What is the basis for the diagnosing and treating of immunologic implantation failure with IVIG and corticosteroids?
There have recently been several significant developments in the reproductive immunology arena that promise to soon resolve the raging controversy regarding the issue of immunologic implantation failure with IVF and the role of immunotherapy. Recent recognition of the fact that the implanting embryo engages in a “cross talk” with immune cells in the endometrium (lymphocytes; Natural Killer [NK] cells and T-cells) through the interaction of growth factors known as cytokines (i.e. the cytokine network) to reach a “negotiated settlement” with the embryo (a semi-allograph) allowing it to develop unhindered in the uterus rather than be rejected. The embryo, upon arrival in the uterus, relays its desire to enter into a “dialogue” with the endometrial immune system, through releasing specific genes known as Human Lymphocyte Antigens (HLA). If the signal is appropriate and is well received by the endometrial NK and T-cells, the cytokine network is established and the “dialogue” is both initiat
