The role of chorionic gonadotropin (CG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and pregnancy-specific β-1-glycoprotein (PSG) in the regulation of the processes determining the differentiation and maturation of naive T-cells into memory T-cells has been studied. It has been established that CG, AFP and PSG have a predominantly suppressing effect on the expression of CD28 and CD25 activation markers by naive T-cells (CD45RA+) and memory T-cells (CD45R0+), virtually without affecting the expression of CD71 proliferation marker. It has been established that the differentiation processes of naive T-cells and memory T-cells, under the influence of CG, AFP and PSG, are carried out with changing the expression of the - U2af1l4, Gfi1 and hTERT genes, which regulate the alternative splicing of the Ptprc gene (encoding CD45 molecule). At the same time, CG, AFP and PSG stimulated autocrine production of IL-2 with both naive and memory T-cells. Thus, for the first time, the modulating effects of the above-mentioned fetoplacental proteins in relation to the differentiation and functional activity of immune memory T-cells are shown.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), synthesized by embryonic tissues, enters the bloodstream of a mother performing both transport and immunomodulating functions. The aim of the work is to assess the effect of AFP on the differentiation of regulatory (Treg and Th17) and effector (TEM, TEMRA) subpopulations in vitro. For this, isolated cultures of T-helper cells were incubated with physiological concentrations of the native AFP preparation (10, 50, 100 IU/ml). In our experimental model, no apparent effects of AFP on Treg/Th17 differentiation were revealed. However, it was found out that AFP impeded the conversion of naive helper T cells into TEM and TEMRA, while simultaneously reducing the total production of IL-4 and IFN-y cytokines by these cells. The next task is to study the role of AFP in the regulation of differentiation and functions of myeloid suppressor cells (MDSC). Understanding these processes will expand our vision of the role of AFP in the formation of fetomaternal tolerance, as well as to formulate a new concept of its action as a pharmacological drug.