Immunobiology of pregnancy.
This report presents new findings on two conditions that permit genetically disparate tissues to coexist during pregnancy: (a) regulation of major histocompatibility genes in placental trophoblast, and (b) synthesis of uterine and placental polypeptide growth factors with immunosuppressive properties. Recent experiments examining inter-relationships between these two protective mechanisms are cited, and potential explanations for trophoblast resistance to factors with MHC-inducing properties are proposed.
Hunt
J S
JS
Department of Pathology and Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66103.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000032:analysis; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D010920:Placenta / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology*; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000276:immunology
D006133:Growth Substances; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents