NK-92 cells change their phenotype and function when cocultured with IL-15, IL-18 and trophoblast cells

•NK-92 cells cultured with JEG-3 trophoblast cells acquire decidual-like phenotype.•IL-15 & IL-18 change NK-92 cell phenotype when cocultured with JEG-3 cells.•IL-15 & IL-18 are present in 1st and 3rd trimester placenta conditioned media (CM).•NKG2D expression changes in the presence of 1st & 3rd trimester CM and JEG-3 cells.•NK-92 cytotoxic activity is modulated by IL-18 and target cells (K562, JEG-3).