodies to placental alkaline phosphatase, which constitutes the predominant specificity of conventional trophoblast membrane antisera, caused inhibition both of MLC response and, to a lesser extent, of activation induced by mitogen. Similar inhibition was obtained with antisera to human DR antigens, while antisera to normal human serum and transferrin were not suppressive. These findings, together with time course studies and immunocytochemical studies of the homologous antigens, suggest that these antisera mediate their inhibitory effects in part through binding to antigens which appear on cells as they undergo activation.     

0KT3-Induced Cytokine mRNA Expression in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Measured by Polymerase Chain Reaction

The kinetic profile of cytokine gene expression in normal human peripheral mononuclear cells (MNC) activated by an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody was studied. The presence or absence of 10 different cytokine mRNA were measured in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assisted mRNA amplification assay. After 2 h of stimulation the mRNA for interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-3 (IL-3), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were detectable and remained present during the whole time period studied (22 h). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were detected after 4 h, while interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA did not appear until after 7 h; they all remained expressed at 22 h. A transient expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) mRNA was observed between 4 and 7 h of stimulation. No gene expression of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was detected at any time. These results show that anti-CD3 stimulation of MNC leads to a rapid sequential induction of different cytokine mRNA, some with a very transient expression.     

Expression of Autotaxin, an Ectoenzyme that Produces Lysophosphatidic Acid, in Human Placenta

Problem  Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator and thought to play an important role in pregnancy. Plasma LPA is produced by autotaxin (ATX), and ATX activity in plasma increases during pregnancy paralleled with gestational weeks and decreases to near the non-pregnant level soon after delivery. However, the source of increased ATX during pregnancy is still uncertain. We hypothesized that the source of increased ATX might be placenta.
Method of study  We investigated the protein and mRNA expression of ATX in human placenta using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively.
Results  At all 3 gestational trimesters, immunohistochemical staining for placenta tissues revealed the most marked positive staining of ATX protein in trophoblasts. Real-time PCR revealed that mRNA amounts of ATX in placenta tissues paralleled with gestational weeks, i.e. ATX level in plasma.
Conclusion  These findings suggest that trophoblasts might produce ATX and its bioactive resultant substance, LPA, paralleled with gestational weeks.     

Antigenic Analysis of Human Trophoblast Membrane: Detection of a Lymphocyte Cross-Reactive Antigen

ABSTRACT: The antigenicity of human syncytiotrophoblast membrane (TM) was analyzed using rabbit antiserum raised against TM. From immunoblot analysis, about ten protein bands in TM were recognized by the anti-TM. These included placental alkaline phosphatase and TM-bound albumin. From limited antigenic specificity studies, these antigens, with the exception of albumin, were not detectable in membranes of liver, kidney, heart, and erythrocyte, or in human normal serum. Therefore, these antigens appear to be placental membrane specific. Analysis of lymphocyte membrane by Immunoelectrophoresis, crossed Immunoelectrophoresis, and immunoblot techniques revealed that a single protein band, designated “40 kDa,” was cross-reactive with the anti-TM antiserum, indicating that this antigen is shared commonly between placenta and lymphocyte membranes. Experimental evidence suggesting that the 40-kDa membrane antigen is probably a unique trophoblast-Iymphocyte cross-reactive antigen is based on the following observations: 1) the 40-kDa antigen was not detectable in liver, heart, and kidney membrane; 2) γ₂-microglobulin (12,000 daltons) was not detectable in our TM preparation; and 3) the lymphocyte membrane showed only a single protein band at 40,000 daltons, not at 12,000 for γ-microglobulin.     

肾综合征出血热病毒逆转录－聚合酶链反应检测方法的实验研究和临床意义

选择覆盖肾综合征出血热病毒（ＨＦＲＳＶ）核蛋白（ＮＰ）基因的保守区核苷酸序列合成引物，采用异硫氰酸胍一步法抽提ＲＮＡ，建立了逆转录（ＲＴ）聚合酶链反应（ＰＣＲ）检测临床血清样本中ＨＦＲＳＶＲＮＡ的方法。扩增产物经凝胶电泳及Ｓｏｕｔｈｅｒｎ印迹杂交证实了其具有特异性。结果显示ＨＦＲＳＶ阳性细胞培养液、１６份患者血清均为阳性，而１０份正常人血清均为阴性。该方法具高特异、高敏感的特点，为临床早期、快速诊断，并从分子生物学角度鉴定ＨＦＲＳＶ提供了新手段。     

Regulatory Effects of Cytokine Production in Atopic Allergic Reaction by Gammi-Danguieumja

