Role of NKp46 Expression in Cytokine Production by CD56-Positive NK Cells in the Peripheral Blood and the Uterine Endometrium

• Published in: American journal of reproductive immunology (1989) 2013-03, Vol.69 (3), p.202-211
• Main Authors: Yokota, Megumi, Fukui, Atushi, Funamizu, Ayano, Nakamura, Rika, Kamoi, Mai, Fuchinoue, Kohei, Sasaki, Yukie, Fukuhara, Rie, Mizunuma, Hideki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Blood Circulation - immunology; CD56; CD56 antigen; CD56 Antigen - metabolism; Cell Separation; Cells; Cells, Cultured; cytokine; Cytokines; Cytokines - immunology; Cytotoxicity; Endometrium; Endometrium - immunology; Female; Flow Cytometry; gamma -Interferon; Humans; Immune system; Immunology; Interleukin 10; Interleukin 4; Killer Cells, Natural - immunology; natural cytotoxicity receptor; Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1 - immunology; Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1 - metabolism; natural killer cell; Natural killer cells; NKp46; Peripheral blood; Pregnancy; Studies; Th1-Th2 Balance; Transforming growth factor- beta 1; Tumor necrosis factor- alpha; Uterus; Uterus - immunology
• ISSN: 1046-7408; 1600-0897
• DOI: 10.1111/aji.12062

Problem To investigate the role of natural cytotoxicity receptor, NKp46 expression in cytokine‐producing NK cells. Method of Study CD56+/NKp46+ NK cells from the peripheral blood and the uterine endometrium were magnetically separated. IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐10, and TGF‐β1 expressions on NK cells were investigated using multicolor flow cytometry. Results Peripheral blood and uterine endometrial NK cells were grouped into 4 subpopulations based upon the degree of CD56 and NKp46 expressions. NKp46 expression was associated with higher frequency of cytokine‐producing NK cells, including CD56dimNK cells. The percentage of TNF‐α+ and IL‐10+ NK cells per total CD56+/NKp46+ NK cells in the uterine endometrium showed a significant correlation with those of the peripheral blood in all subpopulations, but that of IFN‐γ+, IL‐4+, and TGF‐β1+ NK cells showed partial correlation. Conclusion Expression of NKp46 is involved in cytokine production of CD56+ NK cells in the peripheral blood and the uterine endometrium.