• Function of HLA Antigens

• Category 1 Immunological Problems: HLA Compatibility as a Cause for Recurrent Spontaneous Pregnancy Loss

• Category 2 Immunological Problems: Autoantibody Response to Phospholipid Adhesion Molecules

• Category 3 Immunological Problems: Autoimmune Response to Nuclear Components

• Category 4 Immunological Problems: Autoimmune Response to Sperm Antigen

• Category 5 Immunological Problems

  • Chapter 1: CD 56+ Natural Killer Cells

  • Chapter 2: CD 19+ 5+ B Cells (1)

  • Chapter 3: CD 19+ 5+ B Cells (2)

HLA Compatibility as a Cause for Recurrent Spontaneous Pregnancy Loss

The HLA antigens on the placenta cells made by the father are called HLA-G. When the couple shares DQ alpha antigens in common, the G molecule put on the placental cells by the father is too similar to the G molecule that the woman's father put on her placenta to sustain her in her mother's uterus.

As a result, she does not make the blocking antibody, the baby dies, and her immune system recognizes the placenta as "altered self" (i.e., a cancer cell) and category 1 problems move on to worsen to categories 2, 3, 4 and 5 (see diagram below).

Consequences

1. Inadequate blocking antibody formation.
2. Ineffective camouflage of placenta.
3. Placental cells fail to grow and divide.
4. Death of placental cells.
5. Activation of category 2, 3, 4 and 5 immune problems.

HLA-G: Message sent from father to stimulate blocking antibody.

Blocking Antibody: Protects and stimulates the growth of placental cells.

Placental Cell Death: Consequences of low blocking antibody.