Why Some Women Reject Their Pregnancies: Immune Causes Of Infertility

Pregnancy is a complex process that results from a coordinated two-way interaction of the maternal immune system and the developing fetus. In most cases, a woman’s immune system ultimately accepts the pregnancy so that it continues. However, in some women, the process fails and they experience infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. The prevention of a pregnancy in women is often an issue related to reproductive immunology, specifically, how the immune system impacts fertility and pregnancy outcome. 

Most women experiencing failed pregnancy, recurrent miscarriages, or recurrent IVF failure, most (if not all) are suffering from immune issues that are not easily visible through routine fertility testing. Consequently, additional immune workup should be considered when evaluating women for infertility.

The Role Of The Immune System In Pregnancy

The woman’s immune system has a protective function in protecting the mother and the baby from infective agents; however, it must counter the protective role by recognizing the embryo as part of the mother and not rejecting it. The fetus has genes derived from both parents, and in order for a successful pregnancy to occur, the maternal immune response must tolerate the paternal genes. 

During a healthy pregnancy, the immune system has thus adapted itself to this challenge and developed regulatory cells and antibodies to allow for embryo implantation and fetal growth. An overly aggressive or imbalanced immune response can lead to complications such as recurrent pregnancy loss or failed implantation.

Immunological Causes Of Infertility

Women who suffer from repeated IVF failure or recurrent miscarriages may have an immune-related infertility issue. Some of the key immunological causes of infertility include:

1. Autoimmune Disorders

In autoimmune disorders, the immune system inappropriately attacks cells in the body’s tissues. Conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and autoimmune thyroid disease are associated with issues of childbirth related to thrombosis and an inhospitable uterine environment characterised by inflammation. These processes can result in impaired implantation or early loss of pregnancy.

2. Alloimmune Disorders

In all common disorders, incompatible materno-fetal antigen systems lead to genetic incompatibility involving the father and the mother, which children inherit. Immune responses directed against an embryo can either disrupt implantation or prevent continued pregnancy.

3. Overactive Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of immune cell that assists in fighting infections. However, in some women, NK cells can be overactive and attack the embryo, preventing successful implantation from happening. This likely immune imbalance can contribute to infertility associated with IVF failure.

4. Imbalance In Cytokines

Cytokines are signaling molecules that control immune responses. A balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is required for pregnancy to go forward. If inflammatory cytokines are overly abundant, the uterine environment may be hostile to embryo implantation, resulting in failed pregnancy.

How LIT Can Help

ImmuLIT® (Lymphocyte Immunotherapy) is indicated in cases for women whose immune system actively rejects pregnancies. In simple terms, ImmuLIT® is where the father’s white blood cells are directly inserted into the mother’s body in an effort to have the immune system recognize and accept the pregnancy. 

An infertility specialist typically suggests LIT following the failure of more traditional treatment options for female infertility treatments. It modulates immune responses and increases the likelihood of successful pregnancies.

Benefits of LIT

• The maternal immune system assists in recognising the paternal genes. 
• A decreased risk of immune-mediated complications of pregnancy.
• Favoured successful implantation.
• Better outcomes in women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss.

When Is LIT Needed?

A  fertility specialist may suggest LIT for a woman who experiences:

• Recurrent pregnancy loss (three or more consecutive miscarriages)
• Hindered implantation after IVF failure
• Unexplained failed pregnancy despite good embryo quality
• Evidence of infertility factors related to the immune system.

Experts In Reproductive Immunology

Due to the complexity of reproductive immunology, infertility treatment  require a consultation with a specialist. Dr Mohan Raut and Dr Mugdha Raut are experts in diagnosing and treating immune-related infertility. Also, the role of experience, especially in female infertility treatment, has aided a number of women to conceive successfully.

Diagnosis And Treatment

To rule out the impact of immune-related factors on infertility, the fertility specialist must perform special tests, which include: 

• NK cell activity test 
• Cytokine analysis 
• Autoimmune panel tests 
• Genetic compatibility testing 

Therapy options such as lymphocyte immunotherapy, immunomodulatory therapy, or other personalized fertility treatments may be considered based on findings.

Conclusion

Immune-related infertility is a frequently underdiagnosed cause of IVF failure, failed pregnancy, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Women who are affected by immune-related infertility can increase their chances of a successful pregnancy through a better understanding of reproductive immunology and proper medical care. If you are dealing with fertility issues, an experienced infertility specialist can help identify an infertility treatment that is most suitable for your case.