NK receptor interactions with MHC class I molecules in pregnancy.
Both HLA class I molecules and their receptors on Natural Killer cells, the KIR molecules, are highly polymorphic. It is generally believed that this variation is driven in response to the role of these receptors and counter-receptors in resistance to disease. Uterine NK cells are the major maternal leukocyte population present within the decidua, and they express KIR2D receptors for HLA-C, the only polymorphic class I molecule on trophoblast. Genetic and functional data suggest that the maternal KIR/fetal HLA-C interaction in pregnancy may affect the delivery of an optimal blood supply to mother and fetus. The drive for novelty in HLA-C and KIR2D allelic diversity may relate not only to survival from infections but also to reproductive success.
Trowsdale
John
J
Immunology Division, Department of Pathology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom.
Moffett
Ashley
A
D000818:Animals; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000276:immunology; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D054340:Receptors, KIR / Q000502:physiology*; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000502:physiology
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D054340:Receptors, KIR