Reproduction: A key to survival of mankind

Medawar in 1953 - by raising the question “why is the semiallogeneic fetus protected from rejection by the maternal immune system?”–initiated the field of reproductive immunology. If classical rules of transplantation immunity applied to pregnancy, the fetus ought to be rejected. Yet demonstration of anti-fetal, anti-placental and anti-paternal antibodies in sera of women with successful pregnancies (Billington, 1992) showed that though maternal recognition of fetal antigens clearly takes place, it does not compromise pregnancy.
Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research