Maternal immune system linked to recurrent miscarriage

Larry Chamley, Peter Stone

T-cells are cells of the immune system, which protect the body from viruses, bacteria and other parasites.  When these invaders are detected, T-cells are activated to defend the body.  Dr Chamley and Professor Stone have discovered that there are significantly more T-cells present in the placental bed – the site at which the placenta attaches to the uterus – of women who suffer recurrent miscarriage.   This discovery suggests that in some cases of recurrent pregnancy loss, the mother’s immune system may be attacking the placenta – and disrupting the pregnancy.

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