Immunology in Reproduction

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: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research