Research
Research summary
The highly polymorphic MHC class I molecule HLA-C is expressed on fetal trophoblast cells. This is the dominant ligand for NK cells in blood but we have increasing evidence that a major function of the NK receptors that bind HLA-C (known as KIR) are pivotal in determining how far trophoblast invades into the uterus, and the extent of remodeling of the maternal spiral arteries, establishing blood flow to the placenta. Dr Sue Hibys work on the immunogenetics of this interaction shows that one particular maternal KIR and fetal HLA-C combination is associated with the major diseases of pregnancy recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. I work as a technician with Dr Hiby and Proffessor Moffett on these genetic studies.
Funding: Wellcome Trust
Publications
Hiby SE, Regan L, Lo W, Farrell L, Carrington M, Moffett A. (2008) Association of maternal killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and parental HLA-C genotypes with recurrent miscarriage. Hum Reprod. 23: 972-6
Sharkey AM, Gardner L, Hiby S, Farrell L, Apps R, Masters L, Goodridge J, Lathbury L, Stewart CA, Verma S, Moffett A. 2008 Killer Ig-like receptor expression in uterine NK cells is biased toward recognition of HLA-C and alters with gestational age. J Immunol. 181:39-46