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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Spontaneous labor onset: is it immunologically mediated?

Robert J Biggar¹, Gry Poulsen, Mads Melbye

¹Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

|January 5, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Maternal-fetal human leukocyte antigen (HLA) sharing was linked to delayed labor. Increased HLA A and B antigen sharing suggests a role for adaptive immunity in initiating spontaneous labor.

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Area of Science:

Immunology
Reproductive Biology
Genetics

Background:

Maternal-fetal immune interactions are crucial for pregnancy success.
The precise mechanisms initiating spontaneous labor remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the hypothesis that maternal-fetal immune interactions influence spontaneous labor onset.
To determine if fetal-maternal human leukocyte antigen (HLA) sharing delays labor.

Main Methods:

A comparative study of 200 Danish mother-infant pairs delivering postterm (42-44 weeks) and 195 pairs delivering at term (37-40 weeks).
Analysis of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types A, B, and DR in mother-infant pairs.
Statistical analysis including odds ratios and confidence intervals to assess the risk associated with HLA antigen sharing.

Main Results:

Increased sharing of HLA A and B antigens was observed in postterm deliveries compared to term deliveries.
Odds ratios indicated a higher risk of delayed labor with increased HLA A and B antigen sharing.
Applying stringent birth-length criteria for postmaturity strengthened the association between HLA antigen sharing and delayed labor.

Conclusions:

Postterm-delivered infants exhibited greater commonality in HLA A and B antigens with their mothers.
These findings suggest that the recognition of differing HLA antigens by the adaptive immune system may play a role in triggering labor onset.
Maternal-fetal HLA compatibility could be a factor in the timing of spontaneous labor.