How Extravillous Trophoblasts Fight Listeria monocytogenes Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Zeldovich Varvara B., Robbins Jennifer R., Kapidzic Mirhan, Lauer Peter, Bakardjiev Anna I.
Primary Institution: University of California, San Francisco
Hypothesis
Can extravillous trophoblasts restrict the growth and spread of Listeria monocytogenes?
Conclusion
Extravillous trophoblasts significantly limit the growth and spread of Listeria monocytogenes by preventing its escape from vacuoles.
Supporting Evidence
- Extravillous trophoblasts eliminated approximately 80% of intracellular bacteria over 24 hours.
- Bacteria remained confined to vacuolar compartments that became acidified and co-localized with lysosomal markers.
- Vacuolar escape rates differed between trophoblast subpopulations, with invasive EVT showing lower escape rates.
Takeaway
Extravillous trophoblasts are like a protective wall that stops bad bacteria from getting to the baby during pregnancy.
Methodology
The study used primary human extravillous trophoblasts infected with Listeria monocytogenes to analyze bacterial growth and vacuolar escape.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific cell type and may not represent all trophoblast populations.
Participant Demographics
Human placentas from elective terminations of pregnancy, gestational age 14 to 24 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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