The embryo as allograft.

The main problems and experimental results with respect to the mechanism by which the embryo, as "allograft", is tolerated within the maternal organism are reviewed. The following hypotheses are discussed: the immunological "immaturity" of the embryo and of its appendages; the immunological incompetence of the maternal organism; the uterus as an immunologically "privileged" area; the existence of an immunological barrier between the mother and the embryo.