[HTML][HTML] IFN-γ induces aberrant CD49b+ NK cell recruitment through regulating CX3CL1: a novel mechanism by which IFN-γ provokes pregnancy failure

ZY Li, HH Chao, HY Liu, ZH Song, LL Li, YJ Zhang… - Cell death & …, 2014 - nature.com
ZY Li, HH Chao, HY Liu, ZH Song, LL Li, YJ Zhang, Y Yang, JP Peng
Cell death & disease, 2014nature.com
Abstract Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a pleiotropic lymphokine, has important regulatory effects on
many cell types. Although IFN-γ is essential for the initiation of uterine vascular modifications
and maintenance of decidual integrity, IFN-γ administration can also cause pregnancy
failure in many species. However, little is known about the effector mechanisms involved. In
this study, using an IFN-γ-induced abortion mouse model, we reported that no Dolichos
biflorus agglutinin lectin-positive uterine natural killer (uNK) cells were observed in the uteri …
Abstract
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a pleiotropic lymphokine, has important regulatory effects on many cell types. Although IFN-γ is essential for the initiation of uterine vascular modifications and maintenance of decidual integrity, IFN-γ administration can also cause pregnancy failure in many species. However, little is known about the effector mechanisms involved. In this study, using an IFN-γ-induced abortion mouse model, we reported that no Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin-positive uterine natural killer (uNK) cells were observed in the uteri from IFN-γ-induced abortion mice. By contrast, the percentage of CD3− CD49b+ NK cells in the uterus and blood from a foetal resorption group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Similarly, significantly upregulated expression of CD49b (a pan-NK cell marker), CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 (CX3CL1 receptor) was detected in the uteri of IFN-γ-induced abortion mice. Using isolated uterine stromal cells, we showed that upregulated expression of CX3CL1 by IFN-γ was dependent on a Janus family kinase 2-signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (JAK2-STAT1) pathway. We further demonstrated the chemotactic activity of CX3CL1 in uterine stromal cell conditioned medium on primary splenic NK cells. Finally, we observed increased recruitment of CD49b+ NK cells into the endometrium after exogenous CX3CL1 administration. Collectively, our findings indicate that IFN-γ can significantly increase uterine CX3CL1 expression via activation of the JAK2-STAT1 pathway, thus inducing CD49b+ NK cell uterine homing, and eventually provoke foetal loss. Thus, we provide a new line of evidence correlating the deleterious effects of IFN-γ on pregnancy with the aberrant regulation of CX3CL1 and CD49b+ NK cells.
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