Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
13:55
Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates
Published on: January 27, 2019
Sexual Intercourse and Alloimmunity. Influence on Reproduction and Solid Organ Transplantation
Bastien Poitier1, Emmanuel Zorn2, Paolo Cravedi3
1Department of Surgery, Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Transplantation
|July 20, 2026
Summary
Sexual intercourse triggers immune responses in females, promoting reproductive success and fetal tolerance. However, it can also lead to infertility or increased transplant rejection risk due to alloimmunity.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Transplantation immunology
Background:
- Female immune system recognizes male antigens (MHC, MiHAs) during intercourse.
- Antigen presentation occurs directly via male cells or indirectly via female cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of alloimmunity induced by sexual intercourse in reproduction and transplantation.
- To understand the mechanisms of immune tolerance and potential adverse alloimmune responses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of immune cell interactions in the cervicovaginal region.
- Investigation of antigen presentation pathways (direct and indirect).
- Assessment of regulatory T cell (Treg) activation and seminal fluid factors (chemokines, cytokines, sHLA-G).
Main Results:
- Alloimmunity promotes sperm survival, embryo implantation, and fetal-maternal tolerance.
- Immune responses can lead to anti-MHC and anti-sperm antibodies, causing infertility.
- Repeated exposure to male antigens may increase solid organ transplant rejection risk.
Conclusions:
- Alloimmunity following sexual intercourse is crucial for successful reproduction.
- Understanding these immune responses is vital for reproductive health and transplantation outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
01:24Tissue Transplantation
Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...