The role of maternal and foetal human leukocyte antigen genotype on immune tolerance and infectious disease susceptibility during pregnancy (A06)

• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 534829736

Genetic factors, such as the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, significantly influence pregnancy outcomes. HLA proteins are vital for immune responses, as they present peptides to immune effector cells. During pregnancy, the maternal and foetal HLA variants can differ, affecting the maternal immune recognition of the foetus. This mismatch mediates immune tolerance or triggers maternal immune activation (MIA), impacting foetal survival. This project explores maternal and foetal HLA interactions and their implications for maternal immune responses throughout pregnancy. Understanding these dynamics aims to enhance pregnancy care and preventive therapies.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1713: Maternal Immune Activation: Causes and Consequences
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Tobias Lenz