The role of Natural Killer cells in pregnancy and their potential impact on cancer prevention

Abstract

Immune cells such as Natural Killer (NK) cells play a central role in immunosurveillance, preserving the physiological integrity of tissues by fighting infection and combating tumor cells, as it has the potential to release specific cytotoxic substances. Some studies suggest that a high number and/or inadequate presence/frequency of activated NK cells is involved in the Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) condition once it might trigger an immunological imbalance in women’s bodies. Our hypothesis states that a higher number of activated NK cells could be associated to lower cancer rates in women with RPL. To test this idea, we propose to evaluate abortion material, peripheral blood and uterine samples from both RPL and non-RPL women, comparing histological, cellular, and molecular features in order to identify and differentiate the immunological profile of both groups. Once established the immunological profile of both RPL and non-RPL women, an investigation of the epidemiological history of women with/without RPL can approach the possible correlation between different NK patterns and cancer reports. Scientific literature concerning this potential correlation is scarce, and we believe that a better understanding of the NK cell behavior associated to different gestational outcomes could increase our comprehension on the mechanisms underlying both cancer development and immunological aspects of pregnancy.