Association of Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor and Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Ligand with Recurrent Abortion in Saudi Women.

This study was designed to determine whether genetic polymorphisms of the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-C) genes are associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in Saudi women. Sixty-five healthy women with a history of RSA (three or more spontaneous abortions) and 65 healthy controls (with two or more healthy-born children) living in Riyadh were typed for 17 genes and the and allotypes using polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer methodology. The frequencies of and were significantly lower among RSA women compared to healthy controls (odds ratio [OR] = 0.17;  < 0.001; OR = 0.16;  < 0.001, respectively). No association with maternal HLA-C genotypes was observed. Analysis of combinations indicated a protective effect of with its cognate ligand in both homozygote or heterozygote combinations. Our results demonstrate that the genes of the B haplotype may play an important role in ensuring the success of pregnancy.