Study on the relationship between Th17 cells and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) affects numerous pregnancies.
• The role of immune cells, specifically T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells, in URSA is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between Th17 cells, Treg cells, and URSA.

Main Methods:

• Flow cytometry was used to analyze Th17 and Treg cell populations in peripheral blood.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantified interleukin-17 (IL-17) concentrations.
• Immunohistochemistry assessed IL-17A positive cells in decidual tissues.

Main Results:

• Patients with URSA showed significantly higher proportions of Th17 cells and IL-17 concentrations compared to normal pregnant and non-pregnant individuals.
• Treg cell frequencies were lower in URSA patients, resulting in a higher Th17/Treg ratio.
• Increased IL-17A positive cells were observed in the decidua of URSA patients.

Conclusions:

• Human Th17 cells may contribute to conceptus antigen rejection, potentially harming pregnancy maintenance.
• Treg cells appear to be beneficial for pregnancy.
• A balanced Th17/Treg ratio may be crucial for normal pregnancy.