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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
In Vitro Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Trophoblastic Cells
Published on: March 16, 2017
In vitro study on human trophoblast cells infected with HCMV
Juan Xiao1, Dandan Zhang, Juanjuan Chen
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. cjj8275@163.com
Abstract:
Human trophoblast cells were isolated and cultured in vitro in order to investigate possible pathogenesis of intrauterine infection caused by HCMV. Trophoblast cells were obtained by compound enzymes digestion and discontinuous percoll gradient. Cells and purity were identified by using immunocytochemistry assay with anti-CK7, Vim and beta-hCG antibodies. HCMV AD169 strain replication in isolated trophoblast cells and cell apoptosis were detected at different time points post infection (p.i.). The results showed that highly purified trophoblast cells were obtained. Specific virus replication was increased dramatically at the 24th h p.i., and then increased slowly during 48 h and 72 h. Apoptosis rate of trophoblast cells infected with HCMV was (34.68+/-3.14)% at 24th h p.i., while that in control group was (15.32+/-2.34)% (P<0.05). It was suggested that highly purified trophoblast cells can be isolated by the simplified cell purification method. HCMV can infect human trophoblast cells, and be quickly replicated, resulting in the accelerated apoptosis of human trophoblast cells during early time.
Insights
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects and replicates rapidly in human trophoblast cells, leading to increased apoptosis. This study demonstrates HCMV
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Virology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Intrauterine infections pose risks to pregnancy outcomes.
- Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common cause of congenital infections.
- The pathogenesis of HCMV in placental cells requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of intrauterine HCMV infection.
- To analyze HCMV replication and apoptosis in human trophoblast cells in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of human trophoblast cells using enzymatic digestion and Percoll gradient.
- Identification of trophoblast cell purity via immunocytochemistry (anti-CK7, Vim, beta-hCG).
- Detection of HCMV replication and apoptosis in infected trophoblast cells at various time points post-infection.
Main Results:
- Highly purified human trophoblast cells were successfully obtained.
- Significant HCMV replication was observed, increasing dramatically by 24 hours post-infection.
- HCMV infection significantly increased trophoblast cell apoptosis rates compared to controls (34.68% vs 15.32% at 24h p.i.).
Conclusions:
- A simplified method for isolating pure human trophoblast cells is effective.
- HCMV can efficiently infect and replicate in human trophoblast cells.
- HCMV infection accelerates trophoblast cell apoptosis, suggesting a potential mechanism for HCMV-induced pregnancy complications.
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