Post-ovulatory rise of endometrial CD16(−) natural killer cells: in situ proliferation of residual cells or selective recruitment from circulating peripheral blood?

In the human endometrium, unique endometrial CD16(−) NK cells acutely increase in number after ovulation. Endometrial CD16(−) NK cells are thought to play a role in uterus-specific events, such as pregnancy or menstruation, because these NK cells are a minor leukocyte subset in circulating peripheral blood and other organs. The mechanism underlying the post-ovulatory rise of endometrial CD16(−) NK cells is largely unknown. By analogy with other organ systems, two potential mechanisms are proposed: one is in situ proliferation of residual cells and the other is selective recruitment from circulating peripheral blood. Our recent studies focus on the expression and function of potential molecules (including cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules) involved in these mechanisms in the human endometrium, and the regulation of these molecules by ovarian steroids. Based upon our findings, we discuss the possibility and relevance of these two potential mechanisms.