Short-term cytolytic mediators' expression in decidual lymphocytes is enhanced by interleukin-15.

Problem: We investigated whether decidual adherent cells (DAC) and interleukin (IL)-15, in comparison to interleukin (IL)-2 affect cytolytic potential of first trimester decidual lymphocytes (DL).

Method Of Study: Decidual mononuclear cells were obtained by enzymatic digestion and density gradient centrifugation. Non-adherent DL were collected after 2-hr adherence and cultured for 18 or 72 hr with: IL-15 (0.

Perforin and Fas/FasL cytolytic pathways at the maternal-fetal interface.

The immunogenetic enigma of maternal acceptance of the fetal semiallograft has been termed an immunological paradox. The first trimester decidua is heavily infiltrated with CD56(bright) CD16- uterine natural killer (uNK) cells which must be prepared to respond to potential pathogen challenges and still be able to control immune responses that allow the development of the fetus. The significant presence of cytolytic mediators, perforin and Fas/Fas ligand (FasL), at the maternal-fetal interface raises a question of their role(s) in the immunological interrelations between maternal tissues and trophoblast cells.

The presence of functional mannose receptor on macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface.

Background: The mannose receptor (MR) is involved in the initiation of the immune response and regulation of homeostasis during inflammation and tissue remodeling.

Methods: Distribution, endocytosis and possible natural ligand tumor associated glycoprotein-72 (TAG-72) for the MR have been examined by immunohistology, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry at the maternal-fetal interface, characterized by extensive tissue remodeling.

Results: Contrary to disseminated distribution of the MR positive (MR+) cells in term placenta, the MR+ cells of early pregnancy decidua intimately surrounded glands and followed tissue distribution of CD14 positive cells.

Progesterone induced blocking factor (PIBF) mediates progesterone induced suppression of decidual lymphocyte cytotoxicity.

Problem: Progesterone induced blocking factor (PIBF) is a mediator of progesterone that blocks peripheral blood lytic natural killer (NK) activity. Progesterone or PIBF stimulated decidual macrophages block up-regulation of perforin expression in decidual lymphocytes (DL). Therefore, we investigated whether progesterone regulates cytotoxicity of DL.