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CD8+ and CD8- NKT Cells Exhibit Phenotypic Changes During Pregnancy.
Matyas Meggyes1,2, David U Nagy3, Iyad Saad Al Deen1
1Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
Immunological Investigations
|September 14, 2022
Summary
Natural Killer T (NKT) cell populations, specifically CD8+ NKT cells, undergo significant regulation during human pregnancy. This study reveals distinct changes in their distribution and immune marker expression throughout gestation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Immunology
Background:
- Natural Killer T (NKT) cells are a well-characterized immune subset.
- Phenotypical features of NKT subpopulations in pregnancy are documented.
- The distribution of NKT cells based on CD8 receptor presence in pregnancy remains unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of CD8+ and CD8- NKT cells during human pregnancy.
- To analyze changes in immune checkpoint molecules and intracellular markers on NKT cells during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from pregnant women (trimesters 1-3) and non-pregnant controls.
- Flow cytometry was used to study CD8+ and CD8- NKT cells.
- Expression of immune checkpoint molecules (PD-L1, TIGIT) and other markers (CD155, NKG2D, CD226) was measured.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in NKT subpopulation proportions were observed between pregnant and non-pregnant groups.
- Expression levels of PD-L1, TIGIT, CD155, and NKG2D showed significant changes during pregnancy.
- Associations between TIGIT and CD226 expression within the CD8+ NKT subset were identified.
Conclusions:
- CD8+ NKT cells are finely regulated during healthy human pregnancy.
- These findings highlight dynamic immune adaptations of NKT cells during gestation.
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