KIR-HLA-C genotyping for immunological compatibility between embryo and mother

We know that undergoing assisted reproduction treatment is not easy: needles, injections, implantation failures… That is why it is so important to carry out diagnostic tests that help us identify the reason why you are not getting pregnant.

Below, Dr Elena Santiago will talk to us about the KIR-HLA-C test and immunological compatibility between mother and embryo: we will answer questions about what the test consists of, the results and in which cases it is indicated.

What is KIR-HLA-C genotyping?

Is a diagnostic tool used to assess immunological compatibility between the mother and the embryo.

This test examines the interaction between the KIR receptors of the maternal immune system and the HLA-C antigens of the embryo, which are inherited from both parents.

Why perform the KIR-HLA-C compatibility test?

For implantation and pregnancy to be successful, the maternal immune system must tolerate the embryo. Incompatible KIR-HLA-C interactions can lead to immune rejection, causing implantation failure or recurrent miscarriages.

Understanding this immunological compatibility helps to tailor fertility treatments for better results.

Specialists in recurrent miscarriages and implantation failures

Benefits of KIR-HLA-C testing

By analysing the different alleles related to the KIR and HLA-C genes, which are involved in immunological compatibility between the couple or the donor, it is possible to assess the potential risk of embryo rejection by the mother’s immune system.

If necessary, measures can be taken to ensure a pregnancy without complications as far as possible.

The study is performed on a blood sample without the need for prior fasting. KIR and HLA-C genotyping is recommended for the mother and HLA-C genotyping for the father.

What does the KIR-HLA-C genotyping test diagnose? What is it used for?

It identifies possible causes of repeated implantation failures and recurrent miscarriages.
It helps prevent pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia.
It provides guidance on the optimal number of embryos to transfer.
It helps select compatible sperm or egg donors to improve pregnancy success rates.

Who should take the KIR-HLA-C test?

The test is especially recommended for patients who have undergone previous unsuccessful treatments.

This analysis is particularly useful for couples facing fertility problems, who have a history of repeated miscarriages or who have experienced embryo implantation failures.

Consult us about your case

The KIR-HLA-C genotyping process

The test consists of the following steps:

Sample collection: A small blood sample is taken from both members of the couple or from the donor.
Laboratory analysis: The DNA is analysed to determine the KIR receptors in the mother and the HLA-C antigens in the father or donor.
Interpretation of results: The results are available within 15 working days and help guide the next steps in the fertility treatment plan.

Recommendations based on test resultsa

If the test indicates incompatibility, several strategies can be employed:

Consider transferring a single embryo to reduce the risk of immune rejection.
Use immunomodulatory treatments to increase maternal tolerance to the embryo.
Select compatible sperm or egg donors to improve compatibility.

Real stories

At Vida Fertility, we have helped many couples realise their dream of becoming parents. Here are some testimonials from our patients:

Anne

Chloe's mom

It is incredible how, from absolute resignation, these doctors have lifted my spirits. They got me pregnant and gave me my life back. They live up to their name.

Lucia

Oliver's mom

I had to find a way to become a mother if I wanted to pursue my career and not settle for just any partner. I made the right choice.

Ángela

Lucas' mom

From the very first moment I felt I was being listened to, understood, and above all, I felt that my treatment was finally going in the right direction.

Anonymous

Hello dear Mrs Ortega,
you and the whole team of Vida fertility make us so happy. Finally a relief that we can be helped! Many thanks to you and all the others for the great care and exceptional quality work. This high quality means a lot to us. We hope that in 2024 we can take a healthy baby full of love into our arms.❤️

Mariana

Thanks to Dr. Kathi’s support and by following all her advice, the best moment of the treatment came: I got pregnant.

Rachel

I didn’t know if I would ever be able to get pregnant and now I’m in my 5th month of pregnancy.

Weslly

It hasn’t been an easy journey. After the second attempt, I am happy to say that in two months I will be meeting my little girl.

Lucy and Helen

Being able to experience this shared motherhood has been a gift for the two of us.
THANK YOU to this great team for everything!

Egg donation treatment

We highly recommend Vida Fertility to anyone who has already given up hope and wants to give it one last try.

Anonymous

Testimony on egg donation

A huge thank you to the entire Vida Fertility team, especially to Sophie and Dr. Spies, who helped us achieve the wonderful project of expanding our family. We met a very competent team who perfectly guided and advised us on the medical choices to make at each stage of our journey. 🫶

A.K

Pregnancy with Egg donation

I recommend Vida Fertility for their professionalism, humanism, and availability.

Our wonderful baby is the proof that the results are there!

Thank you!

Anonymous

Pregnancy with Ropa-Method

Thanks to Vida fertility, we are now mums. Mums!!

It’s the greatest gift of all, we’re so happy!

Anonymous

Egg donation

The good feeling will certainly have contributed to the success of the treatment.

When we first contacted the clinic, I didn’t expect to become a mum so quickly, and now I even have hope that we might be able to create a sibling for our son with the remaining blastocysts.

Thank you!

P.V

Single Women

I chose Vida Fertility because it’s a clinic that offers human support from the very beginning. I’m convinced that my state of mind, so influenced by the unconditional support they gave me, was key to the success of my treatment.

Anonymous

Pregnancy with Egg donation

At the first consultation, I felt heard, understood, and full of hope again. The final transfer, our last chance, took place in February 2024… and it worked. Our little girl has brought immense joy to our whole family.

Natalie Le Prevost

Single Women

Being a single parent brings challenges, but I’d recommend anyone thinking about it to go for it. Vida Fertility made my dream come true with my first IVF.

KIR-HLA-C genotyping test at Vida Fertility

Undergoing assisted reproduction treatment is not an easy path. But we truly believe it is worth it.

At Vida Fertility, we perform the test through a blood analysis. In the case of a female and male couple, genotyping will be performed on the mother and HLA-C genotyping on the father.

It is essential to perform diagnostic tests to better understand the reasons for not achieving a healthy pregnancy. The test is a valuable tool for assessing immunological compatibility between the mother and the embryo, helping to identify possible risks of embryo rejection.

If you have any questions or need more information, we encourage you to contact Dr Elena Santiago and the Vida Fertility team for personalised, professional support on your journey to motherhood.

Consult us about your case

Frequently asked questions about the KIR-HLA-C test

What does KIR-HLA-C incompatibility mean?

Dr Elena Santiago answers:

When there is an incompatibility between the HLA C transmitted by the father and the KIR receptors present in the mother’s uterus, embryo implantation may not occur correctly or complications may arise during pregnancy, such as miscarriages, intrauterine growth retardation or pre-eclampsia.

When should I take the KIT-HLA-C test?

Dr Elena Santiago replies:

As we have already mentioned, the test is particularly recommended for patients who have undergone previous unsuccessful treatments.

It is recommended when a couple has suffered two or more miscarriages without a clear cause or has experienced implantation failures after the transfer of at least two good-quality embryos in assisted reproduction treatments.

In these cases, it is advisable to analyse the woman’s KIR genotype and the HLA-C of both partners. If donated gametes are used, the donor’s HLA-C may be considered for testing, although there is currently no established clinical indication for this.