Sex Hormones and Aging Modulate Interferon Lambda 1 Production and Signaling by Human Uterine Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts

Abstract

Estradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P) have potent effects on immune function in the human uterine endometrium which is essential for creating an environment conducive for successful reproduction. Type III/lambda (λ) interferons (IFN) are implicated in immune defense of the placenta against viral pathogens, which occurs against the backdrop of high E₂ and P levels. However, the effect of E₂ and P in modulating the expression and function of IFNλ1 in the non-pregnant human uterine endometrium is unknown. We generated purified <i>in vitro</i> cultures of human uterine epithelial cells and stromal fibroblast cells recovered from hysterectomy specimens. Poly (I:C), a viral dsRNA mimic, potently increased secretion of IFNλ1 by both epithelial cells and fibroblasts. The secretion of IFNλ1 by epithelial cells significantly increased with increasing age following poly (I:C) stimulation. Stimulation of either cell type with E₂ (5x10^-8M) or P (1x10^-7M) had no effect on expression or secretion of IFNλ1 either alone or in the presence of poly (I:C). E₂ suppressed the IFNλ1-induced upregulation of the antiviral IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) MxA, OAS2 and ISG15 in epithelial cells, but not fibroblasts. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) blockade using Raloxifene indicated that E₂ mediated its inhibitory effects on ISG expression <i>via</i> ERα. In contrast to E₂, P potentiated the upregulation of ISG15 in response to IFNλ1 but had no effect on MxA and OAS2 in epithelial cells. Our results demonstrate that the effects of E₂ and P on IFNλ1-induced ISGs are cell-type specific. E₂-mediated suppression, and selective P-mediated stimulation, of IFNλ1-induced ISG expression in uterine epithelial cells suggest that the effects of IFNλ1 varies with menstrual cycle stage, pregnancy, and menopausal status. The suppressive effect of E₂ could be a potential mechanism by which ascending pathogens from the lower reproductive tract can infect the pregnant and non-pregnant endometrium.