Premium
Role of NK p46 Expression in Cytokine Production by CD 56‐Positive NK Cells in the Peripheral Blood and the Uterine Endometrium
Author(s) -
Yokota Megumi,
Fukui Atushi,
Funamizu Ayano,
Nakamura Rika,
Kamoi Mai,
Fuchinoue Kohei,
Sasaki Yukie,
Fukuhara Rie,
Mizunuma Hideki
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/aji.12062
Subject(s) - endometrium , flow cytometry , cytokine , interleukin 21 , interleukin 12 , natural killer cell , immunology , interleukin 15 , cytotoxic t cell , biology , immune system , endocrinology , interleukin , t cell , in vitro , biochemistry
Problem To investigate the role of natural cytotoxicity receptor, NK p46 expression in cytokine‐producing NK cells. Method of Study CD 56 + / NK p46 + NK cells from the peripheral blood and the uterine endometrium were magnetically separated. IFN ‐γ, TNF ‐α, IL ‐4, IL ‐10, and TGF ‐β 1 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 CD 56 and NK p46 expressions. NK p46 expression was associated with higher frequency of cytokine‐producing NK cells, including CD 56 dim NK cells. The percentage of TNF ‐α + and IL ‐10 + NK cells per total CD 56 + / NK p46 + 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 ‐β 1 + NK cells showed partial correlation. Conclusion Expression of NK p46 is involved in cytokine production of CD 56 + NK cells in the peripheral blood and the uterine endometrium.