Immunomodulatory activity of glycodelin: Implications in allograft rejection

Summary

Glycodelin is an immunomodulator, indispensable for the maintenance of pregnancy in humans. The glycoprotein induces apoptosis in activated CD4⁺ T cells, monocytes and NK cells, and suppresses the activity of cytotoxic T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. This study explores the immunosuppressive property of glycodelin for its possible use in preventing graft rejection. Because glycodelin is found only in certain primates, the hypothesis was investigated in an allograft nude mouse model. It is demonstrated that treatment of alloactivated mononuclear cells with glycodelin thwarts graft rejection. Glycodelin decreases the number of activated CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells and downregulates the expression of key proteins known to be involved in graft demise such as granzyme-B, EOMES, IL-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), resulting in a weakened cell-mediated immune response. Immunosuppressive drugs for treating allograft rejection are associated with severe side effects. Glycodelin, a natural immunomodulator in humans, would be an ideal alternate candidate. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.