Suppression of lymphocyte alloreactivity by early gestational human decidua. II. Characterization of the suppressor mechanisms.

We have earlier shown that first trimester human decidual cells (typical decidual cells and decidual macrophages) suppress lymphocyte alloreactivity (MLR and CTL generation) in vitro in an MHC-unrestricted manner and that this suppression is mediated by PGE2. The present study explored the mechanisms underlying this suppression by noting the effects of decidual cells (+/- indomethacin or anti-PGE2 antibody) or chemically pure PGE2 on numerous T lymphocyte activation events following allogeneic stimulation in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) or polyclonal activation with Con A. The results revealed that this suppression was the net result of an action of PGE2 on at least two events during lymphocyte activation: (i) a down-regulation of IL-2 receptor development on lymphocytes, quantitated with a radioimmunoassay and radioautography; this was noted in MLC or Con A-stimulated lymphocyte cultures in the presence of decidual cells (reversible in the presence of indomethacin or anti-PGE2 antibody), or PGE2, but not PGF2 alpha; (ii) an inhibition of IL-2 production in the MLC, measured with a bioassay using an IL-2-dependent T cell line (CTLL-2) and a recombinant IL-2 standard. These effects blocked cell proliferation and eventual generation of killer cells in the MLC. Decidual cells or PGE2 did not interfere with IL-2-dependent proliferation of CTLL-2 cells, which require an interaction between IL-2 receptors on these cells and IL-2. Finally, neither agent interfered with the lytic function of CTL, once generated. These results indicate that the PGE2-mediated immunosuppressor function of early gestational human decidual cells is accomplished by an afferent blockade of the early events in T lymphocyte activation.