Scientists have developed “a fundamentally new way to think about the maternal-fetal interface” with a clear understanding as to why a fetus was not rejected by a woman’s body not truly grasped by doctors, until now. The findings of a recent study by NYU School of Medicine could have a significant impact on our understanding of the varying reasons for miscarriage amongst others conditions.
An article published in Slate Magazine highlights the miraculous nature of the human body’s defense mechanisms to not automatically reject a fetus either through natural fertilization or via assisted reproduction technology. Pregnancy is considered “a metaphor for marriage”, as it involves the union of male and female genes with the key factor – compromise, according to Harvey Kliman of the Yale School of Medicine – he continues to say the understanding of this compromise has remained a mystery. Scientists were puzzled by the role T cells, those which attack and destroy invaders (part of the immune system – therefore should in theory attack the fetus) did not in fact attack the fetus, even when experimentally encouraged to do so in mice.
The results provided scientists with “a satisfying explanation for why the fetus isn’t rejected during pregnancy”, considered a significant discovery and something that could have “clear implications for human pregnancy”. The findings could lead to advances in our understanding of how to prevent miscarriage, clues to treating cancer (“tumors grow by avoiding immune assault”) and autoimmune illnesses (“autoimmune illnesses are caused by an über-revved up immune system”).
As I continue my research into medical advances, I am always astonished upon reading of a potential cure for some of the most perplexing illnesses and conditions. The question then is, with medical advances, “how long will it take widespread availability or application of these advances?”. It is almost impossible to say, as the trial and error phase is required ensuring the safe application to humans.
A number of positives can be taken from any advancements but the efficacy of a discovery in a lab can differ greatly from that in the real world.