Uterine NK cells and trophoblast HLA class I molecules

Am J Reprod Immunol. 1997 Jun;37(6):459-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1997.tb00260.x.

Abstract

Problem: To investigate the proposal that NK cells in decidua may control trophoblast migration during implantation of the human placenta.

Method: Use Mab specific for HLA-G and for HLA-C in association with flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation to determine the expression of these HLA molecules by trophoblast. Expression of Killer inhibitory/activatory receptors (KIR/KAR) and the CD94 receptor by decidual NK cells was also studied.

Results: Extravillous trophoblast expressed HLA-G and HLA-C in both beta2m-associated form and as free heavy chains. KIR and KAR are expressed by decidual NK cells. The repertoire of receptors varied between different women and also between blood and decidual NK cells from the same women. The expression of CD94 was also different between blood and decidual NK cells.

Conclusion: The recognition of HLA-G/HLA-C by KIR/KAR and CD94 could provide a mechanism by which decidual NK cells control trophoblast migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Cell Movement
  • Decidua / cytology
  • Decidua / immunology
  • Embryo Implantation / physiology*
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • HLA Antigens / analysis*
  • HLA Antigens / immunology
  • HLA-C Antigens / analysis*
  • HLA-C Antigens / immunology
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / analysis*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lectins, C-Type*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / analysis
  • Multigene Family
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptors, Immunologic / analysis
  • Receptors, KIR
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
  • Trophoblasts / immunology*
  • Uterus / cytology*
  • Uterus / immunology
  • beta 2-Microglobulin / analysis

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD
  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-C Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • KLRD1 protein, human
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, KIR
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
  • beta 2-Microglobulin