Decidual macrophages contribute to the unique leukocyte composition at the fetal-maternal interface by production of IL-35, induction of Treg cells and production of homeostatic chemokines

• Reproductive success depends on the ability of the maternal immune system to adapt in order to tolerate and support the growing semi-allogenic fetus. Macrophages, being a major leukocyte population in the uterine mucosa (decidua), may play a central role in promoting the unique composition and regulatory phenotype of leukocytes that is characteristic for the fetal-maternal interface. We show that decidual macrophages display a predominantly immune regulatory gene profile and produce the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-35 but no other members of the IL-12 family (IL-12, IL-23 and IL-27). Decidual macrophages also promoted the selective expansion of CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs but not of Tbet+ Th1, GATA-3+ Th2 and Rorγt+ Th17 cells. In addition, these macrophages preferentially secreted the monocyte- and Treg-associated chemokines CCL2 and CCL18, while Th1-, Th2- and Th17-related chemokines were produced at low levels. Among in vitro macrophages, distinct chemokine profiles were observed; IL-4/13 upregulated Th2-associated chemokines (CCL17, CCL22, CCL26) while LPS/IFNγ upregulated Th1-associated chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL5). M(IL-10) macrophages (induced by M-CSF and IL-10) showed a chemokine profile similar to that of decidual macrophages, as shown by gene expression and protein analysis. By using M(IL-10) macrophages as a model of decidual macrophages, we show that these cells promote the recruitment of CD14+ monocytes, while migration of several lymphocyte populations was unaltered or prevented. These data implicate decidual macrophages as critical regulators of the decidual leukocyte composition and phenotype that is associated with successful reproduction.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Immunologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Immunology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

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