The Immuno-Inflammatory Effect of IL-27 in Preterm Labor

Abstract Objective To investigate the effect of IL-27 on Th1 cells infiltration in human fetal membranes (FMs) and the underlying mechanisms in preterm labor. Methods The expression of IL-27 receptor a subunit (IL-27R𝛼) and Th1 cells were studied in human FMs from pregnant women with preterm labor (PL) and term labor (TL). In vitro, we investigated the effects of IL-27 in human amniotic cell lineage on the Th1 related chemokines and adhesive molecules and the underlying intracellular signaling molecules. Results The expression of IL-27R𝛼 was higher in human fetal membranes from PL group compared with TL group. Compared with TL group, the PL group had more Th1 cells infiltration in human FMs. Meanwhile, it was confirmed the expression of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11 and ICAM-1 were higher in FMs from PL group to TL group. Moreover, IL-27 stimulation can up-regulate the expression of those chemokines in human amniotic cell lineage via JAK2/STAT1/STAT3 signaling pathway. Conclusions The expression of IL-27R𝛼 and number of Th1 cells infiltration were higher at FMs of PL group than TL group. IL-27 could promote Th1 related chemokines and adhesive molecules in human amniotic cell lineage mainly through JAK2/STAT1/STAT3 signaling pathway.