scholarly journals The Elusive Role of Placental Macrophages: The Hofbauer Cell

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 447-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Z. Zulu ◽  
Fernando O. Martinez ◽  
Siamon Gordon ◽  
Clive M. Gray
Keyword(s):  
Human Placenta ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Adverse Birth Outcomes ◽  
Regulatory Cells ◽  
Chorionic Villi ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hofbauer Cells ◽  
Placental Macrophages

In this review, we discuss the often overlooked tissue-resident fetal macrophages, Hofbauer cells, which are found within the chorionic villi of the human placenta. Hofbauer cells have been shown to have a phenotype associated with regulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. They are thought to play a crucial role in the regulation of pregnancy and in the maintenance of a homeostatic environment that is crucial for fetal development. Even though the numbers of these macrophages are some of the most abundant immune cells in the human placenta, which are sustained throughout pregnancy, there are very few studies that have identified their origin, their phenotype, and functions and why they are maintained throughout gestation. It is not yet understood how Hofbauer cells may change in function throughout normal pregnancy, and especially in those complicated by maternal gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and viral infections, such as Zika, cytomegalovirus, and human immunodeficiency virus. We review what is known about the origin of these macrophages and explore how common complications of pregnancy dysregulate these cells leading to adverse birth outcomes in humans. Our synthesis sheds light on areas for human studies that can further define these innate regulatory cells.

scholarly journals Spontaneous Abortion and Chikungunya Infection: Pathological Findings

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 554
Author(s):  
Natália Salomão ◽  
Michelle Brendolin ◽  
Kíssila Rabelo ◽  
Mayumi Wakimoto ◽  
Ana Maria de Filippis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Spontaneous Abortion ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chorionic Villi ◽  
Decidual Cells ◽  
Hofbauer Cells ◽  
Hematoxylin And Eosin ◽  
Maternal Fetal Transmission

Intrauterine transmission of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) during early pregnancy has rarely been reported, although vertical transmission has been observed in newborns. Here, we report four cases of spontaneous abortion in women who became infected with CHIKV between the 11th and 17th weeks of pregnancy. Laboratorial confirmation of the infection was conducted by RT-PCR on a urine sample for one case, and the other three were by detection of IgM anti-CHIKV antibodies. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and an electron microscopy assay allowed us to find histopathological, such as inflammatory infiltrate in the decidua and chorionic villi, as well as areas of calcification, edema and the deposition of fibrinoid material, and ultrastructural changes, such as mitochondria with fewer cristae and ruptured membranes, endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisterns, dispersed chromatin in the nuclei and the presence of an apoptotic body in case 1. In addition, by immunohistochemistry (IHC), we found a positivity for the anti-CHIKV antibody in cells of the endometrial glands, decidual cells, syncytiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts, Hofbauer cells and decidual macrophages. Electron microscopy also helped in identifying virus-like particles in the aborted material with a diameter of 40–50 nm, which was consistent with the size of CHIKV particles in the literature. Our findings in this study suggest early maternal fetal transmission, adding more evidence on the role of CHIKV in fetal death.

scholarly journals The Ontogeny and Function of Placental Macrophages

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jake R. Thomas ◽  
Praveena Naidu ◽  
Anna Appios ◽  
Naomi McGovern
Keyword(s):  
Human Placenta ◽  
Outer Layer ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Fetal Health ◽  
Hofbauer Cells ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Placental Macrophages ◽  
And Function ◽  
Insight Into

The placenta is a fetal-derived organ whose function is crucial for both maternal and fetal health. The human placenta contains a population of fetal macrophages termed Hofbauer cells. These macrophages play diverse roles, aiding in placental development, function and defence. The outer layer of the human placenta is formed by syncytiotrophoblast cells, that fuse to form the syncytium. Adhered to the syncytium at sites of damage, on the maternal side of the placenta, is a population of macrophages termed placenta associated maternal macrophages (PAMM1a). Here we discuss recent developments that have led to renewed insight into our understanding of the ontogeny, phenotype and function of placental macrophages. Finally, we discuss how the application of new technologies within placental research are helping us to further understand these cells.

