Local uterine immune cells

Local uterine immune cells represent a specialized population of leukocytes residing in the endometrium and decidua, primarily consisting of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes. These cells are fundamental to reproductive success, as they orchestrate the immunological environment necessary for embryo implantation and the remodeling of maternal spiral arteries to ensure adequate placental perfusion (Moffett & Colucci, 2014, Nature Reviews Immunology). Unlike peripheral immune cells, uterine immune cells exhibit unique phenotypes, such as the non-cytotoxic, pro-angiogenic nature of uNK cells during early pregnancy (Soveral et al., 2021, Frontiers in Immunology). Dysregulation or imbalance in these cell populations is strongly associated with reproductive disorders, including recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, and endometriosis (Tang et al., 2020, Journal of Reproductive Immunology). Pharmacological interventions targeting these cells often involve corticosteroids or hormonal therapies to modulate cytokine production and promote a tolerogenic state (Kwak-Kim et al., 2021, American Journal of Reproductive Immunology). Consequently, they are a focal point for therapeutic development in reproductive immunology and maternal-fetal medicine.

Other names

Uterine leukocytesDecidual immune cellsEndometrial immune cellsUterine mucosal immune cellsUterine natural killer cellsDecidual macrophages

Modulation of the local cytokine environment, suppression of cytotoxic activity in uterine natural killer cells, and promotion of regulatory T cell expansion to facilitate maternal-fetal tolerance (Kwak-Kim et al., 2021, American Journal of Reproductive Immunology).