The Nature and Possible Functions of MHC Antigens on the Surface of Human Trophoblast

Pregnancy and gamma/delta T cells: Taking on the hard questions

“…From this point of view, the γδT cells, which combine unique functions of infection protection and immunoregulation (Table 1), are of particular interest during pregnancy. Classical polymorphic MHC molecules are absent in the trophoblast cells and class II molecules cannot be induced even after stimulation with IFNγ [31], thus a direct allostimulation of the maternal αβT cells is avoided. In line with this finding it has been proposed that lack of polymorphic MHC molecule expression on the trophoblast is a way to "hide" pregnancy from the immune system.…”