[Antigens of the human placenta (author's transl)].

The immunologic relations between mother, foetus and placenta are discussed and those antigens of the human placenta already characterized by their physico-chemical and immunochemical properties described. In diagnostics the detection and determination of placental proteins is used in pregnancy tests, for the evaluation of placental functions and the detection of malignant diseases. Antibodies to placental antigens have an abortive effect; immunization against placental specific proteins may have implications as an immunologic contraceptive method and for the immunotherapy of choriocarcinoma.