Expression of ligands for NK receptors in human prostasomes: functional implications on NK cell activation

The female reproductive tract adapts to allow the development of the fetus and several mechanisms are required to protect the fetus from the material immune response. Recent reports have involved ulerine NK cell activity in implantation failures and abortions. Here, we have analysed the role of prostasumes in the regulation of NK cell activity. prostasomes are small vesicles secreted byt he prostatic gland that contribute to sperm protection within the female reproductive tract because their immunosuppresive properties. The phenotypical analysis performed by flow cytometry revealed that prostasomes expressed high levels of CD48 and CD86 molecules but did not express MICAIB, CD80, CD112, or CD155. In conclusion, the expression of ligands for NK receptors in prostasomes may have functional relevance in the modulation of NK cell triggering.