Microchimerism and autoimmune disease

Article Abstract:

The persistence of fetal cells from a previous pregnancy in the blood of women may be related to the development of some autoimmune diseases. Researchers have discovered that many women with systemic sclerosis have detectable Y-chromosome DNA in their blood, presumably from a male fetus. The presence of a low level of cells from another individual is called microchimerism, and may induce an immune response which ultimately targets maternal cells. Further studies will determine if autoimmunity is indeed related to microchimerism, and how this might influence treatments.

Health aspects, Editorial, Causes of, Autoimmune diseases, Systemic scleroderma, Scleroderma (Disease), Fetal tissues

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Antigen localization and migration in immunity and tolerance

Article Abstract:

Antigen localization and migration could explain many aspects of immunity, including immune attacks on disease-causing organisms and donor organ transplants. The rejection of transplanted organs is similar to the rejection of infected cells. Studies of transplant recipients have proved that the donor's white blood cells migrate into the recipient's tissues and vice versa. Most often, they migrate to lymphoid tissue, which is also where microorganisms are transported. The immune response then begins in the lymphoid tissue.

Cell migration, Antigens

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Maternal antibodies, childhood infections, and autoimmune disease

Article Abstract:

A pregnant woman's antibody response to various infectious organisms can influence the infections that her child develops because the antibodies can pass through the placenta. The woman's immune response also depends on the immune response of people she associates with, a phenomenon that researchers call herd immunity.

Research

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