Heat‐Shock Proteins 70 Induce Pro‐Inflammatory Maturation Program in Decidual CD1a + Dendritic Cells

Problem The aim of the study was to assess possible binding of a mixture of constitutive Hsc70 and inducible Hsp70 forms ( HSP 70) to Toll‐like receptor ( TLR ) 4 and CD 91 receptors on decidual CD 1a + dendritic cells ( DC s) and their influence on DC s maturation status. Method of study Immunohistology and immunofluorescence of paraffin‐embedded first trimetester and term pregnancy decidua were performed together with flow cytometry detection of antigens in DC s after stimulation of decidual mononuclear cells with HSP 70. Results Hsc70 and Hsp70 labeling revealed intracellular and nuclear staining in trophoblast cells. The numbers of Hsc70 + and Hsp70 + cells of decidual tissue were higher in early pregnancy decidua than in decidua at term. HSP 70 binds CD 91 and TLR 4 receptors on CD 1a + DC s and increased the expression of CD 83, HLA ‐ DR , CD 80, and CD 86, but decreased CC receptor ( CCR ) 5. HSP 70 increased CC ligand ( CCL ) 3 and CCL 22. HSP 70 in the concentration of 1 μg/ mL increased the percentage of interferon‐γ and interleukin ( IL )‐15‐expressing cells over the cells expressing IL ‐4. Conclusion HSP 70 binds CD 91 and TLR 4 on decidual CD 1a + DC s, causes their maturation, and increases IL ‐15 in the context of Th1 cytokine/chemokine domination, which could support immune response harmful for ongoing pregnancy.