Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Plate-based Cytotoxicity Assay for the Assessment of Rat Placental Natural Killer Cell Cytolytic Function
Published on: June 2, 2019
Regulation of NK cell cytotoxicity during pregnancy
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School Pecs University, 12 Szigeti Str, H-7643 Pecs, Hungary. julia.szekeres@aok.pte.hu
Abstract:
Uterine and peripheral natural killer (NK) cells represent phenotypically and functionally distinct populations. Decidual NK cells resemble the CD56(bright) peripheral NK subset in their CD56(bright) CD16(neg) phenotype but, unlike the peripheral population, they contain cytotoxic granules. The activity of NK cells is regulated by the expression of activating or inhibitory receptors on NK cells and by that of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules on target cells. The embryonic trophoblast that forms the interface between the maternal and fetal compartments expresses non-classical human leukocyte antigens that serve as ligands for NK receptors. Decidual NK cells fulfil dual tasks. During normal conditions they contribute to creating a favourable environment for placentation, but at the same time they are equipped with cytotoxic potential to fight intrauterine infections. Decidual NK activity is regulated by a complex, mutually interacting network of cytokines and hormones.
Related Concept Videos
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...

