Regulatory T cells and regulatory natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in feto-maternal tolerance

Shigeru Saito*, Arihiro Shiozaki, Yasushi Sasaki, Akitoshi Nakashima, Tomoko Shima, Mika Ito

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

130 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the early pregnancy decidua, lymphocytes express some activation markers on their surface, suggesting that maternal lymphocytes are activated and recognize the semiallograftic fetus. Therefore, the immunoregulation system must work to prevent fetus rejection. Recent data showed that parts of the immunoregulation system such as CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, Th3 cells, Tr1 cells, regulatory NK cells, and a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme, indolamine 2,3 deoxygenase, play very important roles in the maintenance of pregnancy. Not only Treg cells but also regulatory NK cells may inhibit maternal T cell or NK cell fetal attack.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)115-122
Number of pages8
JournalSeminars in Immunopathology
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007/06

Keywords

  • Pregnancy
  • Regulatory NK cell
  • Regulatory T cell
  • Th3 cell
  • Tr1 cell

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Regulatory T cells and regulatory natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in feto-maternal tolerance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this