Pregnancy status alters IL-21-mediated effects on murine B lymphocytes

Reproduction. 2020 Mar;159(3):351-359. doi: 10.1530/REP-19-0407.

Abstract

A favorable outcome of pregnancy depends greatly on an adequate balance of immune protection and fetal tolerance at the fetomaternal interface. IL-21 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with altering immune responses in autoimmune diseases. IL-21 has pleiotropic functions, including induction of Th17 T cells, inhibition of Treg development, and modulation of antibody responses of B lymphocytes. Genetic polymorphisms of IL21 have been associated to poor pregnancy outcomes. However, the mechanism of IL-21 actions needs further evaluation. Here, we postulate that IL-21 affects splenic B cell function during pregnancy and shapes immune responses. We show that splenic B cells from CBA/J × BALB/c mice with favorable pregnancy outcome expressed lower IL21R levels than in CBA/J × DBA/2J mice, a mouse model for immune-induced bad pregnancy outcome. As a consequence, B cells from CBA/J × BALB/c mice reacted less sensitively to IL-21 than B cells from non-pregnant mice (NPM) or from CBA/J × DBA/2J mice. Also, LPS-induced apoptotic rates were altered in NPM and CBA/J × DBA/2J but not in CBA/J × BALB/c mice. This is accompanied by improved survival of B cells that produce the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 upon stimulation with LPS. We also observed lower numbers of CD4+CXCR5+Bcl-6+ follicular T-helper cells (Tfh) in normal pregnant mice, compared to non-pregnant and mice with disturbed pregnancies. Our data indicate that alterations of the Tfh/IL-21/IL-10 axis may have important influence on pregnancy outcome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism*
  • Interleukins / physiology*
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Animal / immunology*
  • Spleen / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukins
  • Interleukin-10
  • interleukin-21