The human tumor-associated antigen RCAS1 in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia

The human tumor-associated antigen RCAS1 (receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells) is considered to play a role in the escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance and, at the same time, participates in the inhibition of the maternal immune response during pregnancy. The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of tumor-associated RCAS1 protein in the placenta and amniotic membranes and to assess and compare its concentration in amniotic fluid, maternal and cord blood sera in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia. Samples were obtained from women with pre-eclampsia (N = 9), pre-eclampsia with IUGR (N = 4), normotensive IUGR (N = 7) and healthy term controls (N = 25) after delivery. Placentas were studied by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis and real-time (RT)-PCR. For assessment of RCAS1 protein concentrations in biological fluids, ELISA was performed. RCAS1 mRNA expression in the placentas of pre-eclamptic patients was significantly lower than in controls (p < 0.01). The maternal blood serum RCAS1 protein concentration in the pre-eclampsia cases was also significantly lower than in controls (p = 0.0207). The other study groups did not differ significantly. This study reveals the possible role of the RCAS1 protein in the development of pre-eclampsia through an immunological pathway.