The appropriate frequency and function of decidual Tim-3+CTLA-4+CD8+ T cells are important in maintaining normal pregnancy

Cell Death Dis. 2019 May 28;10(6):407. doi: 10.1038/s41419-019-1642-x.

Abstract

Maternal decidual CD8+ T (dCD8+ T) cells must integrate the antithetical demands of maternal-fetal tolerance and anti-viral immunity to establish a successful pregnancy. T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) are two important co-inhibitory molecules that regulating CD8+ T cells responses during infection and tumor. In the present study, we examined the co-expression of Tim-3 and CTLA-4 on CD8+ T cells during pregnancy and found the higher frequency of Tim-3+CTLA-4+dCD8+ T cells in response to trophoblasts. This Tim-3+CTLA-4+dCD8+ T cells subset showed an active status and produced more anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the decreased number and altered function of Tim-3+CTLA-4+dCD8+ T cells correlated to miscarriage. Combined blocking Tim-3 and CTLA-4 pathways were highly effective in inhibiting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and were detrimental to the maintenance of pregnancy. Together, these findings supported that Tim-3 and CTLA-4 pathways might play positive roles in the establishment and/or maintenance of maternal-fetal tolerance so to promote the maintenance of normal pregnancy. So the reproductive safety must be considered, especially when anti-Tim-3/CTLA-4 antibody (and other immune checkpoint inhibitors) are used in pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / immunology*
  • Abortion, Spontaneous / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / antagonists & inhibitors
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / immunology*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Decidua / cytology
  • Decidua / immunology*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Pregnancy
  • Trophoblasts / immunology
  • Trophoblasts / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • Cytokines
  • HAVCR2 protein, human
  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2