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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
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Cervical leukocytes and spontaneous preterm birth.
Patricia J Hunter1, Sairah Sheikh2, Anna L David3
1UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|December 7, 2015
Summary
Cervical macrophages and CCL2 levels are key indicators for spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) risk. Their absence or low levels may signal early SPTB, aiding in risk assessment for pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Obstetrics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding the cervical immune microenvironment is crucial for predicting and potentially preventing SPTB.
- Previous research has implicated inflammation in SPTB, but specific cellular and mediator profiles require further characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize cervical leukocyte populations and inflammatory mediators in pregnant women with a history of SPTB.
- To determine if specific immune profiles are associated with term delivery, late SPTB, or early SPTB.
- To identify potential biomarkers for early SPTB risk.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 120 women with a history of SPTB.
- Cervical cell sampling using a cytobrush between 12-25 weeks' gestation.
- Flow cytometry for leukocyte enumeration and characterization (polymorphonuclear cells, macrophages).
- Measurement of cytokines and chemokines, including CCL2 (MCP-1).
- Grouping participants based on delivery outcome: term, late SPTB (34-36+6 weeks), and early SPTB (<34 weeks).
Main Results:
- Cervical leukocytes constituted up to 60% of host-derived cells, predominantly polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs).
- Mucosal macrophages, expressing CD68 and CD103, were identified alongside other leukocytes.
- Absence of cervical macrophages was significantly associated with early SPTB (6/6 cases) compared to later deliveries (34%).
- Low levels of CCL2 (MCP-1) were observed in women experiencing SPTB before 34 weeks.
- The combination of macrophage presence and CCL2 levels >75 ng/g increased specificity for birth after 34 weeks.
Conclusions:
- The absence of cervical macrophages and low CCL2 levels may serve as indicators of pregnancies at high risk for early SPTB.
- These findings highlight the potential of cervical immune profiling for predicting SPTB risk.
- Further research could explore therapeutic interventions targeting these immune pathways to prevent preterm birth.
