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Isolation of Primary Human Decidual Cells from the Fetal Membranes of Term Placentae
Published on: April 30, 2018
Apoptotic DC-SIGN+ cells in normal human decidua
I Tirado-González1, R Muñoz-Fernández, A Prados
1Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain.
Placenta
|January 21, 2012
Summary
Natural pregnancy involves immune cells in the decidua. Research shows natural killer (NK) cells may induce apoptosis in dendritic cells (DC-SIGN+ cells) during normal pregnancy, potentially aiding maternal-fetal tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Normal pregnancy and spontaneous abortion involve immune responses.
- The decidua contains dendritic cells expressing DC-SIGN (CD209).
- Decidual dendritic cells may influence pregnancy outcomes, but their interaction with NK cells is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of conjugates between DC-SIGN+ cells and CD56+ NK cells in normal human decidua.
- To explore the functional significance of these cell-cell interactions in early pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were used to identify DC-SIGN+ and CD56+ cell conjugates in human decidual leukocyte suspensions.
- Apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL assays and annexin V staining.
- Cell morphology, including nuclear features, was examined.
Main Results:
- Conjugates of decidual DC-SIGN+ cells and CD56+ NK cells were frequently observed (over 40% by flow cytometry, over 50% by confocal microscopy).
- A significant proportion of DC-SIGN+ cells exhibited markers of apoptosis (TUNEL+ and annexin V+).
- Sorted DC-SIGN+ cells displayed multilobulated nuclei.
Conclusions:
- The findings strongly suggest that CD56+ NK cells induce apoptosis in DC-SIGN+ cells during normal human pregnancy.
- This interaction may play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and implications for pregnancy health.
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