Pregnancy is a complex immunological state in which a bias towards T helper 2 (Th2) protects the fetus. Evidence suggests that proinflammatory cytokines increase the risk of poor neonatal outcome, independently of the direct effect of preterm labour. The anti-inflammatory prostaglandin 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2(15dPGJ2) inhibits nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB) in amniocytes and myocytesin vitroand is a ligand for the chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) receptor. Here we examine the Th1:Th2 cytokine bias in pregnancy and whether 15dPGJ2could be used to inhibit the production of the proinflammatory cytokines through inhibition of NF-κB while simultaneously promoting Th2 interleukin 4 (IL-4) synthesis via CRTH2 in T helper cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from women at 28 weeks, term pre-labour, term labour as well as non-pregnant female controls were cultured with 15dPGJ2or vehicle control and stimulated with phorbol myristyl acetate (PMA)/ionomycin. The percentage of CD4+cells producing interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in response to PMA/ionomycin was significantly reduced in pregnancy. 15dPGJ2reduced IFN-γand TNF-αproduction in stimulated T helper cells, but did not alter IL-4 production in CRTH2+vecells. 15dPGJ2also reduced phospho-p65 in stimulated PBMCs. In summary, 15dPGJ2suppresses the Th1 response of PBMCs during pregnancy and active labour whilst maintaining the Th2 response suggesting a therapeutic benefit in reducing neonatal morbidity in inflammation-induced PTL.
Balancing pro- and anti-inflammatory CD4+ T helper cells in the intestine