Functions of immune cells for achievement and maintenance of pregnancy

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24592456
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Obstetrics and gynecology
• Research Institution: Hyogo Medical University (2016); Hirosaki University (2012-2015)
• Principal Investigator: Fukui Atsushi 兵庫医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (00321969)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 生殖医学 / NK細胞 / NCR / サイトカイン / NK22 / NKp46 / 不育症 / 不妊症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

I evaluated the function of NK cells for achievement and maintenance of pregnancy using pregnant or non-pregnant peripheral blood NK cells, and non-pregnant endometrial or aborted decidual NK cells. The abnormal expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), especially NKp46 on NK cell and the abnormal cytokines production by NK cells are associated with reproductive failures such as recurrent pregnancy loss, infertility and gestational diabetes mellitus. Cytokines production by NK cells may be regulated by NK22 cells. Interestingly, NK cells could be stimulated by partner’s lymphocytes or semen.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学