Fig. 8

Diagram illustrating the main findings of this study. Six major cell types were identified in the human amnion including EpC, FB, ImC, EpC_FB, ImC_EpC and ImC_FB. The membrane rupture zone (ZAM) exhibited specific changes in subcluster proportions of ImC and EpC_FB in labor, particularly those subclusters related to ECM remodeling and inflammation. Additionally, the non-rupture zone also manifested some common changes in EpC and FB subcluster compositions along with the rupture zone, particularly those subclusters related to oxidative stress and apoptosis in EpC and zinc ion transport in FB. CCL20 was upregulated in the major cell types of the amnion in the rupture zone at parturition. Administration of CCL20 induced immune cell infiltration to intrauterine tissues and led to preterm birth in the mouse. i.p., intraperitoneal injection. FB fibroblasts, EpC epithelial cells, ImC immunocytes, EpC_FB epithelial_fibroblasts, ImC_EpC immune_epithelial cells, ImC_FB immune_fibroblasts