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Gamma delta T cells in human decidua
R Ditzian-Kadanoff1, J Garon, M S Verp
1Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL 60608.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Term decidua (the lining of the uterus during pregnancy) contains a higher number of gamma delta T cells, which may help protect against infection. Early pregnancy decidua lacks these immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Gamma delta T cells are a distinct T cell subset with unique immune functions.
- The decidua plays a critical role in pregnancy, mediating maternal-fetal interactions and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and frequency of gamma delta T cells in the decidua during different stages of pregnancy.
- To compare decidual gamma delta T cell populations in term versus first-trimester pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of term and first-trimester placental decidual tissue from normal pregnancies.
- Preparation of frozen sections and cell suspensions.
- Staining with monoclonal antibodies for T cell markers.
- Flow cytometry (cell sorter) analysis and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Term decidual tissue showed a 2.4-fold enrichment of gamma delta T cells compared to peripheral blood.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed abundant gamma delta T cells and CD3+ T cells, with fewer CD8+ and rare CD4+ cells in term decidua.
- First-trimester decidua was found to have no detectable gamma delta T cells using either method.
Conclusions:
- The decidua in term pregnancies hosts a resident T cell population significantly enriched in gamma delta T cells.
- Early-stage decidua (first trimester) does not appear to harbor these specific T cells.
- The presence of gamma delta T cells in term decidua suggests a potential role in defending the maternal-fetal interface against infection during the peripartum period.