Abstract

This Cambridge Immunology Network Seminar will take place on Thursday 3 October 2024, starting at 4:00pm, in the Ground Floor Lecture Theatre, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre (JCBC)

Speaker: Dr Naomi McGovern, Department of Pathology & Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge

Title: Placental macrophages and how they fight Listeria monocytogenes infection.

Listeriosis is a foodborne disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram-positive bacterium that is ubiquitous in the environment. Listeriosis generally causes mild-to-moderate clinical symptoms of gastroenteritis. However, if it crosses the placenta, fetal infection can have devastating sequelae, including neonatal sepsis and neurodevelopmental delay.

The human placenta contains one population of immune cells, macrophages known as Hofbauer cells. Here, we describe how their properties change across gestation and the impact of these changes on their interactions with Listeria monocytogenes.

Host: Patrycja Kozik, PNAC Division, MRC -LMB, University of Cambridge

Refreshments will be available following the Seminar.