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Modulation of class II histocompatibility antigen expression by maternal serum
E Y Vanderbeeken1, J Duchateau, B Vandermeersch
1Department of Immunology, Hospital St-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium.
Disease Markers
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Maternal serum can suppress major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen expression in certain cells. This immune-modulating effect, potentially mediated by maternal IgG, is present during pregnancy and diminishes postpartum.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Maternal serum influences immune responses during pregnancy.
- Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens are crucial for immune cell interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of human maternal serum on MHC class II antigen expression.
- To identify the source and characteristics of the immunosuppressive factor in maternal serum.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of cord blood mononuclear cells, unrelated donor lymphocytes, and a neoplastic cell line (Daudi) with maternal serum.
- Comparison of retroplacental and peripheral maternal serum.
- Assays throughout pregnancy to quantify the inhibitory component.
Main Results:
- Maternal serum significantly down-regulated MHC class II antigen expression in cord blood cells, unrelated lymphocytes, and Daudi cells.
- Retroplacental serum exhibited stronger inhibitory effects than peripheral serum.
- The inhibitory factor, likely within the maternal IgG fraction, appeared early in pregnancy, peaked at 12 weeks, and resolved post-delivery.
Conclusions:
- Human maternal serum contains a factor that suppresses MHC class II antigen expression.
- This immunosuppressive effect is specific and transient, occurring during pregnancy.
- The findings suggest a role for this factor in maternal-fetal tolerance.