Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Disruption of the Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier by Small Extracellular Vesicles from Hypoxic Human Placentas
Published on: January 26, 2024
Microparticles and immunomodulation in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia
1University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK. christopher.redman@obs-gyn.ox.ac.uk
Abstract:
Cellular microparticles are ubiquitously shed from cell membranes or secreted as endocytic vesicles called exosomes. Shed microparticles are >/=100nm in size and are generated during apoptosis or necrosis. In contrast, exosomes are smaller (<100nm), express more limited protein content and are released from late endosomes. Both membrane particles and exosomes can be detected in the circulation in non-pregnant and pregnant women. In the former, they are increased in conditions associated with systemic inflammation such as sepsis or metabolic syndrome. During pregnancy, they are also associated with pre-eclampsia and include not only particles derived from platelets, endothelium and various leukocytes but also syncytiotrophoblast-derived microparticles. Syncytiotrophoblast membrane microparticles (often called STBMs) interact with both immune and endothelial cells. They may contribute to the systemic inflammatory response of both normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies, although inhibitory activity has also been described. Moreover, trophoblast-derived exosomes may contribute to or cause the downregulation of T cell activity that has been repeatedly observed during pregnancy. Deletion of activate T cells which express Fas ligand by Fas-expressing exosomes derived from trophoblast may contribute to immunoregulation necessary for normal pregnancy.
Insights
Cellular microparticles and exosomes in circulation are linked to pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia. These particles, including syncytiotrophoblast-derived microparticles (STBMs), may influence immune responses during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cellular microparticles and exosomes are circulating vesicles originating from cell membranes or endosomes.
- These particles are found in both non-pregnant and pregnant individuals, with levels altered in inflammatory conditions and pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia.
- Syncytiotrophoblast-derived microparticles (STBMs) are specific to pregnancy and interact with immune and endothelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of circulating cellular microparticles and exosomes in pregnancy, particularly in relation to pre-eclampsia.
- To understand the immunomodulatory functions of syncytiotrophoblast-derived microparticles and exosomes during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Detection and characterization of circulating microparticles and exosomes in pregnant and non-pregnant women.
- Analysis of particle content, including syncytiotrophoblast-derived microparticles (STBMs).
- Assessment of particle interactions with immune cells (e.g., T cells) and endothelial cells.
Main Results:
- Circulating microparticles and exosomes are present in pregnancy and are elevated in pre-eclampsia.
- Syncytiotrophoblast-derived microparticles (STBMs) are identified and shown to interact with immune and endothelial cells.
- Trophoblast-derived exosomes may downregulate T cell activity, potentially contributing to immune tolerance in normal pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Circulating microparticles and exosomes, especially STBMs, play a role in the maternal inflammatory response during normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.
- Trophoblast-derived exosomes may be crucial for immune regulation, facilitating immune tolerance necessary for successful pregnancy.
- Further research into these particles could offer insights into managing pregnancy complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...