Enough! Stop the arguments and get on with the science of natural killer cell testing

Abstract

Natural killer cell testing is currently practised widely, and there are studies indicating potential benefit in terms of targeting women with repeated reproductive failure for immune therapy. This may be a better approach than empirical immune therapy without any investigation. More and better studies are needed before such an approach can be fully endorsed. There is still uncertainty over the precise pathophysiological basis for all immune investigation and therapy, but this should not be a barrier for clinical observation and empirical care. On the contrary, clinicians and researchers should work more closely together to provide the best care for our patients.

Keywords: IVF failure; peripheral blood natural killer cells; recurrent miscarriage; reproductive immune therapy; uterine natural killer cells.