The role of gamma/delta T cells in the feto-maternal relationship.
Polymorphic MHC is absent from the trophoblast, therefore, it resists NK as well as CTL-mediated lysis in vitro. Activated gamma / delta TCR positive cells are significantly enriched in the decidua as well as in peripheral blood of healthy pregnant women. Human peripheral gamma / delta lymphocytes preferentially express the V gamma 9/V delta 2 TCR, whereas those of the decidua use the V delta 1 chain. These subpopulations are functionally polarized, the former being Th1, the latter Th2. Potentially cytotoxic V delta 2+ lymphocytes recognize HLA-E on the trophoblast via the CD94/NKG2A receptor, which induces an inhibitory signal, thus potentially inhibiting Th1 type cytokine production.
Szekeres-Bartho
J
J
Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pecs University Medical School, H-7643 Pecs, Hungary. szjuli@main.pote.hu
Barakonyi
A
A
Miko
E
E
Polgar
B
B
Palkovics
T
T
D017951:Antigen Presentation; D003656:Decidua / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000378:metabolism*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000276:immunology
D006680:HLA Antigens; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta