LA Clinic Links Specific Antibodies to Increased Natural Killer Cells in Women with Reproductive Failure

Van Nuys, California -- Reproductive Immunology Associates (RIA) today announced that recent research proves a correlation between the existence of certain antibodies and an increase in natural killer cells in women who have had reproductive failure. Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) have been identified in women who have multiple miscarriage and recurrent IVF failures. Working with Dr. Geoffery Sher and Dr. Jeffrey Fisch, the directors of RIA were able to determine how the APA profile was associated with natural killer cell activity (Nka), which leads to miscarriage and failed IVF.

In the study, 197 female candidates for in-vitro fertilization were evaluated for APA and Nka. Of the non-male factor infertility patients, 88% who had elevated levels of the antiphospholipid antibodies to phosphatydylethanolamine (aPE positive) and to phosphatydylserine (aPS positive) also had elevated Nka. Only 12% of the aPE negative and aPS negative patients showed increased natural killer cell activity.

This study is important because it points to an additional reason why phospholipid antibodies can cause reproductive failure. We already know that APAs cause clotting problems and problems of cell adhesion, but now we know APAs are also a marker for increased natural killer cell activity, says Dr. William Matzner of RIA. "Increased natural killer cells can destroy the fetus thinking that it's a cancer." Before the study, reproductive immunologists treated women with APA only with heparin and aspirin. Now, because of the proven relationship between APA and Nka, they will also test these women for increased natural killer cell activity. If increased natural killer cell activity exists, effective treatment is available with intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIG, an immunomodulator that suppresses natural killer cell activity.

Download complete study (PDF 282K): Antibodies to Phosphatidylethanolamine and Phosphatidylserine are Associated with Increased Natural Killer Cell Activity in Non-male Factor Infertility Patients

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