Cutting edge: IL-10-producing regulatory B cells in early human pregnancy

Am J Reprod Immunol. 2013 Dec;70(6):448-53. doi: 10.1111/aji.12157. Epub 2013 Oct 10.

Abstract

Problem: The function of IL-10 producing regulatory B cells (Breg) during gestation is unknown. Here, we aimed to understand their participation in early pregnancy.

Method: CD19(+) CD24(hi) CD27(+) B cell frequency, measured by flow cytometry, increased with pregnancy onset but not in the case of spontaneous abortions.

Results: B cells from non-pregnant women cultured with serum from normal pregnant women produced higher IL-10 levels than those cultured with serum from spontaneous abortion patients or autologous serum. CD19(+) -activated B cells from pregnant women strongly suppressed TNF-a production by CD4(+) T cells when cocultured. We identified hCG as an important factor regulating the number and function of Breg during pregnancy.

Conclusions: Breg emerge as important players in pregnancy; they suppress undesired immune responses from maternal T cells and are therefore important for tolerance acquisition.

Keywords: Abortion; Breg; IL-10; TNF-alpha; hCG; pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology
  • Pregnancy / immunology*

Substances

  • Interleukin-10