Effects of paternal lymphocyte immunization on peripheral Th1/Th2 balance and TCR V beta and V gamma repertoire usage of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortions.

Am J Reprod Immunol 2000 Feb;43(2):107-15 (ISSN: 1046-7408)
Hayakawa S; Karasaki-Suzuki M; Itoh T; Ishii M; Kanaeda T; Nagai N; Takahashi-Yamamoto N; Tochigi M; Chishima F; Fujii TK; Oyama J; Kitanaka S; Satoh K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

PROBLEM:

The mechanism of immunotherapy for patients with recurrent spontaneous abortions is not well understood. In order to investigate the suppressor mechanism of paternal lymphocyte immunization, we examined peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and the repertoire of T-cell receptor (TCR) gene segments.

METHOD OF STUDY:

Twelve patients with recurrent miscarriage were treated with immunization with paternal lymphocyte vaccinations three times during 12-14 weeks. Before and 2 weeks after the final inoculation, lymphocyte subsets and intra-cellular interferon (IFN)-gamma and/or interleukin (IL)-4 production were examined by flow cytometry. TCR V beta and V gamma repertoires were examined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS:

We found no significant difference in CD4/CD8 ratios, prevalence of CD56+CD3+ or CD57+CD3+ cells (possible extrathymic T cells), gamma(delta)T cells, and CD5+ CD19+ (B-1) cells. However, by in vitro activation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, peripheral CD4 cells demonstrated a significant decrease of IFN-gamma-producing T helper 1 (Th1) cells and an increase of IL-4-producing T helper 2 (Th2) cells after immunotherapy. Seven of nine patients who exhibited remarkable decreases in Th1/Th2 ratios became pregnant within 6 months after three courses of immunotherapy, and four women delivered healthy babies, while none of the three patients who exhibited an increased or unchanged Th1/Th2 ratio had full-term pregnancies (chi2 < 0.0001). Further, changes in usage of TCR V beta and V gamma gene segments were observed after immunotherapy in six patients examined.

CONCLUSION:

Our findings suggest a shift of Th1-dominant to Th2-dominant status by vaccination might play important roles in maintaining successful pregnancies. Induction of some T cells that utilize different TCR repertoires possibly suppresses maternal rejection reactions.

back • next

print this page back

If you value this service, kindly consider a donation to the Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation (registered charity). Earmark the donation for the International Breastfeeding Centre (Newman Breastfeeding Clinic) and/or the Goldfarb Breastfeeding Program.

Donate online: canadahelps.org

Donate by mail: Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation, 5890 Monkland Ave, Suite 16, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 1G2.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any specific questions or concerns about any health issue, you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
The AskLenore administration is not affiliated with, nor sponsored by, nor do we sell or receive any commissions or incentives from, any of the products or services that we link to on this website. Therefore, we are not responsible for the accuracy, quality, availability, or suitability of said products or services. You should always do your own research and due diligence before purchasing or using any product or service that we link to on this website.
The views and opinions expressed on the message boards are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of asklenore.info. Any content provided by our users are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

top