Immunological Implications of Pregnancy Flashcards
EVT
Extravillous Trophoblasts
ST
Syncytiotrophoblasts
EVT and ST both function as ____ immune cells
Innate
These cells modulate localized innate immune responses for fetus during implantation and all the way to parturition
EVT and ST
3 major functions of STs?
- Fused cells = no leaks
- Shed extracellular vesicles for crosstalk between cells in decidua
- FcRn-IgG transport from maternal circulation
STs have a dense actin skeleton and fused cells that physically resist?
Invasion of bacteria
What cell is the FcRn-IgG transport seen in?
STs - Syncytiotrophoblasts
Describe the FcRn-IgG transport seen in STs
STs have a specialized Fc receptor for protective transport of IgG across their epithelium WITHOUT degradation
- This gets IgG from the maternal circulation into the fetal circulation
Why is it important to get IgG into fetal circulation?
So it can provide the same protection to the fetus that it does for the mother
STs transport IgG into fetal circulation. Can they do other antibodies and if so which ones?
NO
EV
Syncytiotrophoblastic vesicles
Syncytiotrophoblasts shed many vesicles into maternal circulation and placenta. What is the main one?
Exosomes
What are the 3 functions of the STs shedding vesicles?
- Downregulate adaptive immune responses
- Stimulate innate inflammatory responses
- Regulate metabolism and vascular responses
An ____ in the number of ST shed vesicles can be seen with pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and pre-term birth
INCREASE
What 4 cytokines/ligand do EVTs (extravillous trophoblasts) secrete?
IL-15
IL-10
TGF-beta
PD-1 - inhibitory T cell ligand
EVTs secrete IL-15 to?
Reduce cytotoxicity of dNKs