Interleukin-6 in pregnancy and gestational disorders

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorPrins, J.
dc.contributor.authorGomez-Lopez, N.
dc.contributor.authorRobertson, S.
dc.date.issued2012
dc.description.abstractIL6 is a multifunctional cytokine with pivotal roles in the inflammatory response and in directing T cell differentiation in adaptive immunity. IL6 is widely expressed in the female reproductive tract and gestational tissues, and exerts regulatory functions in embryo implantation and placental development, as well as the immune adaptations required to tolerate pregnancy. Here, we summarise the current understanding of how membrane-bound and soluble receptors mediate IL6 signalling to regulate leukocytes and non-haemopoietic cells. We review the published literature regarding the expression and actions of IL6 in the uterus, decidua and placenta, and studies implicating this cytokine in pregnancy disorders. Elevated IL6 is frequently evident in the altered cytokine profiles characteristic of unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Notably, there is compelling evidence indicating altered systemic IL6 trans-signalling in women prone to recurrent miscarriage, with excessive IL6 bioavailability potentially inhibiting generation of CD4+ T regulatory cells required for pregnancy tolerance. Insufficient local IL6 may also contribute to fetal loss, since IL6 expression is reduced in the endometrium of women with recurrent miscarriage, and in the fetal–placental tissue of CBA × DBA/2 mice. Consistent with the role of IL6 in key reproductive events, Il6 null mutant mice exhibit elevated fetal resorption and delayed parturition. Investigation of the association between IL6 signalling components and T cell responses in pregnant women, as well as detailed analysis of the maternal immune response in IL6-deficient mice, is now required to define the mechanisms by which this cytokine exerts influence on reproductive success.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityJelmer R. Prins, Nardhy Gomez-Lopez, Sarah A. Robertson
dc.identifier.citationJournal of Reproductive Immunology, 2012; 95(1):1-14
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.jri.2012.05.004
dc.identifier.issn0165-0378
dc.identifier.issn1872-7603
dc.identifier.orcidRobertson, S. [0000-0002-9967-0084]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/73935
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier Sci Ireland Ltd
dc.rightsCopyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2012.05.004
dc.subjectPregnancy
dc.subjectImplantation
dc.subjectMiscarriage
dc.subjectPreeclampsia
dc.subjectPreterm birth
dc.subjectCytokine
dc.subjectInflammation
dc.subjectInterleukin-6
dc.titleInterleukin-6 in pregnancy and gestational disorders
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

Files

Collections

Obstetrics and Gynaecology publications