Expression and T cell Regulatory Action of the PD-1 Immune Checkpoint in the Ovary and Fallopian Tube

Johnson, J.; Sam, P. K.; Asokan, R.; Llerena Cari, E.; Bales, E. S.; Luu, T.-H.; Perez, L.; Kallen, A. N.; Nel-Themaat, L.; Polotsky, A. J.; Post, M. D.; Orlicky, D. J.; Jordan, K. R.; Bitler, B. G.

doi:10.1101/2020.06.06.138123

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.06.06.138123

Expression and T cell Regulatory Action of the PD-1 Immune Checkpoint in the Ovary and Fallopian Tube

Johnson, J.·Sam, P. K.·Asokan, R.·Llerena Cari, E.·Bales, E. S.·Luu, T.-H.·Perez, L.·Kallen, A. N.·Nel-Themaat, L.·Polotsky, A. J.·Post, M. D.·Orlicky, D. J.·Jordan, K. R.·Bitler, B. G.

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Abstract

The Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 (PD-1/PDCD-1/CD279) checkpoint has powerful immunomodulatory action, including in the context of cancer. PD-1 receptor activation by its ligands (PD-L1/2) is associated with downregulated immune response, and tumor cells can avoid surveillance via PD-1 and/or ligand expression. While receptor expression is largely limited to lymphoid, myeloid, and tumor cells, we show that membrane bound and soluble variants of PD-1 and ligands are also expressed by permanent constituent cell types of the human ovary and fallopian tube, including granulosa cells and oocytes. PD-1 and soluble ligands were highly enriched in exosome fractions in human follicular fluid at bioactive levels that can control T cell PD-1 activation. PD-1 checkpoint signaling may be involved in physiological ovarian functions including follicle, and ultimately, germline and embryo immune-privilege.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.View Full Text

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Johnson, J., Sam, P. K., Asokan, R., Llerena Cari, E., Bales, E. S., Luu, T.-H., Perez, L., Kallen, A. N., Nel-Themaat, L., Polotsky, A. J., Post, M. D., Orlicky, D. J., Jordan, K. R., Bitler, B. G.. 2020-06-07. Expression and T cell Regulatory Action of the PD-1 Immune Checkpoint in the Ovary and Fallopian Tube. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.06.138123

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