Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Immunogenetics of Fetal Growth and Development

  • Chapter
The High-Risk Fetus

  • 132 Accesses

Abstract

Immunogenetics is the study of genetic factors that underlie variability in immune response in a broad sense, and may include graft rejection, immunoglobulin, blood group and histocompatibility antigen variation, and disease susceptibility. Although the immunogenetics of pregnancy is not well understood, significant variability exists with respect to maternal immune responses in pregnancy. For example, lymphocytotoxic alloantibodies and serum suppressor factors are present in the sera of some, but not all, multigravidas.1,2 The lack of certain immunologic responses in pregnancy, such as production of lymphocytotoxic alloantibodies or serum suppressor factors, is sometimes associated with fetal wastage.3

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Amos DB. HL-A, fertility, and natural selection. Karolinska sumposia on research methods in reproductive endocrinology, 7th. Stockholm: Karolinska Institute. 1974:318–327.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Sargent LL, Wilkins T, Redman CWG. Maternal immune responses to the fetus in early pregnancy and recurrent miscarriage. Lancet. 1988;2:1099–1104.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Beer AE, Semprini AE, Xiaoyu Z, Quebbeman JF. Pregnancy outcome in human couples with recurrent spontaneous abortions: HLA antigen profiles, female serum MLR blocking factors, and paternal leukocyte immunization. Exp Clin Immunogenet. 1985;2:137–153.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Weitkamp LW, Ober C, Schacter BZ. Genetic and immunogenetic markers of reproductive success. In: Clark DA, Croy BA, eds. Reproductive immunology 1986. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 1986:27–39.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Bulmer JN, Johnson PM. Antigen expression by trophoblast populations in the human placenta and their possible immunobiological relevance. Placenta. 1985;6:127–140.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Johnson PM, Risk JM, Bulmer JN, Niewola A, Kimber I. Antigen expression at human materno-fetal interface. In:Gill TJ, Wegmann TG, eds. Immunoregulation and fetal survival. New York: Oxford University Press; 1986:181–186.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Sunderland CA, Naiem M, Mason DY, Redman CWG, Stirrat GM. The expresssion of major histocompatibility antigens by human chorionic villi. J Reprod Immunol. 1981;3:323–331.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Ellis SA, Sargent IL, Redman CWG, Mc-Michael AJ. Evidence for a novel HLA antigen found on human extravillous trophoblast and a choriocarcinoma cell line. J Immunol. 1986; 59:595–601.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Kоvats S, Main EK, DeMars R. A non-classical class I antigen, HLA-G, is expressed in human first trimester trophoblasts. Proc Am Soc Histocompat Testing. 1989:104.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Geraghty DE, Koller BH, Orr HT. A human major histocompatibility complex class I gene that encodes a protein with a shortened cytoplasmic segment. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1987;84:9145–9149.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Orr HT. HLA class I gene family: Characterization of genes encoding non-HLA-A,B,C proteins. In: Dupont B, ed. Immunobiology of HLA, vol. I: Histocompatibility testing 1987. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1987:33–39.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Levi-Straus M, Carroll MC, Steinmetz M, Meo T. A previously undetected MHC gene with an unusual periodic structure. Science. 1988; 240:201–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Carroll MC, Katzman P, Alicot P, et al. Linkage map of the human histocompatibility complex including the tumor necrosis factor. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1987;84:8535–8539.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Koller BH, Geraghty DE, Shimizu Y, DeMars R, Orr HT. HLA-E: A novel HLA class I gene expressed in resting T lymphocytes. J Immunol. 1988;141:897–903.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Fauchet R, Boscher M, Bouhallier O, et al. New class I in man: Serological and molecular characterization. Hum Immunol. 1986;17:3–20.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Trowsdale J, Young JAT, Kelly AP, et al. Structure, sequence, and polymorphism in the HLA-D region. Immunol Rev. 1985;85:5–43.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Bodmer WF, Albert E, Bodmer JG, et al. Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, 1987. In: Dupont B, ed. Immunobiology of HLA, vol I: Histocompatibility testing 1987. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1987:72–79.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Yang SY. Nomenclature for HLA-A and HLA-B alleles detected by one-dimensional isoelectric focusing (1D-IEF) gel electrophoresis. In: Dupont B, ed. Immunobiology of HLA, vol I: Histocompatibility testing 1987. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1987:54–55.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Medawar PB. Some immunological and endocrinological problems raised by the evolution of viviparity in vertebrates. Symp Soc Exp Biol. 1982;7:320–338.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Faulk WP, Hsi BL, Mclntyre JA, Yeh CJG, Mucchielli A. Antigens of the human extraembryonic membranes. J Reprod Fertil. 1982; 31(suppl): 181–189.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Johnson PM, Stern PL. Antigen expression at human materno-fetal interfaces. Prog Immunol. 1986;6:1056–1069.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Beer AE, Billingham RE. The immunobiology of reproduction. