Related Experiment Videos
Isolation and characterization of human fetal macrophages from placenta
L N Sutton1, D Y Mason, C W Redman
1Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, England.
Abstract:
Human fetal macrophages expressing class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens have been isolated from the stroma of the chorionic plate of term placentas, using enzymatic digestion procedures, and enriched by Percoll density centrifugation. These cells are adherent, phagocytic and express Fc receptors for IgG. By rosetting with bovine erythrocytes coated with IgG, they can be enriched to 77-95% purity. Placental macrophages isolated in this way stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes from unrelated donors in mixed-cell cultures, and act as accessory cells in oxidative mitogenesis. In a family study, placental macrophages stimulated proliferation of maternal and paternal lymphocytes but there was no evidence for either priming to, or suppression by, the fetal cells when the responses of lymphocytes from the mother and her HLA identical twin were compared. The possibility that these cells can protect the fetus from infection and/or stimulate the production of maternal anti-fetal HLA-antibodies is discussed.
Insights
Human fetal macrophages from placental tissue were isolated and found to be phagocytic and capable of stimulating lymphocyte proliferation. These findings suggest a role for placental macrophages in maternal-fetal immune interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Human fetal macrophages are present in placental tissue.
- These cells express class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens.
- Their role in maternal-fetal immune interactions is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize human fetal macrophages from placental tissue.
- To investigate the immune stimulatory capacity of these cells.
- To explore their potential role in maternal-fetal immune tolerance or response.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of macrophages from term placental chorionic plate stroma using enzymatic digestion.
- Enrichment of macrophages via Percoll density centrifugation and IgG-coated erythrocyte rosetting.
- Assessment of cell adherence, phagocytosis, and Fc receptor expression.
- Mixed-cell cultures to evaluate lymphocyte proliferation and accessory cell function.
Main Results:
- Isolated cells were identified as human fetal macrophages, expressing MHC class II antigens.
- These macrophages demonstrated adherence, phagocytic activity, and Fc receptor expression.
- Enriched placental macrophages (77-95% purity) stimulated lymphocyte proliferation in mixed-cell cultures.
- They also functioned as accessory cells in oxidative mitogenesis.
- In family studies, placental macrophages stimulated maternal and paternal lymphocytes without evidence of priming or suppression in HLA-identical siblings.
Conclusions:
- Human fetal macrophages can be isolated and purified from placental tissue.
- These cells possess immune stimulatory functions, including lymphocyte activation.
- Placental macrophages may play a role in modulating the maternal immune response to the fetus.
- Further research is needed to elucidate their precise function in protecting the fetus and potentially stimulating maternal antibodies.