DEFECTIVE PRODUCTION OF BOTH LEUKEMIA INHIBITORY FACTOR AND TYPE-2 T-HELPER CYTOKINES BY DECIDUAL T-CELLS IN UNEXPLAINED RECURRENT ABORTIONS

Leukemia inhibitory factor is essential for embryo implantation, and a shift from type 1 T-helper to type 2 T-helper response at the fetal-m aternal interface may contribute to successful pregnancy. We show that LIF production is associated with type 2 T-helper cells, is upregulat ed by IL-4 and progesterone and is downregulated by IL-12 IFN-gamma an d IFN-alpha. We also show a decreased production of LIF, IL-4 and IL-1 0 by decidual T cells of women with unexplained recurrent abortions in comparison with that of women with normal gestation. The defective pr oduction of LIF and/or type 2 T-helper cytokines may contribute to the development of unexplained recurrent abortions.