[The immunological aspects of maternal-fetal interrelationships]

The paper deals with different aspects of the relationships occurring between the pregnant woman and the fetus having paternal antigens. Analysis of a great deal of recent information clearly indicates that local uterine immunity plays a great role during pregnancy. The specific features of the gene expression of major histocompatibility by an invasive trophoblast and the immunosuppressive function of placental fibrinoid are discussed. A detailed account of the immunocompetent cells, including T lymphocytes, giant granular lymphocytes, and macrophages, that are involved in immunological responsiveness within the decidua is given.