Increased human leukocyte antigen-G expression at the maternal–fetal interface is associated with preterm birth
MJ Stout, B Cao, M Landeau, J French… - The Journal of …, 2015 - Taylor & Francis
MJ Stout, B Cao, M Landeau, J French, GA Macones, IU Mysorekar
The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2015•Taylor & FrancisObjective: The maternal–fetal interface must modulate immune function to allow tolerance of
fetal cells while still reacting to pathogens to suppress infection. Human leukocyte antigen-G
(HLA-G) is a class Ib major histocompatibility complex protein involved in maternal–fetal
tolerance. We posited that alterations in placental HLA-G expression predispose women to
preterm birth. The aim of this study was to compare HLA-G expression in the maternal–fetal
interface of term versus preterm human placentas. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional …
fetal cells while still reacting to pathogens to suppress infection. Human leukocyte antigen-G
(HLA-G) is a class Ib major histocompatibility complex protein involved in maternal–fetal
tolerance. We posited that alterations in placental HLA-G expression predispose women to
preterm birth. The aim of this study was to compare HLA-G expression in the maternal–fetal
interface of term versus preterm human placentas. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional …
Abstract
Objective: The maternal–fetal interface must modulate immune function to allow tolerance of fetal cells while still reacting to pathogens to suppress infection. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a class Ib major histocompatibility complex protein involved in maternal–fetal tolerance. We posited that alterations in placental HLA-G expression predispose women to preterm birth. The aim of this study was to compare HLA-G expression in the maternal–fetal interface of term versus preterm human placentas.
Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of specimens from the basal plate of the human placenta from women enrolled in a tissue specimen and clinical data consortium. Immunohistochemistry with digital microscopic analysis was used to quantify HLA-G protein expression in the basal plate from preterm and term placentas.
Results: Preterm birth <37 weeks occurred in 29.5% of 149 singleton pregnancies. HLA-G-positive cells occupied one-third of the basal plates, and the HLA-G-positive area was increased by 14% in placentas from preterm births than in those from term births (32.1% in term placentas versus 36.6% in preterm placentas).
Conclusion: Although HLA-G is required for maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic fetus, higher levels of HLA-G expression at the maternal–fetal interface is associated with preterm birth.
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