Medawar and the immunological paradox of pregnancy: in context. Issue 1 (14th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Male, Victoria
• Is Part Of: Oxford open immunology. Volume 2:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2020-12-14
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; 571.9605
• DOI: 10.1093/oxfimm/iqaa006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2633-6960

Abstract

Abstract: In 1953, Peter Medawar defined 'the immunological paradox of pregnancy', whereby the semi-allogeneic foetus can survive for 9 months in its mother, while a semi-allogeneic graft would be rejected. Here, I revisit the immunological paradox of pregnancy, setting it in the context of the time in which it was proposed. I go on to examine the extent to which Medawar's ideas on the subject have stood the test of time and how they have shaped reproductive immunology.