Distribution of decidual natural killer cells and macrophages in the neighbourhood of the trophoblast invasion front: a quantitative evaluation

Helige, Christine; Ahammer, Helmut; Moser, Gerit; Hammer, Astrid; Dohr, Gottfried; Huppertz, Berthold; Sedlmayr, Peter

doi:10.1093/humrep/det353

Cited by 69 publications

(54 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…Recently, the location and density of macrophages in human implantation specimens was studied in vitro . At first trimester placentation sites, a higher density of decidual macrophages was found in close proximity to the invasive trophoblast (37), which supports the pioneering findings from Fest et al (15), who reported that the interaction with trophoblasts modifies the phenotype of macrophages. Indeed, decidual macrophages were postulated to contribute to trophoblast invasion and placenta development (34).…”

Section: Macrophagessupporting

confidence: 83%

Cellular Regulation of the Uterine Microenvironment That Enables Embryo Implantation

Zenclussen

Hämmerling

2015

Front. Immunol.

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Implantation of the fertilized egg into the maternal uterus is a crucial step in pregnancy establishment. Increasing evidence suggests that its success depends on various cell types of the innate immune system and on the fine balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. In addition, it has recently been established that regulatory T cells play a superordinate role in dictating the quality of uterine environment required for successful pregnancy. Here, we discuss the cellular regulation of uterine receptivity with emphasis on the function and regulation of cells from the innate and adaptive immune system.

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Section: Macrophagessupporting

confidence: 83%

Cellular Regulation of the Uterine Microenvironment That Enables Embryo Implantation

Zenclussen

Hämmerling

2015

Front. Immunol.

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“…Trophoblast invasion is always accompanied by dramatic changes to the uterine mucosa known as decidualization (Figure 1), which is characterized by differentiation of glandular and stromal elements, as well as increased tortuosity of spiral arteries and loosening of their media (12). Additionally, large numbers of uNK and myelomonocytic cells and smaller numbers of T cells accumulate, particularly around invading trophoblast cells (11,13). Here, we question how two types of lymphoid cells -T cells and NK cells, which are both capable of allorecognition -might recognize and respond to the fetoplacental unit.…”

Section: The Maternal-fetal Interface In the Uterusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Uterine NK cells: active regulators at the maternal-fetal interface

Moffett¹,

Colucci²

2014

J. Clin. Invest.

327

301

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Pregnancy presents an immunological conundrum because two genetically different individuals coexist. The maternal lymphocytes at the uterine maternal-fetal interface that can recognize mismatched placental cells are T cells and abundant distinctive uterine NK (uNK) cells. Multiple mechanisms exist that avoid damaging T cell responses to the fetus, whereas activation of uNK cells is probably physiological. Indeed, genetic epidemiological data suggest that the variability of NK cell receptors and their MHC ligands define pregnancy success; however, exactly how uNK cells function in normal and pathological pregnancy is still unclear, and any therapies aimed at suppressing NK cells must be viewed with caution. Allorecognition of fetal placental cells by uNK cells is emerging as the key maternalfetal immune mechanism that regulates placentation. The maternal-fetal interface in the uterusThe immunological paradox of pregnancy became a central preoccupation of immunologists after the discovery of acquired immunological tolerance (1). Pregnancy and transplantation were instrumental in the discovery of MHC polymorphisms, since the best natural producers of alloantibodies against HLA molecules are multiparous women (2) and polytransfused individuals (3). Since Medawar's influential essay (4), the focus for immunologists has been how maternal T cells become tolerant of the fetal allograft. The current state of this field has been summarized in recent scholarly reviews (5, 6). We have taken a different approach that arose from studying pregnancy disorders, which affect millions of women and are a persistent global health problem. This view of the maternal immune system arose from considering how placentation evolved in mammals and is centered on the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the pregnant uterus. We focus on the immune cells present in the pregnant uterine lining, the decidua, dominated by NK cells (known as decidual NK cells or uterine NK

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“…Williams et al ( 2009a ) noted no differences between uNK cell numbers in decidua basalis and decidua parietalis at various gestational ages, whereas others have suggested that uNK cell numbers are increased in decidua basalis associated with invasive EVT. Most recently, Helige et al ( 2014 ) examined density of uNK cells in relation to EVT and noted an increased uNK cell density within 20 μm of trophoblast cells in decidua with density reducing in areas more distant from extravillous trophoblast.…”

Section: Distribution Of Unk Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Uterine NK Cells in Normal Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders

Bulmer

Lash

2015

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

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The human endometrium contains a substantial population of leucocytes which vary in distribution during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. An unusual population of natural killer (NK) cells, termed uterine NK (uNK) cells, are the most abundant of these cells in early pregnancy. The increase in number of uNK cells in the mid-secretory phase of the cycle with further increases in early pregnancy has focused attention on the role of uNK cells in early pregnancy. Despite many studies, the in vivo role of these cells is uncertain. This chapter reviews current information regarding the role of uNK cells in healthy human pregnancy and evidence indicating their importance in various reproductive and pregnancy problems. Studies in humans are limited by the availability of suitable tissues and the limitations of extrapolation from animal models.

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Distribution of decidual natural killer cells and macrophages in the neighbourhood of the trophoblast invasion front: a quantitative evaluation

Cited by 69 publications

References 43 publications

Cellular Regulation of the Uterine Microenvironment That Enables Embryo Implantation

Cellular Regulation of the Uterine Microenvironment That Enables Embryo Implantation

Uterine NK cells: active regulators at the maternal-fetal interface

The Role of Uterine NK Cells in Normal Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders

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