PMID: 18720929Aug 30, 2008Paper

Antigen-specific T cell immune response detected by skewed T cell receptor usage in normal placenta and complete molar pregnancy

The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
Zoltan NagymanyokiRoss S Berkowitz

Abstract

To investigate the antigenicity of normal placenta and complete molar trophoblastic tissue. T cell receptor (TCR) variable beta chain (VBC) gene expression was analyzed utilizing fresh frozen tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) were performed on cDNA samples from 10 normal buffy coats (BC), 7 normal placentas (NP) and 14 complete molar pregnancies (CM) using a TCR beta chain and 25 variable TCR beta chain primers. Relative expressions were calculated for each individual gene. Significant changes were noted in most of the gene expressions in NP and CM as compared to the buffy coat samples. The relative expression of most genes was significantly decreased in NP and CM, but VBC gene number 4 was increased in both NP and CM; however, a significant difference was noted only between BC and CM (p = 0.023). Comparing NP to CM, 5 other VBC gene expressions were decreased significantly in the CM tissues (p < 0.05). In normal placenta and CM pregnancies, T cells appear to express certain TCR VBC genes in a different manner than in BC. These genes and the VBC gene profile difference found between NP and CM may play an important role in the immunobiology of CM pregnancy.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.