Perforin‐Expressing Lymphocytes in Peripheral Blood and Decidua of Human First‐Trimester Pathological Pregnancies

Abstract

Our results show that significant decreases in the prevalence of perforin-positive lymphoid cells, their subpopulations, and mean fluorescence intensity for perforin are associated with pregnancy failure.

Increased Uterine NK cell numbers and perforin expression during the implantation phase in IVF Cycles with GnRH Antagonist Protocol

“…NK cell-mediated cytolysis is highly dependent on perforin, which induces lysis and promotes the death of target cells33. It has been reported that more than 95% of all decidual CD56 bright cells expressed perforin3435, and appropriate perforin levels plays an important role in embryo implantation and maintaining normal human pregnancy. One study illustrated a slightly higher distribution of perforin-positive uNK cells in human sporadic miscarriages with a normal foetal chromosomal karyotype36, implying that higher perforin level might be harmful to the pregnancy.…”

Perforin improves the morphogenesis of mouse placenta disturbed by IL-2 treatment

“…In patients suffering from miscarriages and anembryonic pregnancies, the number of perforin-positive cells in the decidual tissue was markedly decreased (Gulan et al, 1997). On the other hand, the number of IL-2 receptor positive cells was noticeably increased in the decidua tissue derived from patients with recurrent spontaneous abortions (Quack et al, 2001).…”

Potential role of heat‐shock protein 70 and interleukin‐15 in the pathogenesis of threatened spontaneous abortions

“…However, DMCs might be ineffective in harming trophoblast cells owing to a relative decrease in the frequency and mean fluorescence intensity of perforin in unstimulated CD56 + decidual NK cells in missed abortions. 38 In addition, functionally active 19 and progesterone-producing 39 trophoblast cells possess immunomodulatory properties. 40 All these mechanisms could be responsible for the early termination of pregnancy with retention of fertilization products.…”