It is concluded that this unique population of granulated cells is derived from lymphocytes, and that these cells become metabolically active from mid- to late-pregnancy and may play a physiological role during pregnancy or birth. In contrast, the number of nongranulated intraepithelial lymphocytes were suppressed throughout pregnancy and they probably do not play a role in pregnancy.

No abstract

gamma delta TCR+ IELs from pregnant uteri have cytoplasmic granules, and express CD8 and cytokines indicative of cytotoxic potential. Phenotypic changes induced during pregnancy differed from those observed after activation of circulating naive cells and may represent further stimulation of fully differentiated effectors. gamma delta TCR+ IELs are present only in interplacentomal areas of pregnant uteri and may control trophoblast invasion within these areas.

No abstract