Gammi-danguieumja (GD) is clinically used in South Korea for treating atopic dermatitis. However, its effects in experimental models remain unknown. We investigated a possible effect of GD on cytokines production using human T cell line (MOLT-4) or human mast cell line. As a result, GD (0.01 mg/mL)-containing medium in stimulated culture supernatants increased IL-2 and IFN-γ, and decreased IL-4 secretion in MOLT-4. GD (0.01–1 mg/mL)-containing medium in stimulated culture supernatants dose-dependently and significantly decreased IL-8, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion on the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187-stimulated HMC-1. In addition, GD inhibited histamine release from activated mast cells. These results suggest that GD contributes to the regulation of atopic allergic reactions.     

Effect of a Soluble Factor Secreted From Cultured Human Trophoblast Cells on In Vitro Lymphocyte Reactions

ABSTRACT: The immunoregulatory role of trophoblast cells in cell-mediated immunity was investigated. Trophoblast cells were obtained from 8–10-week human placentae by treatment with collagenase followed by differential centrifugation. The cells were cultured for 48 hr, and the culture supernatant was examined for immunosuppressive activity in vitro. The supernatant when added to cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy donors suppressed both their reactivity to different lectins (PHA and PWM) and their activity in one-way mixed lymphocyte reaction. The degree of suppression was dose-dependent. Furthermore, the supernatant was able to reduce the natural killer cell activity against K562 target cells. On the other hand, the supernatant had no inhibitory effect on the effector phase of lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity activity against tumor cell lines RPMI 8866 and Daudi. In all cases, the suppression observed was not due to lymphocytotoxicity or tumor cell mortality. The results indicate that trophoblast cells release a soluble suppressive factor that is a potent inhibitor of cell-mediated immunity.     

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Trophoblast Cells by Human Endometrial Endothelial Cells Induces Proinflammatory Cytokine Production

Citation Peng B, Koga K, Cardenas I, Aldo P, Mor G. Phagocytosis of apoptotic trophoblast cells by human endometrial endothelial cells induces proinflammatory cytokine production. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 12–19 Problem Apoptosis is a normal constituent of trophoblast turnover in the placenta; however in some cases, this process is related to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. Recognition and engulfment of these apoptotic trophoblast cells is important for clearance of dying cells. The aim of this study was to show the cross talk between human endometrial endothelial cells (HEECs) and apoptotic trophoblast cells in an in vitro coculture model and its effect on cytokine production by HEECs. Method of study Fluorescent‐labeled HEECs were cocultured with fluorescent‐labeled apoptotic human trophoblast cells. Confocal microscopy and flowcytometry were used to show the interaction between these two types of cells. Cytokine profiles were determined using multiplex analysis. Results HEECs are capable to phagocytose apoptotic trophoblasts. This activity is inhibited by the phagocytosis inhibitor cytochalasin B. Phagocytosis of apoptotic trophoblast cells induced the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 by HEECs. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence that HEECs have an ability to phagocytose apoptotic trophoblasts. Furthermore, we demonstrated an inflammatory response of HEECs after phagocytosing the apoptotic trophoblast cells. This event may contribute to the inflammatory response in both normal pregnancy and pathologic pregnancy such as preeclampsia.     

胎盘粘连植入组织和人胎盘滋养层细胞中VCAM-1的表达及其与侵入性胎盘疾病的相关性

目的探讨胎盘粘连植入组织和人胎盘滋养层细胞中血管细胞黏附分子-1(vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,VCAM-1)的表达及其与侵入性胎盘疾病的相关性。方法采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测2017年9月至2018年9月期间我院收治的20例产妇静脉血中可溶性VCAM-1(sVCAM-1)的表达水平,根据sVCAM-1的平均值将另外随机选取的200例产妇分为高表达组和低表达组,计算两组侵入性胎盘发生率。采用免疫组化染色、实时定量PCR和Western blot检测40例侵入性胎盘组织和40例正常胎盘组织中的VCAM-1、TNF-α、NF-κB p65和IκBα表达。应用20 ng/mL的TNF-α处理人胎盘滋养层HTR8/SVneo细胞系后检测细胞中VCAM-1、TNF-α、NF-κB p65和IκBα的表达。结果20例健康产妇静脉血中的VCAM-1平均水平为36.32±3.25 ng/mL。高表达组的侵入性胎盘发生率(6.98%)显著高于低表达组(0.64%)(χ^2=0.922,P=0.009)。实时定量RT-PCR和Western blot结果表明,与对照组相比,侵入性胎盘组VCAM-1的mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著升高。免疫染色显示VCAM-1蛋白主要在滋养细胞的细胞质和膜中表达,侵入性胎盘组的VCAM-1阳性率(72.50%)显著高于对照组(17.50%)(Z=-5.063,P<0.001)。与对照组相比,侵入性胎盘组的TNF-α和NF-κB p65表达水平显著升高,而IκBα表达水平显著降低(P<0.05)。与未用TNF-α处理(0 ng/mL)的HTR8/SVneo细胞相比,应用20 ng/mL浓度的TNF-α处理细胞1周后,细胞中的NF-κB p65和VCAM-1表达水平显著升高,而IκBα表达水平显著降低(P<0.05)。结论VCAM-1在侵入性胎盘产妇血液和胎盘组织中均为高表达模式。VCAM-1的活化至少部分依赖于TNF-α、NF-κB信号通路的激活,从而诱导其在滋养细胞中高表达并引起过度侵袭,导致侵入性胎盘的发生。     

