The role of placental MHC class I expression in immune-assisted separation of the fetal membranes in cattle. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Benedictus, Lindert; Koets, Ad P.; Rutten, Victor P.M.G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of reproductive immunology. Volume 112(2016)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Retained fetal membranes -- Major histocompatibility complex class I -- Pregnancy -- Alloimmunity -- Fetal–maternal adherence -- Cattle; MHC major histocompatibility complex -- NC-MHC class I non-classical MHC class I -- BNC binucleate cells -- RFM retained fetal membranes -- ECM extracellular matrix -- MMP matrix metalloproteinases -- TIMP tissue inhibitors of MMPs -- CR coefficient of relationship; Reproduction -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Periodicals; Allergy and Immunology -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Immunologie -- Périodiques; Immunologie -- Périodiques; Immunology; Reproduction -- Immunological aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 615.766
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2015.05.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-0378

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: MHC class I expression on fetal trophoblasts rises toward the end of gestation. Materno-fetal alloimmunity appears to be important for the timely separation of fetal membranes. Maternal macrophages likely play a crucial role in the loss of fetal–maternal adherence. Dam–calf MHC class I compatibility results in a high risk of retained fetal membranes. Abstract: The bovine fetus, like that of other species, is a semi-allograft and the regulation of materno-fetal alloimmunity is critical to prevent its immunological rejection. In cattle, a materno-fetal alloimmune response may be beneficial at parturition. It is hypothesized that upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I on the fetal membranes toward the end of gestation induces a maternal alloimmune response that activates innate immune effector mechanisms, aiding in the loss of the adherence between the fetal membranes and the uterus. Loss of fetal–maternal adherence is pivotal for the timely expulsion of the fetal membranes and the absence (or reduction) of the maternal immune response may lead to retained fetal membranes, a common reproductive disorder of cattle. Currently, there is no effective treatment for retained fetal membranes and a better understanding of materno-fetal alloimmune-assisted separation of the fetal membranes may lead to novel targets for the treatment of retained fetal membranes. In this review, the regulation of materno-fetal alloimmunity during pregnancy in cattle, with a focus on placental MHC class I expression, and the importance of maternal alloimmunity for the timely separation of the fetal membranes, are discussed.