Immune regulation of conception and embryo implantation—all about quality control?

SA Robertson - Journal of reproductive immunology, 2010 - Elsevier
Medawar's hypotheses for explaining maternal immune tolerance of the semi-allogeneic
fetus are now proven incorrect or insufficient. The mother's immune response is not passive,
suppressed, indolent or physically constrained in pregnancy. Instead, her immune system is
centrally engaged with all steps of the reproductive process from conception to embryo
implantation and placental development. Emerging studies show that immune cells are
positioned and equipped to sense antigens and other signals originating in seminal fluid …