Cytotoxic potential of decidual NK cells and CD8+ T cells awakened by infections
To establish a healthy pregnancy the maternal immune system must tolerate fetal allo-
antigens, yet remain competent to respond to infections. The ability of decidual NK cells
(dNK) to promote migration of fetal extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) and placental growth as
well as the capacity of EVT to promote immune tolerance are topics of high interest and
extensive research. However, the problem of how dNK and decidual CD8+ T cells (CD8+
dT) provide immunity to infections of the placenta and the mechanisms that regulate their …
antigens, yet remain competent to respond to infections. The ability of decidual NK cells
(dNK) to promote migration of fetal extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) and placental growth as
well as the capacity of EVT to promote immune tolerance are topics of high interest and
extensive research. However, the problem of how dNK and decidual CD8+ T cells (CD8+
dT) provide immunity to infections of the placenta and the mechanisms that regulate their …
