IFN type I and II induce BAFF secretion from human decidual stromal cells

Sci Rep. 2017 Jan 6:7:39904. doi: 10.1038/srep39904.

Abstract

B cell activating factor (BAFF) is a critical cytokine for maturation of immature B cells. In murine lymph nodes, BAFF is mainly produced by podoplanin-expressing stromal cells. We have previously shown that circulating BAFF levels are maximal at birth, and that farmers' children exhibit higher BAFF levels in cord blood than non-farmers' children. Here, we sought to investigate whether maternal-derived decidual stromal cells from placenta secrete BAFF and examine what factors could stimulate this production. We found that podoplanin is expressed in decidua basalis and in the underlying villous tissue as well as on isolated maternal-derived decidual stromal cells. Decidual stromal cells produced BAFF when stimulated with IFN-γ and IFN-α, and NK cells and NK-T-like cells competent of IFN-γ production were isolated from the decidua. Finally, B cells at different maturational stages are present in decidua and all expressed BAFF-R, while stromal cells did not. These findings suggest that decidual stromal cells are a cellular source of BAFF for B cells present in decidua during pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B-Cell Activating Factor / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Decidua / cytology*
  • Decidua / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fetal Blood / cytology
  • Fetal Blood / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interferon Type I / metabolism
  • Interferon Type I / pharmacology*
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Interferon-gamma / pharmacology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • B-Cell Activating Factor
  • Interferon Type I
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • PDPN protein, human
  • Interferon-gamma