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Isolation of Uterine Innate Lymphoid Cells for Analysis by Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 14, 2021
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Natural cytotoxicity receptor 1 in mouse uNK cell maturation and function.
1Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Mucosal Immunology
|January 19, 2017
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cell receptor 1 (NCR1) deficiency impairs uterine NK cell maturation and function, impacting early pregnancy. This research highlights NCR1
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are crucial for successful pregnancy.
- Natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) mediate NK cell functions.
- The role of NCR1 in uNK cell maturation and placental development is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of NCR1 deficiency on uNK cell maturation and function.
- To determine if NCR1 inactivation affects angiokine production by uNK cells.
- To elucidate the role of NCR1 in promoting normal pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Histological and morphometric analysis of mouse decidua.
- Assessment of uNK cell maturation markers (granules, size).
- Evaluation of protein expression (perforin, granzyme, VEGF, PlGF) and leukocyte interactions.
Main Results:
- Mice lacking NCR1 (Ncr1Gfp/Gfp) exhibited delayed uNK cell maturation with fewer granules.
- Ultrastructural abnormalities and altered protein content were observed in Ncr1Gfp/Gfp uNK cells.
- Leukocyte interactions were reduced in Ncr1Gfp/Gfp decidua, though not specifically involving DBA+ uNK cells.
Conclusions:
- NCR1 plays a significant role in uNK cell maturation and function during early and mid-gestation.
- NCR1 deficiency leads to impaired angiogenesis and atypical uNK cell development.
- NCR1 and its ligands are essential for promoting normal pregnancy outcomes.
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