Placental macrophage (Hofbauer cell) polarization is independent of maternal allergen-sensitization and presence of chorioamnionitis

Abstract Background Macrophages can polarize in which M1/classically activated and M2/alternatively activated macrophages are considered to be the extremes. M1 macrophages are involved in inflammatory reactions, while M2 macrophages are suggested to be involved in homeostasis, parasite killing, tumor promotion, tissue remodeling and in allergic reactions. We hypothesized that polarization of placental macrophages (Hofbauer cells) is influenced by the allergen-sensitization status of the mother and/or the presence of chorioamnionitis, a placental inflammation. This Hofbauer cell polarization might be associated to the intrauterine environment and influence the risk of allergy development for the child. Therefore we aimed to determine the polarization status of Hofbauer cells in health and disease. Methods We determined the expression of CD68, CX3CR1, IL-7R, DC-SIGN/CD209 and CD163 in placentas of sensitized versus non-sensitized mothers ( n  = 17), and placentas with or without histological chorioamnionitis ( n  = 10) by means of immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Results Protein expression of the M1 markers (CX3CR1, IL-7R and CCR7) could not be detected in any of the analyzed samples while the M2 markers (DC-SIGN, CD163 and mannose receptor/CD206) were readily detected. Significant differences between non-sensitized versus sensitized mothers and uncomplicated versus chorioamnionitis complicated pregnancies were not detected at protein or at mRNA expression level. Conclusions These results suggest that Hofbauer cells have an M2 phenotype, and that their polarization is not affected by maternal allergen-sensitization or by presence of chorioamnionitis.