Modulation of inflammation and adaptive immunity by a progesterone receptor Female sex steroids like progesterone (Pg) are powerful modulators of the immune system. High Pg states, such as pregnancy, are associated with remission of common autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and suppression of T helper type 1 (Th1) responses - effects recapitulated in animal models after Pg treatment. Increased Th1-related cytokines are associated with pre-term birth, a major cause of morbidity and mortality; Pg supplementation is used successfully to prevent it. Pregnancy and Pg treatment in animals leads to altered immunoglobulin levels and antibody responses to immunization. Women using injectable Pg contraception are at significantly increased risk of HIV infection; and this form of birth control is used by an estimated 50 million women, increasingly in Sub-Sahara Africa where HIV is epidemic. Nevertheless, the cellular and molecular targets of Pg immunomodulation in vivo are largely unknown. Immune cells express at least 2 Pg receptor types: intracellular Pg receptors (iPRs) and recently discovered membrane PRs (mPRs). Natural and synthetic progestins bind with variable affinities to these 2 receptors. iPRs are well characterized in reproductive tissues, but their immune functions in vivo remain unexplored. Here, we propose to clarify cellular and molecular targets of Pg immunomodulation in vivo by assessing how loss of iPRs in CD4+ T cells, B cell or dendritic cells impacts inflammation and adaptive immune responses before and after Pg treatment. Comparing vehicle- vs. Pg-treatments within iPR+ mice will allow us to define Pg's effects in our system; comparing iPR+ vs. iPR- groups will allow us to determine which effects require iPRs, and in which cell types, and under what hormonal conditions they are operational. These experiments will clarify cellular and molecular mechanisms of Pg immunomodulation and reveal a framework for understanding important clinical phenomena impacting global health, women's health, maternal-fetal medicine and autoimmunity.
NIH ExPorter
NIH ExPorter