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Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
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Extracellular vesicles and immune response during pregnancy: A balancing act
Adrian E Morelli1,2, Yoel Sadovsky3,4
1Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Immunological Reviews
|February 24, 2022
Summary
Maternal tolerance of the fetus involves extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying immune signals. These EVs, crucial for pregnancy, may also play a role in obstetrical disorders.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Maternal tolerance of a semi- or fully-allogeneic fetus is complex.
- Feto-placental antigens interact with the maternal immune system locally and systemically.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as key mediators in this interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of pregnancy-related extracellular vesicles (EVs) in maternal-fetal immune tolerance.
- To explore the cargo, trafficking, and immune-regulatory functions of EVs during gestation.
- To highlight the potential involvement of EVs in obstetrical disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on extracellular vesicles (EVs) in pregnancy.
- Analysis of studies on feto-placental antigen presentation and immune modulation.
- Integration of insights from transplant immunology.
Main Results:
- EVs act as carriers of antigens and immune-regulatory molecules, influencing immune responses.
- EVs contribute to immune modulation from pre-implantation through the entire gestation.
- Feto-placental EVs interact with maternal secondary lymphoid tissues, impacting systemic immunity.
Conclusions:
- EVs are critical in negotiating immune tolerance during pregnancy.
- Dysregulation of EV-mediated immune pathways may contribute to major obstetrical disorders.
- The maternal-fetal interface should be considered systemically, including maternal lymphoid tissues interacting with circulating EVs.
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