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Updated: May 23, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
08:19

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Complement C5A regulates prolabor mediators in human placenta.

Martha Lappas1, Trent M Woodruff, Stephen M Taylor

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. mlappas@unimelb.edu.au

Biology of Reproduction
|March 24, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Complement component 5a (C5a) and its receptor CD88 activate inflammatory pathways in human pregnancy. Blocking CD88 or NF-kappaB reduces C5a-induced labor mediators, suggesting a role in parturition.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive immunology
  • Molecular biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Human parturition involves inflammatory processes in the uteroplacental unit.
  • Complement activation releases C5a, a proinflammatory mediator acting via C5AR (CD88) and C5L2.
  • Limited data exist on C5a and CD88 roles in human pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of C5a and CD88 on inflammatory pathways relevant to human parturition.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of C5a-induced prolabor responses.

Main Methods:

  • Human placental and fetal membrane tissues were incubated with C5a.
  • Quantification of cytokines, prostaglandins, 8-isoprostane, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
  • Analysis of NF-kappaB activation and IkappaB-alpha degradation.

Main Results:

  • C5a significantly increased proinflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL8), cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2), prostaglandins (PGE2, PGF2alpha), MMP9 activity, and NF-kappaB activation.
  • These C5a-induced prolabor responses were attenuated by a CD88 antagonist (PMX53) and an NF-kappaB inhibitor (BAY 11-7082).

Conclusions:

  • C5a upregulates prolabor mediators in human gestational tissues.
  • This effect is mediated through CD88 and involves NF-kappaB activation.
  • Targeting the C5a/CD88/NF-kappaB axis may offer therapeutic strategies for parturition.