The decidual type of these cells have increased expression of galectin-1 relative to other subtypes of these cells.  These cells are especially abundant in the gravid uterus.   They express Ly49-like C-type lectins and KIRs on their surface, allowing them to recognize MHC class I molecules on other cells.  These cells are i
The decidual type of these cells have increased expression of galectin-1 relative to other subtypes of these cells.  These cells are especially abundant in the gravid uterus.   They express Ly49-like C-type lectins and KIRs on their surface, allowing them to recognize MHC class I molecules on other cells.  These cells are identified by their surface expression of CD56 and CD16, which recognizes the Fc [read "F-C"] portion of immunoglobulin G and results in the release of interferon gamma in the process of ADCC.  These components of the innate immune system release granzyme and perforin, inducing apoptosis of their targets, typically tumor cells or virus-infected cells.  For 10 points, name this type of lymphocyte that destroy cells without requiring activation, unlike cytotoxic T cells.
The decidual type of these cells have increased expression of galectin-1 relative to other subtypes of these cells.  
natural killer or NK cells