scholarly journals PPAR Gamma and Viral Infections of the Brain

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 8876
Author(s):  
Pierre Layrolle ◽  
Pierre Payoux ◽  
Stéphane Chavanas
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Ppar Gamma ◽  
Brain Parenchyma ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Neural Cells ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
The Brain

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a master regulator of metabolism, adipogenesis, inflammation and cell cycle, and it has been extensively studied in the brain in relation to inflammation or neurodegeneration. Little is known however about its role in viral infections of the brain parenchyma, although they represent the most frequent cause of encephalitis and are a major threat for the developing brain. Specific to viral infections is the ability to subvert signaling pathways of the host cell to ensure virus replication and spreading, as deleterious as the consequences may be for the host. In this respect, the pleiotropic role of PPARγ makes it a critical target of infection. This review aims to provide an update on the role of PPARγ in viral infections of the brain. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of PPARγ in brain or neural cells infected by immunodeficiency virus 1, Zika virus, or human cytomegalovirus. They have provided a better understanding on PPARγ functions in the infected brain, and revealed that it can be a double-edged sword with respect to inflammation, viral replication, or neuronogenesis. They unraveled new roles of PPARγ in health and disease and could possibly help designing new therapeutic strategies.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles in the Pathogenesis of Viral Infections in Humans

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen Caobi ◽  
Madhavan Nair ◽  
Andrea D. Raymond
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Response Modulation ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Neurotropic Viruses ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Immune Response Modulation ◽  
Potential Use

Most cells can release extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane vesicles containing various proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and signaling molecules. The exchange of EVs between cells facilitates intercellular communication, amplification of cellular responses, immune response modulation, and perhaps alterations in viral pathogenicity. EVs serve a dual role in inhibiting or enhancing viral infection and pathogenesis. This review examines the current literature on EVs to explore the complex role of EVs in the enhancement, inhibition, and potential use as a nanotherapeutic against clinically relevant viruses, focusing on neurotropic viruses: Zika virus (ZIKV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Overall, this review’s scope will elaborate on EV-based mechanisms, which impact viral pathogenicity, facilitate viral spread, and modulate antiviral immune responses.

Some New Findings about Hofbauer Cells in the Chorionic Villi of the Human Placenta

1984 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramazan Demir ◽  
Türkân Erbengi
Keyword(s):  
Human Placenta ◽  
Chorionic Villi ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Hofbauer Cells

scholarly journals Recent Updates on Research Models and Tools to Study Virus–Host Interactions at the Placenta

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Kyung Lee ◽  
Soo-Jin Oh ◽  
Hosun Park ◽  
Ok Sarah Shin
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Biological Mechanisms ◽  
Cellular Targets ◽  
Host Interactions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Hofbauer Cells ◽  
Maternal Fetal Transmission ◽  
Immunological Barrier

The placenta is a unique mixed organ, composed of both maternal and fetal tissues, that is formed only during pregnancy and serves as the key physiological and immunological barrier preventing maternal–fetal transmission of pathogens. Several viruses can circumvent this physical barrier and enter the fetal compartment, resulting in miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth defects, including microcephaly. The mechanisms underlying viral strategies to evade the protective role of placenta are poorly understood. Here, we reviewed the role of trophoblasts and Hofbauer cells in the placenta and have highlighted characteristics of vertical and perinatal infections caused by a wide range of viruses. Moreover, we explored current progress and future opportunities in cellular targets, pathogenesis, and underlying biological mechanisms of congenital viral infections, as well as novel research models and tools to study the placenta.

scholarly journals Effects of APOBEC3G's Cytidine Deaminase Activity on Retroviral Evolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 55-61
Author(s):  
Mary-Benedicta Obikili
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infection ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Cytidine Deaminase ◽  
Viral Evolution ◽  
Cytidine Deaminase Activity ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Retroviral Infections

Apolipoprotein B editing complex (APOBEC3/A3) genes are found in mammalian cells. In primates, there are 7 APOBEC3 genes, namely, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3DE, 3F, 3G, and 3H. Previous research has shown that A3 proteins help to inhibit viral infection via their cytidine deaminase activity. However, it has also been found that A3 proteins could also lead to viral evolution, where viruses such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) instead gain beneficial mutations that enable them to overcome the antiviral activity of A3 proteins, gain resistance to certain drugs used for treating viral infections and escape recognition by the immune system. This paper is a review article summarizing the role of A3G on viral infection and evolution, and the potential impact viral evolution could have in treatment of retroviral infections such as HIV.

