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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
The presence of functional mannose receptor on macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface
G Laskarin1, K Cupurdija, V Sotosek Tokmadzic
1Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, B. Branchetta 20/1, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia. Gordana.Laskarin@medri.hr
Background:
The mannose receptor (MR) is involved in the initiation of the immune response and regulation of homeostasis during inflammation and tissue remodeling.
Methods:
Distribution, endocytosis and possible natural ligand tumor associated glycoprotein-72 (TAG-72) for the MR have been examined by immunohistology, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry at the maternal-fetal interface, characterized by extensive tissue remodeling.
Results:
Contrary to disseminated distribution of the MR positive (MR+) cells in term placenta, the MR+ cells of early pregnancy decidua intimately surrounded glands and followed tissue distribution of CD14 positive cells. The mannose receptor was present on freshly isolated first trimester decidual mononuclear cells and distributed mostly on macrophages (77.08 +/- 10.55%, mean +/- SD). The expression of the MR on CD14 positive cells decreased following 18 h culture (P < 0.01) and was accompanied by the reduction of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran uptake. PAM-1 anti-MR antibody, mannan and TAG-72 reduced FITC-dextran uptake by decidual macrophages.
Conclusions:
These data indicate that the MR+ macrophages, surrounding early decidual glands, are able to internalize ligands for carbohydrate recognition domain of the receptor, including decidual secretory phase mucin TAG-72.
Insights
Mannose receptor (MR) on macrophages in early pregnancy decidua internalizes TAG-72. This suggests a role for MR in maternal-fetal interactions and immune regulation during early gestation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The mannose receptor (MR) plays a crucial role in immune response initiation and maintaining homeostasis during inflammation and tissue remodeling.
- Understanding MR function at the maternal-fetal interface is vital for comprehending early pregnancy dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution, endocytosis, and potential natural ligand TAG-72 for the MR in the early pregnancy decidua.
- To elucidate the role of MR-expressing macrophages in the maternal-fetal interface.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistology, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry were employed to examine MR distribution and function.
- Decidual mononuclear cells and macrophages were analyzed for MR expression and ligand uptake.
- The effect of anti-MR antibody, mannan, and TAG-72 on endocytosis was assessed.
Main Results:
- MR-positive cells in early decidua were concentrated around glands, distinct from term placenta distribution.
- First-trimester decidual macrophages predominantly expressed MR and exhibited ligand uptake.
- MR expression and FITC-dextran uptake by decidual macrophages decreased with culture and were inhibited by mannan and TAG-72.
Conclusions:
- Decidual macrophages expressing MR in early pregnancy are capable of internalizing carbohydrate-containing ligands.
- Decidual secretory mucin TAG-72 is identified as a potential ligand for the MR in the decidua.
- These findings highlight the involvement of MR in regulating interactions at the maternal-fetal interface.
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