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall; 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Beer AE, Quebbeman JF, Ayers JWT, Haines RF. Major histocompatibility complex antigens, maternal and paternal immune responses, and chronic habitual abortions in human. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1981;141:987–997.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Gleicher N, Siegel I. Pregnancy and the immune state. In: Davis T, ed. Autoimmune endocrine disease. New York: John Wiley; 1983:225.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Scott JR, Rote NS, Branch DW. Immunologic aspects of recurrent abortion and fetal death. Obstet Gynecol. 1987;70:645–656.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Cowchock S, Dehoratius RD, Wapner RJ, Jackson LG. Subclinical autoimmune disease and unexplained abortion. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1984;150:367–371.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Tiwari JL, Terasaki PI. HLA and disease association. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1985.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  28. Onody C, Buc M, Gerencer M, et al. Association between T lymphocyte reactivity and HLA. Joint report from HLA-DR Intertransplant Workshop 1979. Tissue Antigens. 1980;16:10–13.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Gerencer M, Singer Z, Pfeifer S, et al. HLA and red blood group antigens in pregnancy disorders. Tissue Antigens. 1988;32:130–138.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Gerencer M, Kastelan A. The role of HLA-D region in feto-maternal interactions. Transplant Proc. 1983;15:893–895.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Reznikoff-Etievant MF, Edelman P, Muller JY, Pinon F, Sureau C. HLA-DR locus and maternal-foetal relation. Tissue Antigens. 1984;24: 30–34.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Jeannet M, Bischof P, Bourrit B, Vuagnat P. Sharing of HLA antigens in fertile, subfertile, and infertile couples. Transplant Proc. 1985;17:903–904.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Bolis PF, Bianchi MM, Soro V, Belvedere M. HLA typing in couples with repetitive abortion. Biol Res Preg. 1984;5:135–137.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Cauchi MN, Tait B, Wilshire MI, et al. Histocompatibility and habitual abortion. Am J Re-prod Immunol Microbiol. 1988;18:28–31.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Johnson PM, Chia KV, Risk JM, Barnes RMR, Woodrow JC. Immunological and immuno-genetic investigation of recurrent spontaneous abortion. Dis Markers. 1988;6:163–171.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Oksenberg JR, Persitz E, Amar A, Brautbar C. Maternal-paternal histocompatibility: Lack of association with habitual abortions. Fertil Steril. 1984;42:389–395.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Schacter B, Muir A, Gyves M, Tasin M. HLA-A,B compatibility in parents of offspring with neural-tube defects or couples experiencing involuntary fetal wastage. Lancet. 1979; 1:796–799.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Thomas ML, Harger JH, Wagener DK, Rabin BS, Gill TJ III. HLA sharing and spontaneous abortion in humans. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1985;151:1053–1058.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Coulam CB, Moore SB, O’Fallon WM. Association between major histocompatibility antigen and reproductive performance. Am J Re-prod Immunol Microbiol. 1987;14:54–58.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Radcliffe JJ, Hart CA, Francis WJA, Johnson PM. Immunity to cytomegalovirus in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Am J Reprod Immunol Microbiol. 1986;12:103–105.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Johnson PM, Barnes RMR, Hart CA, Francis WJA. Determinants of immunological unresponsiveness in recurrent spontaneous abortion. Transplantation. 1984;38:280–284.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Komlos L, Zamir R, Joshua H, Halbrecht I. Common HLA antigens in couples with repeated abortions. Clin Immunol Immuno-pathol. 1977;7:330–335.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Gill TJ. Immunogenetics of spontaneous abortions in humans. Transplantation. 1983;35:1–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Risk JM, Johnson PM. Genetic studies of the MHC region in human recurrent spontaneous abortion. In: Gill TJ, Wegmann TG, eds. Molecular and cellular nature of maternal-fetal signalling. New York: Oxford University Press; 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Mclntyre JA, Faulk P, Nichols-Johnson VR, Taylor CG. Immunologic testing and immunotherapy in recurrent spontaneous abortion. Obstet Gynecol. 1986;67:169–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Schacter B, Weitkamp LR, Johnson WE. Parental HLA compatibility in parents of offspring with neural-tube defects: Evidence for a T/t-like locus in humans. Am J Hum Genet. 1984;36:1082–1091.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Steinberg AG, Bleibtreu HK, Kurczynski TW, Martin AO, Kurczynski EM. Genetic studies in an inbred human isolate. In: Crow JF, Neel JV, eds. Proceedings of the third international congress of human genetics. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press; 1967:267–290.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Martin AO. The founder effect in a human isolate: Evolutionary implications. Am J Phys Anthropol. 1970;32:351–368.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Ober C, Martin AO, Simpson JL, et al. Shared HLA antigens and reproductive performance in the Hutterites. Am J Hum Gen et. 1983,35:994–1004.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Ober C, Elias S, O’Brien E, Kostyu D, Hauck WW, Bombard A. HLA sharing and fertility in Hutterite couples: Evidence for prenatal selection against compatible fetuses. Am J Reprod Immunol Microbiol. 1988;18:111–115.