Embryonic extracellular vesicles as informers to the immune cells at the maternal–fetal interface. (6th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giacomini, E.; Alleva, E.; Fornelli, G.; Quartucci, A.; Privitera, L.; Vanni, V. S.; Viganò, P.
• Is Part Of: Clinical and experimental immunology. Volume 198:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2019-05-06
• Subjects: extracellular vesicles -- embryo -- HLA‐G -- maternal–fetal interface -- trophoblast; Immunopathology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1111/cei.13304
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-9104

Abstract

Summary: Extracellular vesicle (EV) exchange is emerging as a novel method of communication at the maternal–fetal interface. The presence of the EVs has been demonstrated in the preimplantation embryo culture medium from different species, such as bovines, porcines and humans. Preimplantation embryo‐derived EVs have been shown to carry molecules potentially able to modulate the local endometrial immune system. The non‐classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐G, the immunomodulatory molecule progesterone‐induced blocking factor and some regulatory miRNAs species are contained in embryo‐derived EV cargo. The implanted syncytiotrophoblasts are also well known to secrete EVs, with microvesicles exerting a mainly proinflammatory effect while exosomes in general mediate local immunotolerance. This review focuses on the current knowledge on the potential role of EVs released by the embryo in the first weeks of pregnancy on the maternal immune cells. Collectively, the data warrant further exploration of the dialogue between the mother and the embryo via EVs. Abstract : This overview describes the evidence provided so far on the potential effects exerted by extracellular vesicles derived from pre‐implantation embryos and trophoblasts on the immune components supportive of pregnancy. These vesicles carry molecules such as HLA‐G or some regulatory miRNA species able to regulate the local immune system. They act differently according to their type and cellular targets.