Receptors for non-MHC ligands contribute to uterine natural killer cell activation during pregnancy in mice
Introduction Activated uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are abundant in early human and
mouse decidual basalis. In mice, distinct uNK cell subsets support early endothelial tip cell
induction, the pruning of new vessels and initiation of spiral arterial modification. While
genetic studies indicate that NK/uNK cell activation via receptors recognizing Class I MHC-
derived peptides promotes human pregnancy, roles for other activation receptors expressed
by NK cells, such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and natural cytotoxicity receptors …
mouse decidual basalis. In mice, distinct uNK cell subsets support early endothelial tip cell
induction, the pruning of new vessels and initiation of spiral arterial modification. While
genetic studies indicate that NK/uNK cell activation via receptors recognizing Class I MHC-
derived peptides promotes human pregnancy, roles for other activation receptors expressed
by NK cells, such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and natural cytotoxicity receptors …