Uterine NK cells and trophoblast HLA class I molecules.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the proposal that NK cells in decidua may control trophoblast migration during implantation of the human placenta.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The recognition of HLA-G/HLA-C by KIR/KAR and CD94 could provide a mechanism by which decidual NK cells control trophoblast migration.
King
A
A
Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Hiby
S E
SE
Verma
S
S
Burrows
T
T
Gardner
L
L
Loke
Y W
YW
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D002465:Cell Movement; D003656:Decidua / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D015236:HLA-C Antigens / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D005810:Multigene Family; D051920:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D; D011247:Pregnancy; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000032:analysis; D054340:Receptors, KIR; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000276:immunology*; D014599:Uterus / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD; D006680:HLA Antigens; D015236:HLA-C Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; C497869:KLRD1 protein, human; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D051920:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D054340:Receptors, KIR; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin