A preliminary study on natural killer activity in patients with gynecologic malignancies

Role of the innate immunity in female reproductive tract

The mucosal immune system in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is well equipped to meet the sexually transmitted pathogens, allogeneic sperm, and the immunologically distinct fetus. Analysis of the FRT indicates that epithelial cells provide a physical barrier against pathogens and microbial infections as well as secretions containing anti-microbial peptides, cytokines, and chemokines which recruit and activate immune cells. Epithelial and immune cells confer protection in part through Toll-like receptors. The aim of this literature is to review the diverse components of the innate immune system, contributing to an exclusive protection system throughout the FRT.

NK Cell Function in the Human Female Reproductive Tract

PROBLEM

Uterine NK cells have a unique phenotype compared with blood NK cell subsets, yet little is known about how NK cells function as a part of the innate immune cell network in the female reproductive tract.

METHOD OF STUDY

The expression of key receptors and function of uterine NK cells in response to cytokines, sex hormones, and pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) was analyzed. This article summarizes recent findings on the biology and function of NK cells in the female reproductive tract.

RESULTS

Uterine NK cells express Toll-like receptors and respond to cytokines and PAMPs under specific conditions. Evidence indicates that NK cells play an important role in the reorganization of blood vessels during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Human uterine NK cells are a major population of leukocytes in the endometrium and play an important role as a component of host defense and in successful reproduction.

Innate and adaptive immunity in female genital tract: cellular responses and interactions

The mucosal immune system in the female reproductive tract (FRT) has evolved to meet the unique requirements of dealing with sexually transmitted bacterial and viral pathogens, allogeneic spermatozoa, and the immunologically distinct fetus. Analysis of the FRT indicates that the key cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems are present and functionally responsive to antigens. Acting through Toll-like receptors in the Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and in the vagina, epithelial cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, and neutrophils confer protection through the production of chemokines and cytokines, which recruit and activate immune cells, as well as bactericidal and virucidal agents, which confer protection at times when adaptive immunity is downregulated by sex hormones to meet the constraints of procreation. The overall goal of this paper is to define the innate immune system in the FRT and, where possible, to define the regulatory influences that occur during the menstrual cycle that contribute to protection from and susceptibility to potential pathogens. By understanding the nature of this protection and the ways in which innate and adaptive immunity interact, these studies provide the opportunity to contribute to the foundation of information essential for ensuring reproductive health.