Abstract
Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are membrane-bound glycoproteins encoded by the human major histocompatibility complex located on chromosome 6. They are known to function in immunologic recognition and, with regard to reproduction, a number of non-immune functions have been proposed. Although the expression patterns of the major histocompatibility antigens have been extensively studied at the maternal–fetal interface, there are still controversial reports on the expression of these molecules by human gametes and preimplantation stages. This brief review focuses on recent studies where the expression and distribution of HLA on human spermatogenic cells (spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa), primary and secondary oocytes, and preimplantation embryos have been investigated. These results, and their possible implications for the fertilization process and further embryonic development, will be presented.
Published Version
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