Decidual Natural Killer Cells in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia: A Review

doi:10.12280/gjfckx.20240952

Abstract

Abstract:

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder that is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. At present, the etiology and pathogenesis of PE remain incompletely understood, although insufficient trophoblast invasion and impaired uterine spiral artery remodeling are considered major contributing factors. Studies suggest that decidual natural killer (dNK) cells play crucial roles in uterine spiral artery remodeling, regulating trophoblast invasion, mediating maternal-fetal interface immune tolerance, and promoting fetal growth. Alterations in dNK cell number, function, and phenotype, aberrant expression of receptors for ligands on extravillous trophoblasts, and changes in the cytokine profile secreted by dNK cells may contribute to the development of PE. This review summarizes the role of dNK cells in the pathogenesis of PE, providing a theoretical basis for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Key words: Pre-eclampsia, Decidua, Killer cells, natural, Spiral arterys, Vascular remodeling, Trophoblasts

WANG Jing, WANG Yong-hong. Decidual Natural Killer Cells in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia: A Review[J]. Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2025, 52(1): 88-93.

Figures/Tables 2

References 42

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