Defining a role for Interferon Epsilon in normal and complicated pregnancies

Area of Science:

• Reproductive immunology
• Maternal-fetal medicine
• Cytokine biology

Background:

• Interferon epsilon (IFNe) is constitutively expressed in the female reproductive tract.
• Its role in human pregnancy, particularly in host defense against infection, remains largely unknown.
• Understanding IFNe's function is crucial for managing pregnancy complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression and role of interferon epsilon (IFNe) in normal and complicated human pregnancies.
• To determine if IFNe is involved in immune responses to intra-amniotic infection or cervical human papillomavirus infection.
• To characterize IFNe expression in key reproductive and gestational tissues.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of human samples from multiple study cohorts.
• Quantification of IFNe expression in myometrium, cervix, and chorioamniotic membranes.
• Measurement of IFNe concentrations in amniotic and cervical fluids.
• In vitro stimulation of amnion epithelial and cervical cells.

Main Results:

• IFNe is expressed in the myometrium, cervix, and chorioamniotic membranes, increasing in late gestation.
• Elevated IFNe in amniotic fluid, but not cervical fluid, was observed in women with intra-amniotic infection and preterm labor.
• In vitro bacterial/LPS stimulation did not increase IFNE expression in amnion or cervical cells.

Conclusions:

• Interferon epsilon is a constitutive component of host defense in human reproductive and gestational tissues during pregnancy.
• IFNe may play a role in the anti-microbial response within the amniotic cavity during infection-associated preterm labor.
• Alternative sources of IFNe likely contribute to local immune responses in intra-amniotic or cervical infections.