Objective: The present study was to estimate the role of cytokines for trophoblast death in NK cells presence.
Methods: This study involves assessment of NK-92 line NK cell cytotoxic activity against JEG-3 line cells, in presence of cytokines. We also assessed the effect of secretory placenta products on NK cell cytotoxic activity toward JEG-3 line cells.
Results: Uteroplacental contact zone cytokines are able to enhance trophoblast mortality both by themselves in case of IL-1β, IL-6, IFNγ, IL-4, TGFβ, bFGF, and also through increasing the cytotoxic potential of NK cells in case of IL-1β, IFNγ, IL-8, TGFβ, and GM-CSF. PLGF decreases NK cell cytotoxicity for trophoblasts. Secretory products of first trimester placenta enhance NK cell cytotoxic potential for trophoblasts.
Conclusions: Cytokines of the uteroplacental contact zone can appear a mechanism ensuring trophoblast mortality dynamics throughout pregnancy.
Keywords: JEG-3; K562; Trophoblast; cytokines; cytotoxicity; natural killer cells; placenta.