On the role of placental Major Histocompatibility Complex and decidual leukocytes in implantation and pregnancy success using non-human primate models

Abstract

While there is broad agreement that interactions of the human maternal immune system with the tissues and cells of the implanting embryo are likely to be critical contributors to pregnancy success, there remains a dearth of information which directly confirms this expectation. Although animal models of reproductive function often provide opportunities for confirming such hypotheses, progress in this area has been sporadic due to limitations of traditional laboratory or agricultural animal models, such as rodents, sheep, pigs and cattle. Many of these limitations derive from divergent modes of implantation and placentation across mammalian species. Over the past decade there has been progress in the development of the nonhuman primate as a model in which to address questions of pregnancy success in the area of immunology. The purpose of this review is to compare available model species, summarize current knowledge and recent progress with an emphasis on experimental in vivo manipulations, and suggest areas available for additional study and growth.

Placental Evolution within the Supraordinal Clades of Eutheria with the Perspective of Alternative Animal Models for Human Placentation

“…Thus, if primate models are necessary, members of Old World monkeys such as rhesus macaques or baboons may represent appropriate alternatives. It has been proven for placental circulation, gas exchange, endocrinology and immunological as well as to model in parts aspects of pregnancy hypertension or other defects [253][254][255][256][257][258][259]. However, their shallow trophoblast invasion limited the usability as model species for preeclampsia [71].…”

Immunophenotype and Cytokine Profiles of Rhesus Monkey CD56bright and CD56dim Decidual Natural Killer Cells1

“…We have previously shown that CSF3 (G-CSF) is important in the functional differentiation of peripheral blood monocytes to macrophages in vitro [24], and in the decidual environment, perhaps CSF2 may serve a similar role. This suggests that dNK cells (and perhaps T cells and resident macrophages themselves) are important in the maturation of additional decidual macrophages, which increase dramatically during the first weeks of gestation [25][26][27]. In addition to these growth and differentiation factors, the potent chemokine CCL2 (previously known as MCP-1) was strongly increased in the decidua compared to pNK cells.…”

The hidden benefits of sex: Evidence for MHC‐associated mate choice in primate societies

“…Complex immune reactions mediating the maternal tolerance of the trophoblast may contribute extra MHC-dependent selective steps in mammals, including primates [74]. Placental expression of foetal MHC class I molecules has been detected in several primate species [75]. These molecules, partially encoded by the paternal haplotype, may represent 'non-self' for the mother but nevertheless contribute to the regulation of the maternal immune response throughout gestation [76].…”