Progesterone Increases Apoptosis and Interleukin 10 Secretion by Mature Monocyte Derived Dendritic Cells

Monocyte derived dendritic cells (mDCs) are present in human decidua where they experience the effect of the increased concentration of progesterone (Pg) The aim of our study was to assess the effect of this hormone on the immunomodulatory role of mDCs.mDCs were cultured in vitro in the presence of Pg and characterized for their markers, apoptosis and secretion of IL-10 by flow cytometry and ELISA. We found that Pg increased the apoptosis and the production of IL-10 by mDCs and we speculate that using these mechanisms Pg might participates in regulation of the immune response.