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In Vitro Assays to Evaluate the Migration, Invasion, and Proliferation of Immortalized Human First-trimester Trophoblast Cell Lines
Published on: March 5, 2019
NOD protein expression and function in first trimester trophoblast cells.
Melissa J Costello1, Shawna K Joyce, Vikki M Abrahams
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)
|December 13, 2006
Summary
First trimester trophoblast cells express nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) proteins, enabling them to detect and respond to intracellular bacterial pathogens. This innate immune recognition is crucial for controlling infections that could harm fetal well-being.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Trophoblast cells express pattern recognition receptors to identify and combat pathogens.
- Intracellular bacteria pose a threat to fetal well-being.
- Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) proteins are key intracellular pattern recognition receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of NOD proteins in first trimester trophoblast cells.
- To determine if trophoblast cells can sense invasive intracellular bacteria via NOD proteins.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and RT-PCR were used to assess NOD1 and NOD2 expression in first trimester trophoblast cells.
- The functional response of trophoblast cells to NOD2 activation was evaluated using muramyl dipeptide (MDP).
Main Results:
- NOD1 and NOD2 were detected in first trimester placental villi and trophoblast cells.
- NOD1, NOD2, and RICK were expressed in isolated trophoblast cells.
- Trophoblast cells produced a pro-inflammatory cytokine response upon NOD2 ligand (MDP) stimulation, which was NOD2-dependent.
Conclusions:
- First trimester trophoblast cells express functional NOD proteins.
- These cells can recognize and respond to invasive intracellular pathogens.
- NOD protein expression contributes to the trophoblast's role in controlling infections during early pregnancy.
