Defective production of both leukemia inhibitory factor and type 2 T-helper cytokines by decidual T cells in unexplained recurrent abortions.

Piccinni, M P; Beloni, L; Livi, C; Maggi, E; Scarselli, G; Romagnani, S · Nat Med · 1998

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Leukemia inhibitory factor is essential for embryo implantation, and a shift from type 1 T-helper to type 2 T-helper response at the fetal-maternal interface may contribute to successful pregnancy. We show that LIF production is associated with type 2 T-helper cells, is upregulated by IL-4 and progesterone and is downregulated by IL-12, IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha. We also show a decreased production of LIF, IL-4 and IL-10 by decidual T cells of women with unexplained recurrent abortions in comparison with that of women with normal gestation. The defective production of LIF and/or type 2 T-helper cytokines may contribute to the development of unexplained recurrent abortions.

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