Differential Secretion Of Inflammatory Cytokines By Human Trophoblasts In The Presence Ofescherichia Coli,Lactobacillus Crispatus, Andlactobacillus Jensenii

Introduction:The existence of a placental microbiome would require a non-antagonistic relationship between potentially colonizing bacteria and trophoblasts.Objective:The immunologic response of trophoblasts to specific potentially invading bacteria needs further analysis.Methodology:Immortalized first trimester human trophoblasts Swan 71 (Sw.71) were coincubated withEscherichia coli,Lactobacillus jensenii,Lactobacillus crispatus, and incubated alone (i.e., control group; 4 conditions withn= 6 for each condition). Chemokines and cytokines were measured. ANOVA with post hoc pairwise analysis was used to compare cytokines/chemokines concentrations in the 4 culture media.Results:Sw.71 co-incubated withE. coli,L. jenseniiorL. crispatusresulted in differential secretion of 11 of the 26 assayed cytokines/chemokines. Sw.71 co-incubated with any of the 3 bacteria responded with significant increased secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor. All bacteria elicited the secretion of IL-6 and interferon (IFN) alpha 2, 2 proinflammatory cytokines. In addition,Lactobacillusspecies resulted in increased secretion of IL-12p40 and IFN gamma. WhileE. colidid not modify secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, Sw.71 cells responded to co-incubation withLactobacillusspecies by secreting increased levels of IL-10 and IL-1ra. BothLactobacillusspecies led to a decreased secretion of IL-4.Conclusion:All 3 bacterial species triggered significant release of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that a commensal relationship with trophoblasts may not be feasible.