The Role of C5a Receptor Signaling in Endotoxin-Induced Miscarriage and Preterm Birth

• Published in: American journal of reproductive immunology (1989) Vol. 74; no. 2; pp. 148 - 155
• Main Authors: Denny, Kerina J., Coulthard, Liam G., Mantovani, Susanna, Simmons, David, Taylor, Stephen M., Woodruff, Trent M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-08-2015; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Abortion, Veterinary - immunology; Animals; Complement; complement factor 5a; Female; inflammation; Lipopolysaccharides - pharmacology; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; miscarriage; Pregnancy; preterm birth; Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a - immunology; Signal Transduction; preterm birth; Complement; inflammation; miscarriage; complement factor 5a; pregnancy
• ISSN: 1046-7408; 1600-0897
• DOI: 10.1111/aji.12386

Problem
Complement factor 5a (C5a), a potent pro‐inflammatory mediator of the complement system, has been implicated in fetal rejection throughout gestation, from miscarriage to preterm birth. This study aimed to investigate the role of the principal C5a receptor, C5aR1 (CD88), in both miscarriage and preterm birth, in a bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) murine model.
Method of study
Wild‐type and C5ar1 knockout mice were administered LPS at 9.5 or 15.5 days post‐conception to induce miscarriage or preterm birth, respectively.
Results
C5ar1 knockout mice were protected against miscarriage in response to administration of LPS in early gestation. However, the absence of C5aR1 had no effect on the rates of preterm birth when LPS was administered in late gestation.
Conclusion
There may be a gestational window in which excessive activation of C5a can exert deleterious effects in pregnancy. Future strategies targeting the C5a‐C5aR1 signaling axis should be considered to ameliorate miscarriages in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.