Effects of estrogen on CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cell in peripheral blood during pregnancy

Yuan-huan, Xiong; Yuan, Zhen; He, Li

doi:10.1016/s1995-7645(13)60131-5

Cited by 38 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 8 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Already in the 80s hCG was assumed to induce human and murine suppressor T lymphocytes (166–168). Nowadays, steroid hormones and gonadotropins are proposed to regulate several aspects of Treg cell biology, including generation, expansion, migration, and suppressive function both in humans and mice (103, 145, 169–176). However, some studies provide evidence that P4 and E2 induce a reduction of Treg cells or did not provoke changes in the number of Treg cells (177–179).…”

Section: Hormonal Influence On Immune Cells During Pregnancymentioning

confidence: 99%

Endocrine Factors Modulating Immune Responses in Pregnancy

2014

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

How the semi-allogeneic fetus is tolerated by the maternal immune system remains a fascinating phenomenon. Despite extensive research activity in this field, the mechanisms underlying fetal tolerance are still not well understood. However, there are growing evidences that immune–immune interactions as well as immune–endocrine interactions build up a complex network of immune regulation that ensures fetal survival within the maternal uterus. In the present review, we aim to summarize emerging research data from our and other laboratories on immune modulating properties of pregnancy hormones with a special focus on progesterone, estradiol, and human chorionic gonadotropin. These pregnancy hormones are critically involved in the successful establishment, maintenance, and termination of pregnancy. They suppress detrimental maternal alloresponses while promoting tolerance pathways. This includes the reduction of the antigen-presenting capacity of dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes, and macrophages as well as the blockage of natural killer cells, T and B cells. Pregnancy hormones also support the proliferation of pregnancy supporting uterine killer cells, retain tolerogenic DCs, and efficiently induce regulatory T (Treg) cells. Furthermore, they are involved in the recruitment of mast cells and Treg cells into the fetal–maternal interface contributing to a local accumulation of pregnancy-protective cells. These findings highlight the importance of endocrine factors for the tolerance induction during pregnancy and encourage further research in the field.

show abstract

Section: Hormonal Influence On Immune Cells During Pregnancymentioning

confidence: 99%

Endocrine Factors Modulating Immune Responses in Pregnancy

2014

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Pregnancy is also associated with a systemic expansion of Treg cells. The level of Treg cells is on the peak during the second trimester (14, 15). The circulating level of Th17 cell does not vary during human pregnancy and stays low (16).…”

Section: Cd4 T Cells Important For Pregnancymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Endocrine Milieu and CD4 T-Lymphocyte Polarization during Pregnancy

et al. 2014

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Acceptance of the fetal semi-allograft by the mother’s immune system has become the focus of intensive research. CD4+ T cells are important actors in the establishment of pregnancy. Th1/Th2 paradigm has been expanded to include CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Pregnancy hormones exert very significant modulatory properties on the maternal immune system. In this review, we describe mechanisms by which the endocrine milieu modulates CD4 T cell polarization during pregnancy. We first focused on Treg and Th17 cells and on their importance for pregnancy. Secondly, we review the effects of pregnancy hormones [progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2)] on immune cells previously described, with a particular attention to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The importance of Treg cells for pregnancy is evidenced. They are recruited before implantation and are essential for pregnancy maintenance. Decreased number or less efficient Treg cells are implicated in fertility disorders. As for Th17 cells, the few available studies suggest that they have a negative impact on fertility. Th17 frequency is increased in infertile patients. With the combination of its pro-effects on Th2 and Treg cells and anti-effects on Th1 and Th17 cells, P4 contributes to establishment of a favorable environment for pregnancy. E2 effects are more dependent on the context but it seems that E2 promotes Treg and Th2 cells while it inhibits Th1 cells. hCG positively influences activities of Treg and uterine natural killer cells. This embryo signal is an essential actor for the success of pregnancy, both as the endocrine factor regulating P4 secretion by the ovarian corpus luteum, but also as a paracrine agent during implantation as well as an angiogenic and immunologic mediator during the course of gestation. Luteinizing hormone (LH) immune properties begin to be studied but its positive impact on Treg cells suggests that LH could be a considerable immunomodulator in the mouse.

show abstract

“…They found that progesterone levels alone did not correlate with change in psoriasis and therefore it can be assumed that patients who experience an improvement of psoriasis have higher levels of estrogen relative to progesterone during pregnancy, whereas those who have lower ratio levels will remain unchanged or potentially worsen [13]. The estrogen concentration in peripheral blood gradually increases throughout the early to late stages of pregnancy, subsequently decreasing after parturition and eventually reaching nonpregnancy group levels within one month postpartum [57]. Weatherhead et al found that half of their patients with psoriasis presented with a flare-up of symptoms within six weeks of delivery, which correlates with the previously mentioned observations implicating the role of hormones in psoriatic symptoms [58].…”

Section: Pregnancymentioning

confidence: 99%

Psoriasis: Female Skin Changes in Various Hormonal Stages throughout Life—Puberty, Pregnancy, and Menopause

Čeović

Mance

Mokoš

et al. 2013

BioMed Research International

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Psoriasis is one of the most prevalent immune mediated skin diseases worldwide. Despite the large prevalence in both men and women, the pathogenesis of this disease has not yet been fully clarified. Nowadays, it is believed that psoriasis is most likely a T helper Th1/Th17 induced inflammatory disease. Stressful life situations are known to cause flare-ups and psoriasis activity may be linked to stress from major life events. We know that stress greatly affects both the hormone and immune systems and that there are many different hormonal phases throughout a woman's lifetime. The severity of psoriasis may fluctuate or be influenced by each phase and this relationship can be seen as disease frequency seems to peak during puberty, postpartum, and menopause when hormone levels fall, while symptoms improve during pregnancy, a state when hormone levels are increased.

show abstract

Effects of estrogen on CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cell in peripheral blood during pregnancy

Cited by 38 publications

References 8 publications

Endocrine Factors Modulating Immune Responses in Pregnancy

Endocrine Factors Modulating Immune Responses in Pregnancy

The Endocrine Milieu and CD4 T-Lymphocyte Polarization during Pregnancy

Psoriasis: Female Skin Changes in Various Hormonal Stages throughout Life—Puberty, Pregnancy, and Menopause

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About