Natural Killer Cells in Pregnancy: A Closer Look

Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial at the maternal-fetal interface, where they interact with pregnancy-related hormones to maintain the delicate balance needed for a healthy pregnancy. However, these cells are highly diverse, making their classification tricky. Researchers have studied different subsets of uterine NK (uNK) cells, using markers on their surfaces, the molecules they produce, and their stages of development to categorize them. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has also been used to cluster these cells based on their genetic activities. Endometrial NK (eNK) cells transform into decidual NK (dNK) cells through various pathways. Additionally, dNK cells themselves have different subsets that develop through distinct paths. It's important to note how these different cell types and subsets can change in various pregnancy-related diseases. Certain subsets may contribute more to the development of these diseases than others.