Could γ/δ T cells influence the mother's rejection in recurrent aborted embryos?

Summary

The possibility that the investigation of aborted material may identify aetiologies not easily detectable from even a careful clinical investigation, suggested a study of the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of decidual-infiltrating T-lymphocytes in recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM). From 33 cases of RSM (>3 previous consecutive miscarriages, range 3 – 5, mean 3.7), PCR products were analysed by 15% acrylamide gel electrophoresis and visualised under UV illumination after ethidium bromide staining. A broad band obtained suggests the presence of a monoclonal T-lymphocyte proliferation. A PCR not showing bands means that the tissue does not contain reactive T cells. A total of 11 samples (33.3%) revealed the presence of receptor TCRγ with the presence of a specific band. T-cell receptors in RSM were identified in one-third of cases. These data underline the importance of a maternal immune host response to the embryo and the need to study the immune mechanisms with the hope of modulating therapeutic treatment of recurrent abortion.