The placenta uses a cloaking device similar to that used by parasites to avoid detection by the mother’s immune system. Scientists looking to develop a diagnostic test for pre-eclampsia, a major and potentially fatal cause of foetal and maternal illness, made the amazing discovery which could have far reaching implications.
The team, based at the University of Reading, believe their findings will revolutionise our understanding of the placenta and research into recurrent miscarriages and pre-eclampsia. It is also hoped this method of avoiding immune rejection could be mimicked and used in other areas such as arthritis or even stem cell therapy.
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