Expression and secretion of antiviral factors by trophoblast cells following stimulation by the TLR-3 agonist, Poly(I : C).
Hum Reprod
; 21(9): 2432-9, 2006 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16751646
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
During pregnancy, the placenta may become exposed to micro-organisms, such as viruses, which may pose a substantial threat to the embryo/fetus well-being. Recent insight into the immunological capabilities of the trophoblast suggests that the placenta may function as an active barrier by recognizing and responding to pathogens through Toll-like receptors (TLRs).METHODS:
The objective of this study was to determine whether the engagement of TLR-3 with viral dsRNA by first-trimester trophoblast could induce the production of factors necessary to generate an antiviral response. Therefore, trophoblast cells were exposed to the TLR-3 agonist, Poly(I C).RESULTS:
We report that following stimulation with Poly(I C), first-trimester trophoblast cells produce interferon beta (IFNbeta) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), as well as the intracellular factors 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS), Myxovirus-resistance A (MxA) and apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme-catalytic polypeptide-like 3G (APOBEC3G). This response is TLR-3 specific because the TLR-4 ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), had no effect on the production of these antimicrobial factors. Furthermore, we describe a positive feedback mechanism in which IFNbeta enhances the antiviral response by promoting the production of OAS, MxA and APOBEC3G.CONCLUSIONS:
These findings suggest that trophoblast cells are able to recognize and specifically respond to viral products in a highly regulated fashion and that the placenta may be pivotal in the control of viral infections at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Antivirais
/
Trofoblastos
/
Poli I-C
/
Receptor 3 Toll-Like
Limite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2006
Tipo de documento:
Article