Cell immunity and recurrent miscarriage

the maternal immunity system undergoes subtle adjustments to tolerate the semi-allogenic embryo and maintain the host's defense against potential pathogens. nonetheless, the ability of the maternal immune effectors, with the exception of anti-phospholipid antibodies, to cause pregnancy loss and the possibility for effective treatment are controversial subjects. In both animals and humans, similar immune effector mechanisms are linked to pregnancy failure. cell-mediated immunologic effectors might underlie pregnancy complication. furthermore, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines may have deleterious or positive effects on the fetus and placenta and thus on the success and failure of pregnancy. recently, certain cytokine profiles have been associated with recurrent miscarriage (RM). Immunological testing has been proposed to diagnose RM on an immunological basis, but the role of the level and activity of NK cells (natural killer cells) and cytokine polymorphisms are still controversial. several pieces of evidence indicate that treatments such as aspirin + heparin, intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, intralipid and the transfer of allogeneic blood cells bearing paternal antigens may improve the live birth rate. combination therapy appears promising, but the improved diagnosis of the subgroups responsive to specific therapies and more extensive immunological testing are mandatory.