The role of decidual natural killer cell-derived soluble factors in early pregnancy

Am J Reprod Immunol. 2021 Nov;86(5):e13477. doi: 10.1111/aji.13477. Epub 2021 Oct 5.

Abstract

Decidual natural killer cells (dNK), the predominant decidual lymphocytes in early pregnancy, are primarily identified based on their CD56bright CD16- phenotype and play an important role in maintaining immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. dNK dysfunction reportedly leads to pathological pregnancy. Indeed, various dNK-derived soluble factors are involved in a series of key processes related to pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we summarize the roles of these dNK-derived factors in immune tolerance and embryonic development to improve the current understanding regarding the physiological and pathological mechanisms that occur during pregnancy, while potentially informing the development of effective therapeutics.

Keywords: angiogenic growth factor; chemokine; cytokine; decidual natural killer cell; growth-promoting factor; pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenic Proteins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Decidua / blood supply*
  • Decidua / immunology
  • Decidua / metabolism*
  • Embryonic Development
  • Female
  • Histocompatibility, Maternal-Fetal*
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism*
  • Phenotype
  • Pregnancy
  • Secretory Pathway
  • Signal Transduction
  • Vascular Remodeling

Substances

  • Angiogenic Proteins
  • Cytokines
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins