Work

Bovine trophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles modulate the gene expression profile of peripheral leukocytes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study aimed to determine whether trophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) alter the gene expression profiles of circulating leukocyte populations. In this study, we exposed different populations of circulating leukocytes (CD14+, CD4+CD25-, CD4+ CD25+, CD8+, and TCR-γδ+ cells) to either isolated bovine trophoblast-derived EVs (tEV), EV-free trophoblast cell culture supernatant (nEV), or whole trophoblast culture supernatant (wSP) and assessed the transcription level of immune-related genes. Extracellular vesicle concentrations measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis in the nEV, tEV, and wSP treatments were 1.78 × 108, 9.81 × 108, and 3.22 × 108 particles/mL, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence and morphology of EVs, which ranged in diameter from 25 to 308 nm, with most particles falling between 72 and 134 nm. Trophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles (tEVs) significantly altered gene expression in multiple immune cell populations, including CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, CD4+CD25− resting T helper cells, and CD4+CD25+ activated T helper cells. In CD8+ cells, tEVs upregulated IL13 and showed trends toward increased FOXP3 and IL23 expression. CD4+CD25− cells treated with tEVs exhibited increased IL6 and trends toward reduced IL1B and IL13, while CD4+CD25+ cells showed elevated CXCL8 and tendencies for higher IL10, IFNG, and TNFA expression. No significant gene expression changes were observed in TCR-γ/δ+ cells across treatments. Our results indicate that trophoblast EVs regulate immune cell expression of immune mediators and cytokines at the fetal-maternal interface.

Source: Animal Reproduction Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108025

Authors: Heloisa M. Rutigliano, Amber E. Thornton, Kira P. Morgado, John R. Stevens, Irina A. Polejaeva, Christopher J. Davies

Institution: Utah State University

Language: English

Topic: Extracellular vesicles in disease

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,770