NK cells and pre-eclampsia.

Journal article

The immunological interaction between the mother and fetus has classically been thought of as one between paternal antigen and maternal T cells. However, the MHC antigen expression on human trophoblast and the immune cell populations present in the decidua suggest that this interaction primarily involves decidual NK cells rather than T cells, and this is supported by new functional studies. It is becoming apparent also that the maternal systemic immune response in pregnancy (Th1/Th2 shift) primarily involves NK cells. Aberrant NK cell activation both locally in the decidua and systemically in the maternal blood may be the cause of pre-eclampsia.

Authors: Sargent, I; Borzychowski, A; Redman, C

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of reproductive immunology
• Volume: 76
• Issue: 1-2
• Pages: 40-44
• Publication date: 2007-12-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2007.03.009
• EISSN: 1872-7603
• ISSN: 0165-0378
• Language: English
• Keywords: Female; Receptors, KIR; Trophoblasts; Decidua; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; Humans; Pre-Eclampsia; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; Killer Cells, Natural; Pregnancy; Cytokines