T cell cytokine responses to stimulation with Ureaplasma parvum in pregnancy. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Friedland, Yael D.; Lee-Pullen, Tracey F.; Nathan, Elizabeth A.; Watts, Rory; Keelan, Jeffrey A.; Payne, Matthew S.; Ireland, Demelza J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of reproductive immunology. Volume 116(2016)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: BFA brefeldin A -- CMCA Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis -- CCU colour changing unit -- FSC-A forward scatter of area -- FSC-H forward scatter of height -- IL interleukin -- IFN interferon -- KEMH King Edward Memorial Hospital -- MBA multiple banded antigen -- PBS phosphate buffered saline -- PTB preterm birth -- SSC-A side scatter of area -- SEB staphylococcal enterotoxin B -- TNF tumour necrosis factor -- UpSV3 Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3; Cytokines -- Intracellular flow cytometry -- T cells -- Preterm birth -- Ureaplasma spp; 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.2016.03.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-0378

Abstract

Highlights: Vaginal colonisation with Ureaplasma spp. is common. Ureaplasma spp. are known to cause inflammation-driven preterm birth. Ureaplasma parvum stimulation of whole blood increases the frequency of IFNγ-positive CD3 + CD4 + T cells, particularly for colonised women. Ureaplasma parvum stimulation of whole blood increases the frequency of IFNγ-positive CD3 + CD4 ‐ (CD8 + ) T cells, regardless of vaginal colonisation status . Abstract: Ureaplasma spp. are a common vaginal microorganism causally linked to inflammation-driven preterm birth (PTB). The nature of the immune response to Ureaplasma spp. may influence PTB risk. This study sought to define maternal T cell cytokine responses to in vitro stimulation with Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3 (UpSV3) in vaginally colonised (UP+) and non-colonised (UP−) pregnant women. Whole blood flow cytometry demonstrated an increase (p = 0.027) in the baseline frequency of IFNγ-positive CD3 + CD4 − (CD8 + ) T cells in UP+ women. UpSV3 stimulation resulted in a significant and specific increase (p = 0.001) in the frequency of IFNγ-positive CD3 + CD4 − (CD8 + ) T cells, regardless of vaginal colonisation status. UpSV3 stimulation also increased the frequency of IFNγ-positive CD3 + CD4 + T cells, particularly in the UP+ group (p = 0.003). This is the first published study to examine T cell responses to Ureaplasma spp. exposure. Future appropriately-powered studies are needed to assess whether insufficient priming or a loss of tolerance to Ureaplasma spp. is occurring in UP+ women at risk of PTB.