Immunology of Human Pregnancy

The relationship between a mother and her fetus is a unique symbiotic union, and immunological problems in one will most likely affect the other. The question of the immunology of fetal survival-which seems a profound paradox-has thus become one of great importance to biologists and physicians in all specialties.§In The Immunology of Human Pregnancy, the distinguished physician and immunologist Henry N. Claman surveys the complexly intertwined fields of immunology and obstetrics/perinatal medicine, successfully developing a state-of-the-art synthesis that will help clarify the subject for every reader. This integrated, single volume explores in depth such fundamental issues as: The immunological interactions between mother and fetus. The "immunological paradox of pregnancy"-Why doesn't the mother reject the fetus, half of whose genes are foreign? The question of immunological competence in the mother during pregnancy. What effects do maternal autoimmunity have on the fetus? What effect does pregnancy itself have on autoimmune disease? The immunological basis of spontaneous abortion and possible immunization for treating this condition.§Comprehensive, thoroughly up-to-date, and unified in approach, Henry N. Claman's authoritative and long-awaited treatment of The Immunology of Human Pregnancy is a stimulating and insightful book for all clinicians and researchers.