|
|
Article: HOW A FETUS AVOIDS MATERNAL IMMUNE SYSTEM
- Article from:
- United Press International
- Article date:
- August 21, 1998
CopyrightProvided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
|
United Press International
08-21-1998
How a fetus avoids maternal immune system
UPI Science News
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, (UPI) _ Scientists say they may have found an
answer to one of life's greatest mysteries _ how a fetus avoids being
attacked by its mother's immune system.
New research, conducted in mice, suggests that the fetus actively
defends itself from its mother, using a chemical weapon that cripples
critical immune system cells.
The finding, the scientists say, could open the door to new method of
tackling medical problems that include miscarriage, rejection of
transplanted organs and diseases in which the immune system runs out of
control, like diabetes, arthritis and lupus.
...