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- Title
Expression and secretion of antiviral factors by trophoblast cells following stimulation by the TLR-3 agonist, Poly(I : C).
- Authors
Vikki M. Abrahams; Todd M. Schaefer; John V. Fahey; Irene Visintin; Jacqueline A. Wright; Paulomi B. Aldo; Roberto Romero; Charles R. Wira; Gil Mor
- 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 β (IFNβ) 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 IFNβ 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.
- Publication
Human Reproduction, 2006, Vol 21, Issue 9, p2432
- ISSN
0268-1161
- Publication type
Academic Journal
- DOI
10.1093/humrep/del178