KIR-HLA-C

Types maternal KIR against partner HLA-C; an emerging marker whose clinical utility is still under study.

Maternal KIR haplotype (A/B) and partner HLA-C group with the resulting combination.

Evidence: Carrier screening established; adjuncts developing

Expanded carrier screening is the ACMG-endorsed standard for identifying reproductive risk. Embryo polygenic scoring and immunogenetic adjuncts are active areas of research, best used within a specialist context.

Limitations

KIR-HLA-C is described by researchers in the field as too early for clinical intervention (Moffett 2016), and the ALIFE2 randomised trial found heparin did not improve live birth in inherited thrombophilia with recurrent loss. Embryo polygenic risk scoring has no established clinical utility and is not a routine test.

Carrier and reproductive risk: published evidence

• Expanded Carrier Screening

  Checks both partners for recessive conditions they could pass on.

• Thrombophilias

  Factor V Leiden and prothrombin variants, tested in selected cases.