Hofbauer Cells Spread Listeria monocytogenes among Placental Cells and Undergo Pro-Inflammatory Reprogramming while Retaining Production of Tolerogenic Factors

Abstract

Infection of the placental/fetal unit by the facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes results in severe pregnancy complications. Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal macrophages that play homeostatic anti-inflammatory functions in healthy placentas.

Monocytes and macrophages in pregnancy: The good, the bad, and the ugly*

“…Therefore, studies have investigated HBC responses to the bacterium. 153,154 RNA-seq analysis reveals that HBC infection with L. monocytogenes induces robust transcriptional changes including strong pro-inflammatory responses. 154 and IL-8.…”

“…153,154 RNA-seq analysis reveals that HBC infection with L. monocytogenes induces robust transcriptional changes including strong pro-inflammatory responses. 154 and IL-8. 154 Thus, HBCs are still able to maintain cytokine production in the presence of L. monocytogenes.…”

“…154 and IL-8. 154 Thus, HBCs are still able to maintain cytokine production in the presence of L. monocytogenes. 154 Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)…”

“…L. monocytogenes can interfere with the phagosomal membranes of macrophages during its replication process causing HBCs to spread the bacteria to placental and fetal cells. Therefore, studies have investigated HBC responses to the bacterium 153,154 . RNA‐seq analysis reveals that HBC infection with L. monocytogenes induces robust transcriptional changes including strong pro‐inflammatory responses 154 .…”

“…Therefore, studies have investigated HBC responses to the bacterium 153,154 . RNA‐seq analysis reveals that HBC infection with L. monocytogenes induces robust transcriptional changes including strong pro‐inflammatory responses 154 . Upregulated genes include pro‐inflammatory pathways (TLR2/MyD88, RIG‐1/cGAS, NOD1/RIPK2, NLRP3/caspase‐1, RF7 and NF‐κβ) 154 .…”