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The embryos are ready to fight viruses and bacteria from the fifth day of development
Assisted Reproduction Center

The embryos are ready to fight viruses and bacteria from the fifth day of development

Scientists from the University of Manchester (UK) and the NHS Foundation Trust have made an important discovery: human embryos resulting from the IVF program produce TLR (Toll-like receptor) proteins as early as the fifth day of development. These proteins play a key role in recognizing pathogens such as viruses and bacteria by activating the body's immune mechanisms. This early expression of immune activity highlights the importance of these proteins in protecting embryos and maintaining their development.

The unique sensitivity of embryos to their environment

According to Professor Daniel Brison, scientific director of the reproductive medicine department at St Mary's Hospital and head of the research team, embryos are extremely sensitive to their environment, including nutrient levels, the presence of toxins, temperature, and the composition of the microenvironment. These factors can significantly affect their development and chances of successful implantation. However, until now, the mechanisms by which embryos respond to certain signals from the outside world were poorly understood.

Study of Toll-like receptors

The scientists studied Toll-like receptors (TLR), a class of proteins that play a key role in the human immune system. These receptors are responsible for recognizing pathogens and triggering the immune response. The research team cultured 25 human embryos aged five days and exposed them to substances such as lipopolysaccharides and peptidoglycans, which are known activators of TLR receptors.

Study results

The results were published in the journal Human Reproduction, one of the leading scientific publications in the field of reproductive medicine. The study showed that the TLR system is active in human embryos and that it can

  • Trigger an inflammatory response in the mother's body in response to pathogens such as viruses and bacteria;
  • Influence the implantation process of the embryo in the uterine wall;
  • Play a role in the success of pregnancy.

These results underscore the importance of the embryo's immune system functioning from the earliest stages of its development.

Possible implications for infertility research

Professor Brison stated that these findings could shed light on the causes of infertility, particularly when embryos fail to implant in the uterus. One hypothesis is that TLR abnormalities may lead to an inadequate response to pathogens or, conversely, to an excessive inflammatory response that prevents implantation. These findings could also contribute to the development of personalized therapeutic approaches, such as using drugs that regulate the maternal and embryonic immune system. This discovery opens new avenues for studying the mechanisms that determine the success of implantation and may provide a basis for developing new infertility treatments.

The study by British scientists demonstrates how unique the early development process of human embryos is. The activity of immune receptors as early as the fifth day of development highlights their importance in ensuring the survival and proper development of the embryo. These results may provide clues to many reproductive health issues and contribute to the development of more effective infertility treatments.

For more information on in vitro fertilization (IVF), see the section on treatments.

Dr. Iñaki González-Foruria
Medical Director
Dr. Clàudia Forteza
Gynecologist specialized in assisted reproduction
Dr. Rebeca Beguería
Gynecologist specialized in assisted reproduction
Joan Massó
IVF Lab Director
Dr. Manel Fabó
Anaesthetist Doctor
Monica Mandas
Nursing
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