Localization of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors for MMPs (TIMPs) in uterine natural killer cells in early human pregnancy

Abstract

uNK cells from early human pregnancy decidua possess innate protease activity, especially MMP-2, providing further evidence for a role for these cells in regulation of trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling in early placentation.