AUTHOR=Nörenberg Jasper , Vida Péter , Bösmeier Isabell , Forró Barbara , Nörenberg Anna , Buda Ágnes , Simon Diana , Erdő-Bonyár Szabina , Jáksó Pál , Kovács Kálmán , Mikó Éva , Berki Tímea , Mezősi Emese , Barakonyi Alíz TITLE=Decidual γδT cells of early human pregnancy produce angiogenic and immunomodulatory proteins while also possessing cytotoxic potential JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology VOLUME=15 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1382424 DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2024.1382424 ISSN=1664-3224 ABSTRACT=

During pregnancy, the maternal immune system must allow and support the growth of the developing placenta while maintaining the integrity of the mother’s body. The trophoblast’s unique HLA signature is a key factor in this physiological process. This study focuses on decidual γδT cell populations and examines their expression of receptors that bind to non-classical HLA molecules, HLA-E and HLA-G. We demonstrate that decidual γδT cell subsets, including Vδ1, Vδ2, and double-negative (DN) Vδ1-/Vδ2- cells express HLA-specific regulatory receptors, such as NKG2C, NKG2A, ILT2, and KIR2DL4, each with varying dominance. Furthermore, decidual γδT cells produce cytokines (G-CSF, FGF2) and cytotoxic mediators (Granulysin, IFN-γ), suggesting functions in placental growth and pathogen defense. However, these processes seem to be controlled by factors other than trophoblast-derived non-classical HLA molecules. These findings indicate that decidual γδT cells have the potential to actively contribute to the maintenance of healthy human pregnancy.