TEST DESCRIPTION

During normal pregnancy, a unique type of immunity occurs which is essential for implantation, growth and development of the fetus.

Immunologic recognition of pregnancy is vital for the maintenance of gestation. The immune system plays a crucial role in recognizing and accepting the pregnancy, as the embryo carries genetic material that is at least 50% different from the mother. It is not possible for the mother's immune system to passively accept the embryo, so an active immunological tolerance must be achieved.

This active immunological tolerance involves the mother's immune system successfully identifying the embryo and adapting to prevent its rejection. Additionally, it actively facilitates essential processes for implantation and maintaining the pregnancy. However, when there is a deregulation or imbalance in the mother's immune system, it can compromise the successful implantation and development of the embryo.

This deregulation can lead to implantation failure, recurrent miscarriages, and other pregnancy complications. It is important to understand and address any immune system dysregulation to optimize the chances of a successful pregnancy outcome.

Reproductive Immunology refers to a field of medicine that studies the feto-maternal (baby-mother) immunologic relationship and the mechanisms through which this paradoxical communication is regulated via fetal antigen presentation (proteins presented to the mother’s immune system on the surface of embryo cells) and recognition and the response of the maternal immune system to these antigens.

The first part or “basic” reproductive immunology examination involves 3 main tests, namely the NK cell profile (incl. Regulatory T-Cell (Tregs) analysis), the NK cell cytotoxicity assay and the Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio assay. We call this type of testing “Reproductive Autoimmunity Dysfunction Testing” which a patient can test through individual tests or all together in a panel.

NK cells (Natural Killer cells) are a type of immune cell that play a role in the body's defense against infections and cancer. However, in the context of fertility and pregnancy, elevated levels of NK cells in the peripheral blood and, as a consequence, potentially in the uterus, can sometimes lead to fertility issues and recurrent miscarriages. According to the theory of Reproductive Autoimmunity Dysfunction, some women may have an overactive immune response, leading to increased NK cell activity in the uterus both in number and toxicity levels. When NK cells are overactive or dysregulated, they may mistakenly recognize the developing embryo as a foreign object and attack it. This can result in impaired implantation, early pregnancy loss, or recurrent miscarriages. The exact mechanisms by which NK cells recognize and interact with the embryo are not fully understood, and ongoing research aims to clarify the details.

The Th1/Th2 ratio is a concept that relates to the balance between two types of immune cells: Th1 (T-helper 1) cells and Th2 (T-helper 2) cells. These cells play different roles in the immune system and are involved in regulating immune responses. In the context of infertility, Th1 cells are associated with pro-inflammatory responses and can promote immune reactions that may be detrimental to pregnancy. On the other hand, Th2 cells are associated with anti-inflammatory responses and are involved in promoting tolerance and supporting pregnancy. It is believed that an imbalance in the Th1/Th2 ratio, with increased Th1 activity and decreased Th2 activity, may create an environment that is less supportive of successful implantation and pregnancy maintenance which may lead to increased inflammation and immune responses that could potentially harm the developing embryo or interfere with implantation.

SAMPLE COLLECTION: For collection of blood samples, you should arrange for a healthcare professional to draw the bloods for you according to the instructions, in a licensed medical facility.

SAMPLE STORAGE & SHIPPING: Samples should be stored and shipped at ambient temperature and away from light. Delivery of samples should be planned between Monday and Thursday but not Friday or during the Weekend. Sample collection and pick-up by courier should take place on the same day.

RESULT TURNAROUND TIME: Depending on how busy the lab is, we estimate you will get your results in 20 business days from the day your sample reaches us *.

* Please be advised that the turnaround time for specialized diagnostic tests is indicative and not guaranteed and may be extended due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to need for additional clinical evaluation of results, repeat of analysis in cases of unclear or ambiguous results and need for resampling in case of inadequate specimen quality. Therefore, the results will be available in the indicated timeframe as long as there are no additional overheads, as stated above, that may extend turnaround time.