Expression data of human decidual NK cells from gravid uteri and NK cells from cycling endometrium

Human NK cells from the decidua basalis of gravid uteri (dNK) and from cycling endometrium (eNK) of women undergoing hysterectomy were isolated and compared by gene expression profiling using Affymetrix microarrays with probes representing ~47,400 transcripts. Substantial differences indicate that these two types of NK cells represent distinct subsets. Freshly isolated NK cells were obtained by FACS sorting. 4 dNK and 5 eNK samples were obtained form independent donors. dNK cells were isolated from the decidua basalis of first trimester placentas and sorted as CD3-, CD16-, CD56+ cells. eNK cells were obtained from non-affected regions of cycling endometrium of donor women undergoing hysterectomy and were sorted as CD45+, CD56+, CD3- cells . The preliminary patient diagnoses included genital prolapse, fibroids, cervical dysplasia, or menorrhagia. All cycling endometrium samples were from the secretory phase of the cycle with exception of sample eNK_S6 that was from the proliferative phase.