VIP is produced by trophoblast cells and induces an alternative activation profile in decidual and cord blood macrophages

GRASSO E, ; WEINGRILL RB, SILVA SC, BEVILACQUA E, ; RAMHORST R, PEREZ LEIRÓS C

Foz de Iguazu

Congreso; VSLIMP-IV LASRI Latinoamerican Sympisium on Maternal-Fetal Interface; 2013

Background. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is an endogenous mediator released at the maternal-placental interface that targets multiple cells to promote tolerogenic programs. We studied VIP expression in term placenta and immune cells of decidua and cord blood and its ability to modulate the monocyte/macrophage activation profile. (Protocol approved HU Ethics Committee). Methods. Monocytes, T and NK cells were obtained from cord blood and monocyte/macrophages (Mo/Ma) immunomagnetically purified from blood or decidual face of term placentas after enzymatic digestion. VIP, HLA-DR and CD163 expression was evaluated in Mo/Ma treated with VIP or placenta by FACS or immunohistochemistry; IL-10, TGFb and TNFa by ELISA. Results. VIP was detected in trophoblast cells of placental slices and blood T cells but not in monocytes or NK cells. VIP treatment of isolated Mo/Ma from decidua and blood increased the expression of IL-10 and TGFb but did not modulate TNFa. Conclusions. VIP is expressed in the feto-maternal interface and promotes an alternative profile in macrophages.