The role of decidual natural killer cell-derived soluble factors in early pregnancy

Decidual natural killer cells (dNK), the predominant decidual lymphocytes in early pregnancy, are primarily identified based on their CD56(bright) CD16(-) phenotype and play an important role in maintaining immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. dNK dysfunction reportedly leads to pathological pregnancy. Indeed, various dNK-derived soluble factors are involved in a series of key processes related to pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we summarize the roles of these dNK-derived factors in immune tolerance and embryonic development to improve the current understanding regarding the physiological and pathological mechanisms that occur during pregnancy, while potentially informing the development of effective therapeutics.

Automated summary

Decidual natural killer cells (dNK), characterized by their CD56(bright) CD16(-) phenotype, play a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy. Dysfunction of dNK cells can lead to pathological pregnancy. Soluble factors derived from dNK cells are involved in key processes related to pregnancy outcomes.