Immunology of Gametes and Embryo Implantation Vol.88

Infertility is an increasing problem in many societies. The success rate of
assisted reproduction is still below 30%, although the treatments and
techniques have improved continuously. An important but often underestimated
aspect of fertility and infertility is the immunology of gametes and the early
embryo.
Sperm is a potential target for autoimmunity in men and alloimmunity in women,
but physiologically, such immunoreactions do not occur.
Although the preimplantation embryo is semiallogeneic to the mother, no
destructive reaction occurs but her uterus prepares a unique, finely balanced
immunological environment around the implantation site, which is indispensable
for successful early pregnancy.
This book provides an overview of the current knowledge of physiological and
pathological immune reactions which favor or disturb fertility. The regulation
of embryo implantation and trophoblast invasion through cytokines, growth
factors and other pregnancy-related immuno춓egulatory molecules is described in
detail.Autoimmunity and allergy are presented as possible causes of
reproductive failure.
With contributions by leading international groups this volume provides a
valuable introduction for those readers who are not yet familiar with the
immunology of reproduction while it also serves to update specialists on the
most recent findings in the field.