CD49a regulates the function of human decidual natural killer cells

Problem The function of CD49a on human decidual natural killer (dNK) cells is unknown. Method of study The expression of CD49a on dNK cells from human patients with recurrent spontaneous abortions or age‐matched healthy controls was analyzed by flow cytometry. DNK cells were treated with CD49a neutralizing antibody and analyzed for function (cytokines production and cytotoxic activity). Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) microarray analysis was used to identify a potential regulator of CD49a. Results DNK cells from human patients who underwent recurrent spontaneous abortions had lower levels of CD49a and increased perforin, granzyme B, and IFN‐r expression, when compared to dNK cells from age‐matched healthy controls. Perforin, granzyme B, and IFN‐r expression levels in dNK cells were upregulated, while the migration and adhesion of dNK cells were downregulated by CD49a‐neutralizing antibody. By the 51 Cr release assay, the killing activity of dNK cells also increased with CD49a neutralizing antibody. Further, lnc‐49a, a newly identified lncRNA, was shown to be a positive regulator of CD49a in primary human NK cells. Conclusion CD49a is involved in the regulation of dNK cells functions, including cytotoxic activity, migration, and adhesion. Further, lnc‐49a is a positive regulator of CD49a in human primary dNK cells.