The role of placental MHC class I expression in immune-assisted separation of the fetal membranes in cattle

The bovine fetus inherits and expresses paternal antigens and is thus semi-allogeneic to the maternal immune system. Preventing immunological rejection of the fetus is, therefore, critical for a successful pregnancy. Maternal antibodies against paternal alloantigens are induced in up to 64% of multiparous cattle and can be detected as early as the second trimester of gestation (Hines and Newman, 1981), showing that the materno-fetal immune response is regulated, rather than suppressed, and is normally not harmful to the fetus.
Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research