lncRNA SNHG17 靶向 miR-525-5p 对人绒毛膜滋养层细胞增殖、 迁移和侵袭的影响

目的 探讨 lncRNA SNHG17 对人绒毛膜滋养层细胞生长及转移的影响及其可能作用机制。 方法 qRT-PCR 检测正常胎盘组织、 子痫前期胎盘组织中 lncRNA SNHG17 和 miR-525-5p 表达。 体外培养人绒 毛膜滋养层细胞 HTR-8 / SVneo, 分别转染 si-SNHG17、 anti-miR-525-5p 及其阴性对照; 采用平板克隆形成实 验、 划痕实验与 Transwell 实验分别检测细胞增殖、 迁移及侵袭能力; 双荧光素酶报告实验检测 miR-525-5p 与 SNHG17 的靶向关系。 结果 与正常胎盘组织比较, 子痫前期胎盘组织中 lncRNA SNHG17 表达升高, miR-525-5p 表达降低 (P< 0. 05)。 转染 si-SNHG17 后细胞克隆形成数和侵袭细胞数增多, 划痕愈合率升高 (P< 0. 05)。 lncRNA SNHG17 靶向调控 miR-525-5p; 共转染 si-SNHG17 和 anti-miR-525-5p 后细胞克隆形成数 和侵袭细胞数减少, 划痕愈合率降低 (P< 0. 05)。 结论 沉默 lncRNA SNHG17 可通过促进 miR-525-5p 表 达而促进人绒毛膜滋养层细胞增殖、 迁移及侵袭。     

Detection of GB Virus-C/Hepatitis G Virus RNA in Serum by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction

Three PCR methods based on the GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) 5′UTR and NS3 genomic region were used for the detection of GBV-C/HBV RNA in serum of 62 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Ten of 62 (16%) patients were found to have GBV-C/HGV RNA, which was confirmed by sequence analysis of the 5′UTR PCR amplicon. All methods appear to be specific, but methods based on the 5′UTR appear to be more sensitive. J. Med. Virol. 52:92–96, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Short Fragment Polymerase Chain Reaction Reverse Hybridization Line Probe Assay to Detect and Genotype a Broad Spectrum of Human Papillomavirus Types : Clinical Evaluation and Follow-Up

The purpose of this study was to detect and genotype 16 different human papilloma virus (HPV) types simultaneously using a short fragment polymerase chain reaction (SPF) hybridization line probe assay (LiPA). 152 women who were referred to the gynecologist because of abnormal cervical smear underwent colposcopic examination and repeat cervical smear. In addition, the cervical scrapes were analyzed for the presence of HPV by a novel general HPV polymerase chain reaction assay followed by a single reaction genotyping assay allowing for a simultaneous detection and identification of 16 different HPV types. HPV DNA was detected in 38% of normal follow-up cervical scrapes, 51% of scrapes with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 78% of scrapes with mild dysplasia (low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions), 86% of scrapes with moderate dysplasia (high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions), and in 88% of scrapes with severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. One case of invasive squamous cell carcinoma was positive for HPV 16. Overall, a single HPV type was detected in 56% of HPV positive scrapes, with HPV 16 being the most common and accounting for 45% of all single infections. Forty-four percent of the positive scrapes contained multiple HPV types, of which double infections prevailed. Follow-up results proved the reproducibility and reliability of SPF HPV LiPA. In conclusion, we have used and evaluated the SPF-HPV-LiPA system for the detection and genotyping of HPV infections. The combined detection-typing method proved to be sensitive, specific, simple, and fast, making mass screening of cervical scrapes accessible for routine practice and facilitating individual patient management.