[The place of immunology in recurring spontaneous abortion]

Abstract

Spontaneous repeated miscarriages are often explained by an immunological mechanism. Whereas in normal pregnancy the mother develops a tolerance immune response induced by paternal antigens of fetus, she is unable to react in this variety of miscarriage. The immunological theory is supported by some solid experimental arguments, which are detailed. Antigens generating the tolerance response are probably TLX antigens, expressed on syncitiotrophoblast and cross reacting with class I HLA antigens. Diagnosis of immunological miscarriage is based on elimination of other causes and on absence in woman of antibodies directed against husband class I antigens. Tolerance immune response can be induced by injections to wife of great quantity of conjunct lymphocytes. An anti HLA, and later on anti TLX, immunization is often obtained. Several teams have applied this treatment, with frequent good results: about 80% of fecundated patients conduct a normal pregnancy until its time.