Expression of ligands for NK receptors in human prostasomes: functional implications on NK cell activation

摘要

The female reproductive tract adapts to allow the development of the fetus and several mechanisms are required to protect the fetus from the maternal immune response. Recent reports have involved uterine NK cell activity in implantation failures and abortions. Here, we have analysed the role of prostasomes in the regulation of NK cell activity. Prostasomes are small vesicles secreted by the prostatic gland that contribute to sperm protection within the female reproductive tract because their immunosuppressive properties. The phenotypical analysis performed by flow cytometry revealed that prostasomes expressed high levels of CD48 and CD86 molecules but did not express MICA/B, CD80, CD112, or CD155. In conclusion, the expression of ligands for NK receptors in prostasomes may have functional relevance in the modulation of NK cell triggering.