Regulatory KIR⁺CD8⁺ T Cells Rise During Pregnancy to Help Balance Immunity
Pregnancy creates a fascinating immunological paradox — the mother’s immune system must tolerate a fetus that is genetically different (semiallogeneic) while still staying alert to infections. A new study in Science Translational Medicine by Li et al. uncovers an important player in this delicate balancing act: regulatory KIR⁺CD8⁺ T cells.
These cells, previously linked to controlling harmful immune reactions in autoimmune and infectious diseases, were found to be enriched in both maternal blood and placental tissue during pregnancy. They displayed strong suppressive activity in lab experiments, dampening maternal immune responses that could target the fetus.
Interestingly, the enrichment of KIR⁺CD8⁺ T cells was most pronounced in mothers carrying male fetuses. These cells could specifically suppress maternal T cells that recognize male-specific proteins, suggesting a targeted role in preventing fetal rejection.
Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that these cells were more activated at the maternal–fetal interface and underwent expansion over the course of pregnancy. However, higher frequencies were also observed in cases of spontaneous abortion and preeclampsia — conditions where inflammation control may have failed despite the immune system’s attempts.
The findings highlight KIR⁺CD8⁺ T cells as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for pregnancy complications, while also deepening our understanding of how the immune system adapts to support new life.
📄 Reference: Li et al., Science Translational Medicine (2025). Read the study
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