Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2015; 75 - P019
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1555042

Expression of CCL22 and Infiltration by Regulatory T Cells are increased in the Decidua of Human Miscarriage Placentas

CP Freier 1, 2, C Kuhn 1, M Rapp 2, S Endres 2, D Mayr 3, K Friese 1, D Anz 2, U Jeschke 1
  • 1Klinik und Poliklinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
  • 2Abteilung für Klinische Pharmakologie, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
  • 3Pathologisches Institut, Medizinische Fakultät der Universität München, München, Germany

Problem: Regulatory T cells (Treg) are a T cell subpopulation with suppressive capacities, specifically attracted by CCL22. We aimed to investigate whether CCL22 is expressed in human placentas and whether its presence, together with Treg infiltration, is associated with miscarriage conditions.

Method of study: Paraffin samples were stained for CCL22 and for the Treg specific transcription factor FoxP3. Expression levels were evaluated in a semi-quantitative manner. Double immunofluorescence was used for the identification of CCL22-producing cells.

Results: In all placentas, trophoblasts expressed CCL22. Interestingly, expression in the decidua was only observed in miscarriage conditions. Maternal stromal cells expressed CCL22. Correlation with a higher presence of Treg in the decidua of abortive tissues was observed.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that CCL22 is expressed in human placenta. Decidual expression was only observed in miscarriage conditions and correlates with Treg infiltration. Thus, CCL22 plays a role in human pregnancy and is associated with miscarriage conditions.

*Both authors contributed equally