Does the classical M1/M2 dichotomy reflect the functional phenotypes of human decidual macrophages?

Constituents of the mononuclear phagocyte system, including macrophages (Ms), display a remarkable potential to acquire variable phenotypes that rely on cell-to-cell contact and exposure to soluble factors in the tissue microenvironment. Ms are a major subpopulation of the immunocompetent cells residing in the uterine endometrium during pregnancy. Although the activities of Ms at the human feto-â€"maternal interface are thought to be critical for tissue remodeling and immunological regulation, the phenotypic differentiation and molecular mechanisms underlying their activities have not been fully elucidated. A recent publication by Houser and colleagues provides novel insights into the biology of decidual Ms (dMs). The authors report that dMs can be subcategorized by their cell surface expression of CD11c (CD11cHI and CD11cLO). Gene-expression arrays and functional assays clearly demonstrate the unique cell properties for dMs defined by CD11c expression levels. In this article, we review and discuss the important findings of this dM re-classification and its impact on future research regarding mononuclear phagocyte system activities at the human feto-â€"maternal interface. © 2011 Expert Reviews Ltd.

Duke Scholars

Author Danny J Schust Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infe ...