sub-retinal-delivery-human-embryonic-stem-cell-derived-photoreceptor

Sub-Retinal Delivery of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Photoreceptor Progenitors in <em>rd10</em> Mice

Regeneration of photoreceptor cells using human pluripotent stem cells is a promising therapy for the treatment of both hereditary and aging retinal ...

Duke-NUS Medical School

The human fetal immune system begins to develop early during gestation; however, factors responsible for fetal immune-priming remain elusive. We explored potential exposure to microbial agents in utero and their contribution toward activation of memory T cells in fetal tissues. We profiled microbes across fetal organs using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and detected low but consistent microbial signal in fetal gut, skin, placenta, and lungs in the 2 trimester of gestation. We identified several live bacterial strains including Staphylococcus and Lactobacillus in fetal tissues, which induced in vitro activation of memory T cells in fetal mesenteric lymph node, supporting the role of microbial exposure in fetal immune-priming. Finally, using SEM and RNA-ISH, we visualized discrete localization of bacteria-like structures and eubacterial-RNA within 14 weeks fetal gut lumen. These findings indicate selective presence of live microbes in fetal organs during the 2 trimester of gestation and have broader implications toward the establishment of immune competency and priming before birth.

Edwin Shepherdson

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JoVE Journal Publications

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