scholarly journals Association of Viral Infections With Oral Cavity Lesions: Role of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giusy Rita Maria La Rosa ◽  
Massimo Libra ◽  
Rocco De Pasquale ◽  
Sebastiano Ferlito ◽  
Eugenio Pedullà
Keyword(s):  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Coxsackie Virus ◽  
Oral Lesions ◽  
Cutaneous Manifestations ◽  
Associated Lesions ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Indirect Action

Different viral agents, such as herpesviruses, human papillomavirus, and Coxsackie virus, are responsible for primary oral lesions, while other viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus, affect the oral cavity due to immune system weakness. Interestingly, it has been reported that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients can show cutaneous manifestations, including the oral cavity. However, the association between oral injuries and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is still unclear. This narrative review aimed to summarize the available literature and provide an overview of oral lesions associated with COVID-19. An online literature search was conducted to select relevant studies published up to November 2020. The results of 17 studies showed variability in oral lesions associated with COVID-19, including ulcerations, aphthous-like lesions, and macules. The tongue, lips, and palate were the most frequent anatomical locations. According to current knowledge, the etiopathogenesis of multiple COVID-19-associated lesions seems to be multifactorial. The appearance of such lesions could be related to the direct or indirect action of SARS-CoV-2 over the oral mucosa cells, coinfections, immunity impairment, and adverse drug reactions. Nevertheless, COVID-19-associated oral lesions may be underreported, mainly due to lockdown periods and the lack of mandatory dispositive protection. Consequently, further research is necessary to determine the diagnostic and pathological significance of oral manifestations of COVID-19. All medical doctors, dentists, and dermatologists are encouraged to perform an accurate and thorough oral examination of all suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases to recognize the disease's possible early manifestations.

scholarly journals Does Interleukin-6 Bridge SARS-CoV-2 With Virus-Associated Cancers?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldo Venuti ◽  
Sara Donzelli ◽  
Paola Nisticò ◽  
Giovanni Blandino ◽  
Gennaro Ciliberto
Keyword(s):  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Molecular Profile ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Selective Targeting ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus

ABSTRACT To date SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), a member of the Coronaviridae family, has infected more than 40 million people worldwide. A second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection is aggressively surging. The clinical worsening of SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be strictly associated with comorbidities, which can be used to establish an intrinsic patient network whose molecular profile is pivotal for identifying and successfully treating populations at risk. Herein, we focus on the direct interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and virus-associated cancers, exploring the critical role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a mediator of this complex cross talk. IL-6 production is enhanced in diverse viral infections ranging from human papilloma virus (HPV) to hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and SARS-CoV-2 infection. High systemic levels of IL-6 are associated with viral persistence and poor clinical outcomes in SARS-CoV-2–infected patients. Blockade of IL-6/IL-6R, using specific molecules, is under investigation in active clinical trials for the treatment of patients with SARS-CoV-2. Although the data are as yet inconclusive, they pave the way for selective targeting of crucial cytokine-activated aberrant signaling in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals Tetraspanins: Host Factors in Viral Infections

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11609
Author(s):  
ChihSheng New ◽  
Zhao-Yong Lee ◽  
Kai Sen Tan ◽  
Amanda Huee-Ping Wong ◽  
De Yun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Syncytium Formation ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Host Factors ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Membrane Attachment ◽  
Compare And Contrast

Tetraspanins are transmembrane glycoproteins that have been shown increasing interest as host factors in infectious diseases. In particular, they were implicated in the pathogenesis of both non-enveloped (human papillomavirus (HPV)) and enveloped (human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Zika, influenza A virus, (IAV), and coronavirus) viruses through multiple stages of infection, from the initial cell membrane attachment to the syncytium formation and viral particle release. However, the mechanisms by which different tetraspanins mediate their effects vary. This review aimed to compare and contrast the role of tetraspanins in the life cycles of HPV, HIV, Zika, IAV, and coronavirus viruses, which cause the most significant health and economic burdens to society. In doing so, a better understanding of the relative contribution of tetraspanins in virus infection will allow for a more targeted approach in the treatment of these diseases.

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