Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection is associated with an increased number of Sn-positive and CD8-positive cells in the maternal–fetal interface

It is already known that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in lungs changes a local cell pattern and cytokine profile. However, there is no information about cellular and immunological events upon PRRSV infection in the maternal–fetal interface yet. The altered number and/or function of macrophages and NK cells in the maternal–fetal interface during infection may have a functional importance for virus replication. In addition, local cellular and immunological disbalance may also disrupt fragile homeostasis and contribute to the PRRSV-related reproductive disorders. Sialoadhesin (Sn)-positive macrophages are target cells for PRRSV and Sn overexpression has been observed upon chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. It is also known that mouse Sn-positive macrophages in lymph nodes are able to closely interact with and activate NK cells in response to viral particles. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study was to examine if PRRSV infection is associated with altered Sn expression on endometrial and placental macrophages. In addition, CD8-positive cells (porcine endometrial NK cells were previously described as CD8⁺CD3⁻ cells) were localized and quantified in the PRRSV-positive and control tissues. Tissue samples were obtained from three PRRSV-inoculated and three non-inoculated control sows at 100 days of gestation. Real-time RT-PCR showed a clear upregulation of Sn mRNA expression in the PRRSV-positive endometrium/placenta (p<0.05). Sn-, CD163- and CD14-specific immunofluorescence stainings revealed that PRRSV-inoculated sows had a significantly higher number of Sn-positive macrophages in the endometrium and placenta due to de novo Sn expression on local CD163-positive macrophages. Along with the increased number of Sn-positive macrophages an increased number of CD8-positive cells, which were mostly CD3-negative, was observed in the PRRSV-positive endometrium. The effects of the observed cellular changes on virus replication and potential contribution to placental damage and reproductive disorders are discussed.