Oviduct epithelium induces interferon-tau in bovine Day-4 embryos, which generates an anti-inflammatory response in immune cells

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that communication between the bovine embryo and the mother begins in the oviduct. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of embryos on bovine oviducts for their immune responses using an in vitro model. First, zygotes were cultured with or without bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) for 4 days, when embryos had reached the 16-cell stage. At that time, we detected interferon-tau (IFNT) in embryos co-cultured with BOECs, but not in embryos cultured alone. Next, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated either in media from embryo alone cultures or from co-cultures of embryos with BOECs. The medium from embryo alone cultures did not modulate PBMCs gene expression; whereas the embryo-BOEC co-culture medium increased interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs: ISG15, OAS1, MX2), STAT1, PTGES and TGFB1 but suppressed IL17 expression in PBMCs. Both IFNT-treated BOEC culture medium and IFNT-supplemented fresh medium alone without BOEC, modulated PBMCs gene expressions similar to those by the embryo-BOEC co-culture medium. Further, specific antibody to IFNT neutralized the effect of embryo-BOEC co-culture medium on PBMCs gene expression. Our results indicate that BOECs stimulate embryos to produce IFNT, which then acts on immune cells to promote an anti-inflammatory response in the oviduct.

Nucleotide, ribonucleotide and ribonucleoside binding belongs to differentially expressed genes in porcine epithelial oviductal cells during longterm primary cultivation

“…A similar expression pattern was observed for another OASs family member, 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1). Talukder et al [20] described increased interferon-stimulated genes expression (including OAS1) in medium after co-culture of bovine oviduct epithelial cells with zygote up to embryos had reached the 16-cell stage. The PIM family of serine/threonine kinase proteins consists of three, highly homologous, isoforms PIM1, PIM2 and PIM3.…”

Immune regulatory molecules as modifiers of semen and fertility: A review

“…Under physiological conditions, bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) appear to supply a potent anti‐inflammatory molecule, like IFN stimulating gene 15, oligoadenylate synthase 1, MX dynamin‐like GTPase 2, signal transducer and activator of transcription‐1, and PTGE synthase (Talukder et al, ). Balancing their interaction with the sperm suppresses polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) associated phagocytosis, facilitating fertilization.…”

Day‐7 embryos generate an anti‐inflammatory immune response in peripheral blood immune cells in superovulated cows

“…4 This finding indicates that the bovine embryo starts to produce IFNT before entering into the uterus from the oviduct. 4 This finding indicates that the bovine embryo starts to produce IFNT before entering into the uterus from the oviduct.…”

“…bovine embryo at 16-cell stage can synthesize interferon-tau (IFNT), which regulates local immune environment in the oviduct in vitro. 4 This finding indicates that the bovine embryo starts to produce IFNT before entering into the uterus from the oviduct. In addition, we have shown in vitro that the bovine embryo from morula (Day-5) to blastocyst stage (Day-9) starts to communicate with uterine epithelial and immune cells and generates a "local" anti-inflammatory response in the uterus, which is mediated in part by IFNT.…”