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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
CD1d and invariant NKT cells at the human maternal-fetal interface
Jonathan E Boyson1, Basya Rybalov, Louise A Koopman
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Insights
Natural killer T (NKT) cells and their CD1d ligand are present at the maternal-fetal interface. Decidual NKT cells show a distinct cytokine profile, suggesting a role in regulating pregnancy immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Immunology
- Cellular Immunology
Background:
- Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are crucial immunoregulatory T cells.
- The maternal-fetal interface is a unique immunological environment.
- Understanding immune cell interactions during pregnancy is vital for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of iNKT cells and their CD1d ligand at the human maternal-fetal interface.
- To compare the characteristics of decidual iNKT cells with those in peripheral blood.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining of human decidua to detect CD1d expression on trophoblasts.
- Flow cytometry analysis to quantify iNKT cells in decidua and peripheral blood.
- Cytokine profiling (IFN-gamma, IL-4, GM-CSF) of iNKT cell clones.
Main Results:
- CD1d was expressed on villous and extravillous trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface.
- iNKT cells were found at a 10-fold higher frequency in decidua compared to peripheral blood.
- Decidual iNKT cells displayed a Th1-like bias and increased GM-CSF production, differing from peripheral blood iNKT cells.
Conclusions:
- The expression of CD1d on fetal trophoblasts suggests a mechanism for iNKT cell recognition.
- The distinct cytokine profile of decidual iNKT cells indicates specialized immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface.
- Maternal iNKT cell interactions with fetal cells may play a critical role in maintaining pregnancy.
Abstract:
Invariant CD1d-restricted natural killer T (iNKT) cells comprise a small, but significant, immunoregulatory T cell subset. Here, the presence of these cells and their CD1d ligand at the human maternal-fetal interface was investigated. Immunohistochemical staining of human decidua revealed the expression of CD1d on both villous and extravillous trophoblasts, the fetal cells that invade the maternal decidua. Decidual iNKT cells comprised 0.48% of the decidual CD3+ T cell population, a frequency 10 times greater than that seen in peripheral blood. Interestingly, decidual CD4+ iNKT cells exhibited a striking Th1-like bias (IFN-gamma production), whereas peripheral blood CD4+ iNKT clones exhibited a Th2-like bias (IL-4 production). Moreover, compared to their peripheral blood counterparts, decidual iNKT clones were strongly polarized toward granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor production. The demonstration of CD1d expression on fetal trophoblasts together with the differential pattern of cytokine expression by decidual iNKT cells suggests that maternal iNKT cell interactions with CD1d expressed on invading fetal cells may play an immunoregulatory role at the maternal-fetal interface.
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