Emerging Themes in Uterine Natural Killer Cell Heterogeneity and Function.

Problem Understanding of uterine natural killer (u NK) cell functions during normal pregnancy remains incomplete. Method of study Cloud tag analysis of literature was used to document themes addressed experimentally for u NK cells. Immunohistochemistry, including whole-mount staining of early implantation sites, separation of u NK cells into molecularly distinct subsets, and physiologic measurements in normal and mutant mice, are further advancing understanding of u NK cell biology. Results Literature analyses revealed three key, current u NK cell research themes: angiogenesis, spiral arterial remodeling/pre-eclampsia/hypertension and infertility. UNK cells are being defined as cells potentially regulated by Wnt signaling that are heterogeneous in progenitor source and function and make unique contributions to implantation site development prior to spiral arterial remodeling. Conclusion Future studies are poised to define uNK cell progenitor cells, identify the signaling pathways supporting established u NK cell functions and move current understanding of mouse u NK cells to clinical research questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]