Work

Triple-negative breast cancer, pregnancy, and HLA alloreactivity: a cause for concern?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most aggressive form of breast cancer in women worldwide, with an incidence that varies considerably depending on genetic background and ethnicity. Since parity is a known risk for TNBC, here we propose that in HLA alloreactivity resulting from immunization against paternal antigens expressed by the fetus, 50% fetus-mother HLA dissimilarity in natural pregnancy and 100% fetus-mother HLA dissimilarity in surrogate motherhood, may be a risk factor in women with predisposing genetic background and ethnicity due to immune suppression and immunologic tolerance vis-à-vis a developing breast cancer with TNBC characteristics.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1806495

Authors: Giovanna Crestani Morassutti, Maurizio Zanetti

Institutions: University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive System and Pregnancy

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801