The placenta uses a cloaking device similar to that used by parasites to avoid detection by the mother's immune system. MRC funded scientists looking to develop a diagnostic test for pre-eclampsia, a major and potentially fatal cause of fetal 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.
At the turn of 21 st century Professor Lowry and his team discovered that the small protein neurokinin B (NKB), which is secreted by the placenta, is raised significantly in mothers when pre-eclampsia develops. Because NKB can be detected as early as week 9 of pregnancy it can be used to predict which women are more at risk of the condition, which tends to occur in the second and third trimester.