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Hauck WW, Ober C. Statistical analysis of outcomes from repeated pregnancies: Effects of HLA sharing on fetal loss. Genet Epid. 1991;8:187–197.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Ober C, Elias S, Kostyu DD, Hauck WW. Decreased fecundability in Hutterite couples sharing HLA-DR. Am J Hum Gen. 1992;50:6–14.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Jazwinska EC, Kilpatrick DC, Smart GE, Liston WA. Feto-maternal HLA compatibility does not have a major influence on human pregnancy except for lymphocytotoxin production. Clin Exp Immunol. 1987;69:116–122.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Degos L, Colombani J, Chavantr A, Bengston B, Jaquard A. A selective pressure on HLA polymorphism. Nature. 1974;249:62–63.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Black FL. Motherchild HLA compatibility ratios in children of Amerindian parents who share common haplotypes. Am J Hum Genet. 1985;37:133–137.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Billington WD. Influence of immunologic dissimilarity of mother and foetus on size of placenta in mice. Nature. 1964;202:317–318.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. James DA. Effects of antigenic dissimilarity of mother and foetus on size of placenta in mice. Nature. 1965;205:613–614.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Ober C, Simpson JL, Ward M, et al. Prenatal effects of maternal-fetal HLA compatibility. Am J Reprod Immunol Microbiol. 1987; 15:141–149.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Mills JL, Fishl AR, Knopp RL, Ober C, Jovanovich LG, Polk BF. Malformations in infants of diabetic mothers: Problems in study designs. Prev Med. 1983;12:274–286.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Beer AE. Pregnancy outcome in couples with recurrent abortions following immunological evaluation and therapy. In: Beard RW, Sharp F, eds. Early pregnancy loss: Mechanisms and treatment. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1988: 337–350.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Mowbry JF. Immunology of early pregnancy. Hum Reprod. 1988;3:79–82.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Takakuwa K, Goto Hasegawa I, Is immunotherapy for habitual aborters an immunologically hazardous procedure for infants? Am J Reprod Immunol. 1989;19:53–56.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Kirby DRS, McWhirter KG, Teitelbaum MS, Darlington DC. A possible immunological influence on the sex ratio. Lancet. 1967;1:139–140.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Ober C, Simpson JL, Radvany R. Increased male-to-female sex ratio among HLA-DR compatible pregnancies. Lancet. 1985;1:761.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Radvany RM, Vaisrub N, Ober C, Patel KM, Hecht F. The human sex ratio: Increase in firstborn males to parents with shared HLA-DR antigens. Tissue Antigens. 1987;29:34–42.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Kilpatrick DC. Feto-maternal HLA-DR compatibility and sex ratio. Tissue Antigens. 1987; 30:235–237.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Clayton J, Cambon-Thomsen A, Sevin A, Thomsen M, Ohayon E. No evidence of sex ratio distortion in relation with feto-maternal HLA-DR compatibility. Tissue Antigens. 1988; 32:286–290.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Ober C. The МНC complex in normal pregancy and spontaneous abortion. In: Gleicher N, Elkyam U, Galbraith RM, Gall SA, Sarto G, Sibai BM, eds. Principles of medical therapy in pregnancy. 2nd ed. New York: Appleton & Lange; 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  69. Caudle MR, Rote NS, Scott JR, DeWitt C, Barney MD. Histocompatibility in couples with recurrent spontaneous abortion and normal fertility. Fertil Steril. 1983;39:793–798.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Oksenberg JR, Persitz E, Amar A, et al. Mixed lymphocyte reactivity nonresponsiveness in couples with multiple spontaneous abortions. Fertil Steril. 1983;39:525–529.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Unander AM, Olding LB. Habitual abortion: Parental sharing of HLA antigens, absence of maternal blocking antibody, and suppression of maternal lymphocytes. Am J Reprod Immunol. 1983;4:171–178.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Vanoli M, Fabio G, Bonara P, et al. Histocompatibility in Italian couples with recurrent spontaneous abortions of unknown origin and with normal fertility. Tissue Antigens. 1985;26:227–233.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Carole Ober
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Maternal-Fetal Medicine Section, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 60637, Chicago, IL, USA

    Chin-Chu Lin M.D. (Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director, Obstetrics High Risk Clinic) & Marion S. Verp M.D. (Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director, Medical Genetic Services) (Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director, Obstetrics High Risk Clinic) &  (Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director, Medical Genetic Services)

  2. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Prentice Women’s Hospital, 60611, Chicago, IL, USA

    Rudy E. Sabbagha M.D. (Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Director, Diagnostic Ultrasound Center) (Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Director, Diagnostic Ultrasound Center)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1993 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Ober, C. (1993). Immunogenetics of Fetal Growth and Development. In: Lin, CC., Verp, M.S., Sabbagha, R.E. (eds) The High-Risk Fetus. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9240-8_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9240-8_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-9242-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-9240-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation