Associations between fetal HLA-G genotype and birth weight and placental weight in a large cohort of pregnant women – possible implications for HLA diversity

Pregnancy is a unique and complex process that involves close interaction between fetal and maternal cells, in which the semi-allogenic fetus avoids maternal immune rejection. The mechanisms behind this interesting phenomenon are not fully elucidated. However, one mechanism, among others is based on the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G at the feto-maternal interface, which seems to play an important immunomodulatory function during pregnancy (Kovats et al., 1990; Ishitani et al., 2003; Nilsson et al., 2014).
Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research