Three-dimensional culture models of human endometrium for studying trophoblast-endometrium interaction during implantation

Abstract

During implantation, a symphony of interaction between the trophoblast originated from the trophectoderm of the implanting blastocyst and the endometrium leads to a successful pregnancy. Defective interaction between the trophoblast and endometrium often results in implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and a number of pregnancy complications. Owing to ethical concerns of using in vivo approaches to study human embryo implantation, various in vitro culture models of endometrium were established in the past decade ranging from two-dimensional cell-based to three-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM)/tissue-based culture systems. Advanced organoid systems have also been established for recapitulation of different cellular components of the maternal–fetal interface, including the endometrial glandular organoids, trophoblast organoids and blastoids. However, there is no single ideal model to study the whole implantation process leaving more research to be done pursuing the establishment of a comprehensive in vitro model that can recapitulate the biology of trophoblast-endometrium interaction during early pregnancy. This would allow us to have better understanding of the physiological and pathological process of trophoblast-endometrium interaction during implantation.

Natural Killer Cell Derived Microvesicles Affect the Function of Trophoblast Cells

“…Both trophoblasts and natural killers have a wide arsenal for mutual containment, since trophoblasts are considered foreign elements by the mother’s immune system. On the other hand, the invasion of trophoblasts into the endometrium is accompanied by their influence on cells of the microenvironment, including endometrial, endothelial, and maternal NK cells [ 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 ]. Despite this, NK cells actively control the proliferation and migration of trophoblasts under conditions of physiological pregnancy, which in turn restrains the excessive cytotoxicity of NK cells [ 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 ].…”

Endometrial Stem Cells: Orchestrating Dynamic Regeneration of Endometrium and Their Implications in Diverse Endometrial Disorders

“…Endometrial glands play a crucial role in providing initial nutrition to the embryo until the placenta develops [15]. For successful attachment, implantation, and placentation to occur, effective communication between implantation-competent embryo and receptive endometrium must take place in a timely and efficient manner [16]. Proper functioning of the endometrium is reliant upon luminal and glandular epithelia, which are composed of both ciliated and secretory cells.…”

Understanding the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia: Exploring the Role of Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Future Directions

“…Due to ethical constraints on studying early placental development, our understanding of placental function remains limited. Instead, we explore the maternal endometrium and the fetal-maternal dialogue [17,18]. Implantation relies on both embryo quality and the physiological state of the endometrium.…”