Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
CD1 Antigen Presentation and Autoreactivity in the Pregnant Human Uterus
Leigh Guerin1, Vernon Wu1, Brandy Houser1
1Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Problem:
CD11c(HI) human decidual macrophages express several isoforms of CD1 molecules. Their expression pattern and function required investigation.
Method Of Study:
CD11c(HI) macrophages were isolated from decidua. Expression of CD1 isoforms and their ability to present lipid antigens to T cells was studied.
Results:
CD1a, CD1c, and CD1d were all expressed on CD11c(HI) dMϕ, a pattern differing from those previously observed. Exposure of peripheral monocytes and dendritic cells to lipid isolates from decidua led to increased surface CD1a levels only. The CD1a and CD1c on dMϕ were able to present the appropriate lipid antigens to lipid antigen-specific T cells. Finally, autoreactivity of decidual T cells to CD1a was observed.
Conclusion:
The unique pattern of expression of CD1 isoforms on CD11c(HI) dMϕ is consistent with organ-specific roles of CD1 in human T-cell responses. dMϕ are able to present lipid antigens to both peripheral and decidual T cells and are major antigen-presenting cells in human decidua.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and...
Cytomegalovirus Disease
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Antigen Presenting Cells
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...

