Phenotypic and functional characterization of first-trimester human placental macrophages, Hofbauer cells
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Hofbauer cells (HBC) are a population of macrophages found in high abundance within the stroma of the first trimester human placenta. HBC are the only fetal immune cell population within the stroma of healthy placenta. However, the functional properties of these cells are poorly described. Aligning with their predicted origin via primitive haematopoiesis, we find that HBC are transcriptionally similar to yolk sac macrophages. Phenotypically, HBC can be identified as HLA-DR - FOLR2 + macrophages. We identify a number of factors HBC secrete (including IL-8 and MMP-9) that could affect placental angiogenesis and remodelling. We determine that HBC have the capacity to play a defensive role, where they are responsive to Toll-like receptor stimulation and are microbicidal. Finally, we also identify a population of placenta-associated maternal macrophages (PAMM1a) that adhere to the placental surface and express factors, such as fibronectin, that may aid in repair. Summary Using transcriptomic and proteomic data, Thomas, J. et al, analyse human first trimester placental macrophages and delineate markers that identify them. They also reveal that Hofbauer cells have microbicidal capacity, providing the fetus with an additional layer of protection from certain microbes. One sentence summary Hofbauer cells are primitive placental macrophages with a unique phenotype and role in fetal defence. Non-standard abbreviation Placental associated maternal monocytes/macrophages, PAMM.
DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200891
Institutions: University of Cambridge, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Immunology Network, Jinan University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National University of Singapore, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Shanghai Institute of Immunology
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Awards: G1930925221, Characterization of the human extra-embryonic macrophage population, Hofbauer cells, phenotype and function, Characterization of the human extra-embryonic macrophage population, Hofbauer cells, phenotype and function, Placental macrophages, termed Hofbauer cells, play an active role in fighting infection during pregnancy., How do KIR on uterine Natural Killer cells (uNK) regulate human pregnancy success?, Placental macrophages, termed Hofbauer cells, play an active role in fighting infection during pregnancy.
OpenAlex ID: W3092854319