Microchimerism

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Microchimerism is defined by the presence of circulating cells, bidirectionally transferred from one genetically distinct individual to another. It can occur either physiologically during pregnancy or iatrogenically after blood transfusion and organ transplants. The migrated MC cells may persist for long periods and even decades. Much controversy exists around the role of microchimeric cells in the pathogenesis of various diseases and around their role in tissue repair. Microchimerism has been investigated in different autoimmune disorders such as systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid diseases, primary biliary cirrhosis and juvenile inflammatory myopathies.

Male microchimerism in women with systemic sclerosis and healthy women who have never given birth to a son.

Male microchimerism in women without sons: quantitative assessment and correlation with pregnancy history.

Microchimerism of male origin in a cohort of Danish girls.