Abstract

ALFONSO-VALDES, María E et al. Antibodies against trophoblast cells in the first quarter of pregnancy. Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter [online]. 2011, vol.27, n.2, pp. 224-232. ISSN 1561-2996.

Trophoblast cells do not express classical HLA class I antigens (A, B, C), but they do express HLA G antigens which may generate antibodies capable of cross-reacting with the former. A study was conducted of 24 women in the first quarter of pregnancy, with no previous pregnancies or blood transfusions, with reactive antibodies against leukocytes, platelets or both (9 antigranulocytary and 15 anti-HLA), to determine the presence of antitrophoblast antibodies, by plate indirect immunofluorescence technique. 54.16 % had antitrophoblast antibodies. 86.66 % of the pregnant women with anti-HLA antibodies had antibodies against the trophoblast, whereas none of the sera with granulocyte specific antibodies reacted with trophoblastic cells (p=0,00). Following adsorption with trophoblastic tissue, the sera with antibodies showing granulocyte specificity remained reactive with peripheral blood leukocytes, as opposed to just 2 of those showing HLA specificity. Results suggest that most anti-HLA antibodies reactive with leukocytes, platelets or both, may be aimed against trophoblast HLA-G antigens, and cross-react with leukocyte HLA antigens, which facilitates blockage of the response of maternal leukocytes against fetal cells. This may also explain the high prevalence of anti-HLA antibodies during early pregnancy.

Keywords : Alloimmunization; antitrophoblast antibodies; pregnancy; anti-HLA antibodies; antigranulocytary antibodies; HLA-G.

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