Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
M1 Monocyte Polarization and Deficient Immunomodulation in Preeclampsia
Mariana Romao-Veiga1, Amanda Carreira Devides1, Vanessa Rocha Ribeiro-Vasques2
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo StateUniversity (Unesp), Botucatu, Brazil.
Introduction:
Preeclampsia (PE) is a specific pregnancy syndrome characterized by a systemic inflammatory response that may be dependent on the presence of danger molecules called damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). High mobility group Box 1 (HMGB1) is a DAMP that shows possible interaction with haptoglobin and can be removed from circulation by the CD163 receptor.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the involvement of haptoglobin, HMGB1, and CD163 receptor in the systemic inflammatory response in pregnant women with PE.
Methods:
Monocytes obtained from preeclamptic and normotensive (NT) pregnant women were evaluated for surface TLR4, RAGE, CD64, and CD163 receptors, as well as intracellular haptoglobin and HMGB1 expression by flow cytometry.
Results:
Plasma levels of haptoglobin, HMGB1, and hemeoxygenase-1, as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, were determined by the ELISA. Compared with NT group expression of TLR4, CD64, and RAGE receptors and intracellular HMGB1 and haptoglobin by monocytes was higher in women with PE, whereas extracellular CD163 expression was reduced in this group. Plasma concentrations of HMGB1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were higher in preeclamptic women, whereas the levels of haptoglobin, hemeoxygenase-1, and IL-10 were significantly lower.
Conclusion:
The elevated concentration of inflammatory cytokines and higher expression of TLR4, CD64, and RAGE receptors demonstrated that monocytes from PE women are polarized to the M1-like profile. Furthermore, the CD163 internalization and the absence of a high haptoglobin monocyte subset, along with decreased levels of haptoglobin, IL-10, and hemeoxygenase-1 in the PE group, indicates a deficiency in mechanisms that could regulate the intense inflammatory process associated with PE.
Insights
Preeclampsia involves heightened inflammation, with monocytes showing increased damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) like HMGB1 and reduced CD163 receptor expression. This suggests a deficiency in regulatory mechanisms during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy syndrome linked to systemic inflammation, potentially involving damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
- High mobility group Box 1 (HMGB1) is a DAMP that interacts with haptoglobin and is cleared by the CD163 receptor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of haptoglobin, HMGB1, and the CD163 receptor in the inflammatory response in preeclamptic pregnancies.
- To compare monocyte surface receptor expression and intracellular protein levels between women with and without preeclampsia.
Main Methods:
- Monocytes from preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women were analyzed for TLR4, RAGE, CD64, and CD163 receptors via flow cytometry.
- Intracellular haptoglobin and HMGB1 expression in monocytes was assessed.
- Plasma levels of haptoglobin, HMGB1, hemeoxygenase-1, and cytokines were measured using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Monocytes from preeclamptic women showed higher expression of TLR4, CD64, RAGE, intracellular HMGB1, and haptoglobin compared to normotensive controls.
- Extracellular CD163 expression on monocytes was lower in preeclamptic women.
- Plasma HMGB1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were elevated, while haptoglobin, hemeoxygenase-1, and IL-10 were decreased in preeclampsia.
Conclusions:
- Monocytes in preeclampsia exhibit an M1-like inflammatory profile due to increased inflammatory cytokines and specific receptor expression.
- Reduced CD163 expression and lower haptoglobin levels in preeclampsia indicate impaired regulation of the inflammatory process.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
01:20Mismatch Repair
The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch Repair
The human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
01:26Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
01:22Development 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...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease