The role of gamma/delta T cells in the feto-maternal relationship.

Polymorphic MHC is absent from the trophoblast, therefore, it resists NK as well as CTL-mediated lysis in vitro. Activated gamma / delta TCR positive cells are significantly enriched in the decidua as well as in peripheral blood of healthy pregnant women. Human peripheral gamma / delta lymphocytes preferentially express the V gamma 9/V delta 2 TCR, whereas those of the decidua use the V delta 1 chain. These subpopulations are functionally polarized, the former being Th1, the latter Th2. Potentially cytotoxic V delta 2+ lymphocytes recognize HLA-E on the trophoblast via the CD94/NKG2A receptor, which induces an inhibitory signal, thus potentially inhibiting Th1 type cytokine production. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.