Gamma delta T cells in human decidua

Our purpose was to assess the presence and frequency of gamma delta T cells in the decidua of term and first-trimester pregnancies.

Term and first-trimester placentas were obtained from normal subjects. Frozen sections and cell suspensions were prepared from decidual tissue and stained with monoclonal antibodies to T cell markers. Cell sorter analysis was performed.

gamma delta T cells in term decidual cell preparations were enriched 2.4-fold compared with peripheral blood. Immunohistochemical staining of term decidual tissue demonstrated many gamma delta + and CD3+ T cells, fewer CD8+ cells, and rare CD4+ cells. In contrast, first-trimester decidua was found to be devoid of gamma delta + T cells, by both cell sorter analysis and immunohistochemical methods.

Term, but not early, decidua harbors a resident T-cell population that is significantly enriched in gamma delta T cells compared with blood. These lymphocytes may provide an added defense mechanism against infection during the peripartum.