HLA class I expression in the human placenta.
Placental trophoblast cells of the semi-allogenic human conceptus invade deeply into maternal uterine tissue. From a classical immunoiogic point of view this invasion and the following growth and development of the fetus in the uterus have to be tolerated by a pregnant woman's immune system. Among the various possible protective mechanisms that may be involved, the unique expression pattern of HLA class I molecules seems to be relevant. Besides many other differences between placentation and organ transplantation, this extraordinary HLA class I expression on trophoblast explains why pregnancy should not be considered an immunologic paradox but rather a fascinating example of a very special challenge for the female immune system.
Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Herbert
H
Juch
Astrid
A
Blaschitz
Gottfried
G
Dohr
Heinz
H
Hutter
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000276:immunology; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D002824:Chorionic Villi / Q000276:immunology; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000276:immunology; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000276:immunology; D010920:Placenta / Q000276:immunology*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000276:immunology
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I