Immune checkpoint molecules soluble program death ligand 1 and galectin-9 are increased in pregnancy

ProblemPregnancy requires balance between tolerance to the haploidentical fetus and the mother's ability to mount immune responses. There are parallels to this phenomenon that occur in metastatic cancer. We assessed soluble program death ligand-1 soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) and galectin-9 in the blood of pregnant women during gestation as these molecules are highly involved in immune suppression during cancer. Method of studyMaternal blood was collected from 30 primigravida women at monthly intervals during pregnancy, delivery and 6-week post-partum. Blood was analyzed for sPD-L1 and galectin-9 concentrations by ELISA. Term placentas were collected in formalin and IHC was completed for PD-L1 and galectin-9 expression. ResultsMaternal blood levels of sPD-L1 (0.438ng/mL) and galectin-9 (1976pg/mL) were elevated early in normal pregnancies compared to non-pregnant controls (0.242ng/mL and 773pg/mL, respectively). sPD-L1 increased throughout gestation, whereas galectin-9 remained elevated until parturition; both proteins returned to control levels post-partum. Women carrying male fetuses had significantly higher galectin-9 levels, but not sPD-L1, than those carrying females (2263pg/mL vs 1874pg/mL; P=.0005). Trophoblast cells of the term placenta coexpress galectin-9 and PD-L1. ConclusionImmune-regulatory molecules galectin-9 and sPD-L1 increased during pregnancy and may play a role in immune tolerance that is critical for the fetus.