Journal
PLACENTA
Volume 35, Issue 2, Pages 139-142Publisher
W B SAUNDERS CO LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.12.007
Keywords
HLA-G; Villi; Listeria monocytogenes; Escherichia coli
Funding
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund
- March of Dimes
- Children's Discovery Institute at Washington University
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Award [NIH UL1 TR000448]
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We previously showed that intracellular bacteria are present in the human placental maternal fetal interface (basal plate). To determine the bacterial niche, basal plate biopsies were 1) examined histologically, and 2) cultured ex vivo, infected with either gram negative (Escherichia call) or positive (Listeria monocytogenes) bacteria, and examined by histological staining, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. We found bacteria in fetal extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) in basal plate biopsies. Both E. coli and L monocytogenes also predominantly invaded EVTs in basal plate explants where they replicated and formed clusters or existed as single organisms. EVTs are the cell type most susceptible to bacterial colonization, likely due to their expression of major histocompatibility antigen and immune-privileged status. Pathogens persisting and replicating in the EVTs may constitute a source of intrauterine colonization that leads to adverse outcomes such as preterm birth. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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