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Immunosuppression by Hydatidiform Mole Trophoblast Is Neutralized by Monoclonal Antibodies to β‐Interferon
Author(s) -
Bennett William A.,
Brackin Martha N.,
Long Cecil A.,
Cowan Bryan D.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1994.tb01107.x
Subject(s) - trophoblast , monoclonal antibody , immunosuppression , mole , antibody , interferon , immunology , biology , virology , medicine , pregnancy , placenta , fetus , genetics
PROBLEM: In sheep and cattle, trophoblast‐derived interferons serve as signals for the maternal recognition of pregnancy and may regulate the immunologic relationship between the fetus and mother. METHOD: In this study, soluble extracts prepared from human hydatidiform mole decidua (DE) and trophoblast (HME) were screened for immunosuppressive activity using an interleukin (IL)‐2‐dependent T‐cell line (CTLL2). Antibody neutralization studies were performed with monoclonal antibodies to α‐ and β‐interferon (IFN). RESULTS: HME suppressed ( P < 0.05) IL‐2‐stimulated (2 IU/well) CTLL2 proliferation at doses ranging from 500 (52 ± 2% of control) to 100 (74 ± 5%) μg/ml concentrations. DE also suppressed ( P < 0.05) CTLL2 proliferation in a dose‐related fashion from 500 (20 ± 6% of control) to 100 (71 ± 8%) μg/ml doses. Preincubation with the α‐ and β‐IFN antibody preparations had no effect on CTLL2 suppression by the DE sample. In contrast, the β‐IFN antibody partially neutralized the suppressive activity of HME at each of the dilutions tested. The monoclonal antibody to α‐IFN failed to neutralize HME suppression at any of the doses tested. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that hydatidiform mole trophoblast produces a β‐IFN‐like macromolecule that may abrogate maternal rejection responses that are harmful to the developing fetal allograft.