Compromised C3b-VSIG4 axis between decidual NK cells and macrophages contributes to recurrent spontaneous abortion

Abstract

NK cells and macrophages constitute the predominant immune cell subsets in the decidua during the first trimester of pregnancy, with macrophages typically adopting an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Conversely, in the third trimester, macrophages undergo a shift towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype concurrent with a reduction in NK cell numbers. The direct regulatory impact of NK cells on macrophage phenotype remains poorly explored. In our investigation, we observed that ICAM1⁺ macrophages stimulate the expression of intracellular C3 in LFA1⁺ decidual NK cells. Notably, Cathepsin W within NK cells exhibit the potential to generate active C3b fragments, effectively inhibit the proinflammatory phenotype of macrophages by binding to VSIG4. Our study unveils a direct regulatory mechanism orchestrated by decidual NK cells over macrophages, providing a potential pathogenic explanation for recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Keywords: Complement; Decidual natural killer cell; Macrophage; Recurrent spontaneous abortion; VSIG4.