Expression of a NK cell-restricted epitope on decidual large granular lymphocytes

Abstract

Decidual large granular lymphocytes (DLGL) are the most abundant lymphoid cell type found in the first trimester maternal decidua. The function of DLGL remains controversial, although freshly isolated DLGL have been shown to exert a weak NK activity. We report here the phenotypic characterization of two DLGL subpopulations by immunofluorescence, using mAb against CD56, PEN5 as well as adhesion molecules potentially involved in cell-cell contact between DLGL and trophoblasts. DLGL are CD56bright and express the CD2, CD11a, CD18, CD38 and CD50 molecules, dimly the CD54 molecule, and poorly the CD102 and CD69 molecules. A strong expression of the polysialylated form of N-CAM (or CD56) was also observed on the surface of DLGL. Finally, 40% of CD56bright DLGL cells express the PEN5 epitope, which is selectively expressed on CD56dim cells NK in the peripheral blood. No other phenotypic difference was detected between the CD56brightPEN5+ and the CD56brightPEN5- DLGL populations. Our results show that DLGL are heterogeneous and suggest that the CD56brightPEN5+ DLGL subset belongs to the classical NK cell lineage.

Impact of polysialylated CD56 on natural killer cell cytotoxicity

“…The large labeling complex used to isolate PSA + cells could cause this reduction due to steric inhibition. PSA expression has also been described on decidual NK cells (dNK cells) [ 10 ] which are located in the human placenta where they play an important role in maintaining pregnancy. In contrast to peripheral blood derived NK cells dNK cells show only week cytotoxicity.…”

Analysis of TCR, pTα, and RAG-1 in T-acute lymphoblastic leukemias improves understanding of early human T-lymphoid lineage commitment

“…51,52 Most (6 of 9) CD56 ϩ IM T-ALLs, however, expressed CD5, and all but one CD2 ϩ /CD5 ϩ IM0 (UPN 1147) had undergone TCR rearrangement. Only 1 IM␦ was CD5 Ϫ /CD2 ϩ (UPN 1334).…”

The PEN5 Epitope Identifies an Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Population and Pilocytic Astrocytomas

“…13,14 In the immune system, PEN5 is expressed onto a subpopulation of cells of the natural killer (NK) lineage. 15 Recently, its protein carrier in these cells has been identified as PSGL-1 (André P, Spertini D, Vivier E, in preparation), the best characterized selectin ligand to date. 16 PSGL-1 is required for recognition of P-and Eselectins for all classes of leukocytes 17 and is expressed as an homodimer of 120 kd.…”