Problem: CD160, a cell surface co-receptor, is capable of up- or downregulating cell proliferation, cytotoxicity or cytokine production on lymphocytes. Our aim was to investigate CD160+ lymphocytes in the periphery and at the maternal-foetal interface during murine pregnancy.
Method of study: CD4+ , CD8+ and gamma/delta T-cell phenotype, TIM3 co-expression and cytotoxic activity of CD160+ lymphocytes of pregnant BALB/c mice were analysed by flow cytometry.
Results: The percentage of CD160+ lymphocytes in the decidua was unchanged compared to non-pregnant endometrium; however, the ratio of CD4+ cells within the CD160 population was significantly increased. The co-expression of TIM3 co-inhibitory molecule and cytotoxicity of CD160+ cells were increased in the decidua.
Conclusion: The expansion of CD4-expressing CD160+ decidual lymphocytes is a new observation suggesting a potential regulatory role of T-cell function during mouse pregnancy. The altered immunological character of CD160+ lymphocytes could play a role in the maintenance of murine pregnancy.
Keywords: CD160 receptor; T cells; TIM3; cytotoxicity; murine pregnancy.
© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.