Author Spotlight: Multiplex Immunohistochemistry for Understanding Immune Regulation by Uterine NK Cells in Pregnancy

Uterine NK cells dramatically accumulate during the mid-luteal phase, prepared for embryo implantation. Notably, these cells are heterogeneous. Accurately identifying their phenotypes is crucial for understanding their roles in endometrial receptivity.

Our study aims to detect four subtypes of uterine NK cells using multiplex immunohistochemistry staining. Immunohistochemistry staining has been widely used to measure uterine NK cell density in women with reproductive failure. However, this traditional technology does not effectively distinguish between different subtypes of uterine NK cells.

Our protocol, using multiplex immunohistochemistry staining, offers an advanced approach to identify four distinct subtypes of uterine NK cells. With the implementation of this protocol, we will evaluate the differences in uterine NK cell subtypes between women with repeated implantation failure and the fertile controls. If significant differences are identified, we will proceed to investigate whether these uterine NK cell subtypes can predict the risk of implantation failure.

Ultimately, our long-term goal is to develop a diagnostic test to assess the immune status of uterine NK cells for endometrial receptivity.