NOD1 and NOD2 control the invasiveness of trophoblast cells via the MAPK/p38 signaling pathway in human first-trimester pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION

Nucleotide binding and oligomerization leucine-rich repeats (NLR) are recognized as members of pattern-recognition receptors that play important roles in host innate immune defenses. In this study, we have investigated the expression and regulation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domains 1 and 2 (NOD1 and NOD2) on the invasiveness of primary human trophoblasts during the first trimester of pregnancy.

METHODS

The expression of NOD1 and NOD2 by human first rimester villi from recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients and normal pregnancy was analyzed by immunochemistry, western blot and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. The effects of ligands on the regulation of their receptors and invasiveness of trophoblasts were examined. The ELISA was used to measure the secretion of matrix matallopeptidase-9 (MMP9) and matrix matallopeptidase-2 (MMP2) by trophoblasts. We also investigated the signaling pathways involved in invasion of trophoblasts.

RESULTS

The higher NOD1 and NOD2 were observed in villi from patients who experienced RSA compared with those who experienced a normal pregnancy. The ligands can up-regulate the expression of their receptors. After activation, NOD1 and NOD2 inhibited the invasion of trophoblast cells by decreasing MMP9 but not MMP2. After the activation of NOD1 and NOD2, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/p38 pathway was activated time dependently. Blocking this pathway with a specific inhibitor (SB203580) attenuated NOD1-and NOD2-regulated trophoblast invasions.

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that abnormal elevated NOD1 and NOD2 expression in villi relate to pregnancy outcomes. Further, activation of NOD1 and NOD2 could have a bearing on our understanding of the invasive ability of trophoblasts.