Why do we need this research?
Natural killer cells (NK cells) form part of the body’s immune system, helping to fight infection and cancer. Every organ has NK cells to protect it and their presence in the womb is thought to be essential for pregnancy. However, these cells are also potent killers that could potentially target the placenta, causing miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss.
What’s happening in this project?
Our researchers have already found that a simple blood test can be used to identify women who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss – defined as the loss of two or more pregnancies. By comparing blood taken from 100 women with recurrent pregnancy loss to blood taken from 80 other women, the team found that the women with recurrent pregnancy loss had more NK cells and fewer T cells – another type of immune cell.
Our researchers now want to understand more about the role of the immune system in miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss. To do this, they are assessing the levels of different immune cells – including NK cells and T cells – in both blood and womb lining samples taken from 250 women, including 50 with no previous miscarriage, 50 with one previous miscarriage and 150 with recurrent pregnancy loss. If this work confirms their previous findings, the team will use their results to develop a test that predicts which women and birthing people are most at risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.
What difference will this project make?
This research could lead to the development of a simple clinical test that can be used to identify the women and birthing people who need specialist care when they are pregnant again following a previous miscarriage. This test could also provide reassurance to those families who are likely to have a successful pregnancy.
