Immunogenetic profiles of mothers and maternal response of fetal MHC antigens

We studied the genetic predisposition of mothers to producing cytotoxic antibodies against the HLA antigens of the fetus and the biological significance of this phenomenon, by investigating 250 mothers and 30 repetitive aborters for HLA polymorphisms (class I, II, properdin factor B) and for immunoglobulin allotypes (Gm and Km). We subdivided the mothers, into antibody positive and antibody negative groups by testing their sera against a large panel of T and B enriched suspensions. None of the women who had miscarried produced anti-fetus cytotoxic antibodies. The frequency of the antigen DR3 in antibody negative mothers and of DR5 in antibody positive ones was increased. The typing of factor B (serum complement protein) demonstrated an association between the genetic predisposition to respond to fetal MHC antigens and the F variant.