Modulation of Antigenic Phenotype by IL-1β, IFNγ and TGFβ1 on Cultured Human Decidual Stromal Cells

Decidual stromal cells (DSC) constitute the most abundant population in normal human decidua together with leukocytes. Both populations may be involved in the immunological role of the decidua by favoring gestational functions, participating in physiological mechanisms to eliminate the fetus, or providing local defense against infection. Using flow cytometry, we investigated whether different cytokines modulate the expression on cultured DSC of antigen-presenting molecules. The treatment with IFNγ or IL-1β enhanced the expression of CD54. The percentage of expression of HLA-DR was enhanced by IL-1β treatment but was not modified by IFNγ. The expression of CD80 and CD86 was enhanced by IFNγ treatment but was not modified by IL-1β; the expression of CD86 and HLA-DR was reduced by TGFβ1 treatment. The response of DSC and dendritic cells to these cytokines appears to be similar, suggesting a phenotypic and functional relationship between these cell types.