Galectin-1 Elicits a Tissue-Specific Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Degradative Effect Upon LPS-Induced Response in an Ex Vivo Model of Human Fetal Membranes Modeling an Intraamniotic Inflammation.

Problem: Intrauterine infection is one of the most jeopardizing conditions associated with adverse outcomes, including preterm birth; however, multiple tolerance mechanisms operate at the maternal-fetal interface to avoid the rejection of the fetus. Among the factors that maintain the uterus as an immunoprivileged site, Galectin-1 (Gal-1), an immunomodulatory glycan-binding protein secreted by the maternal-fetal unit, is pivotal in promoting immune cell homeostasis. This work aimed to evaluate the role of Gal-1 during a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced-inflammatory milieu.