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Joan S. Hunt, Ph.D.Research in the Laboratory of Our focus is on immunological aspects of pregnancy. In order to understand how semiallogeneic embryos are protected against maternal immune cells and their products, we study macrophages in the uterus and placenta and the expression, regulation and functions of placental transplantation antigens (HLA). The results of these experiments on the natural situation of pregnancy might be applicable to other conditions such as artificial transplants where protection against immune cell activity would be desirable. Limited recognition of the semiallogeneic fetus by the maternal immune
system has a beneficial effect on fertility and maintenance of pregnancy.
We are studying one product of activated immune cells, the multifunctional
polypeptide growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, and other members
of this supergene family which might be among the "recognition
signals" that contribute to successful pregnancy. |