Uterus transplantation: the importance of uterine natural killer cells

Purpose of review Murine studies have established that uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are critical regulators of normal placentation and fetal development in mammals. However, the biology of uNK cells in humans remains poorly understood. This ignorance represents a costly knowledge gap, as disordered placentation is thought to underpin a variety of pregnancy complications that impact maternal and neonatal health. In the context of uterus transplantation (UTx), uNK cells are anticipated to play a critical role within the allograft. Here, we review the current understanding of uNK cells in pregnancy biology and explore how this critically important cell population may contribute to pregnancy and graft outcomes in uterus transplant recipients. Recent findings Recent studies have characterized differences in NK cell populations between anatomic compartments in humans. In the endometrium, at least five phenotypically and functionally distinct subpopulations of uNK cells have been identified, with research into mechanisms regulating their differentiation and function currently underway. Further elucidating uNK cell biology has the potential to influence the outcomes of pregnancy and UTx and benefit human health. UTx is a unique opportunity to study uNK cell biology and may shed light on mechanisms by which immunological tolerance is established at the maternal-fetal interface.

Automated summary

Studies in mice have shown that uNK cells play a critical role in normal placentation and fetal development. However, the biology of uNK cells in humans is not well understood. Recent research has identified different subpopulations of uNK cells in the endometrium and is ongoing to study their differentiation and function. Understanding uNK cell biology may have implications for pregnancy outcomes and UTx success.