Understanding KIR HLA-C and DQ Alpha Testing for Fertility.

Your Guide to Fertility Compatibility

Many people first hear about KIR HLA-C and DQ alpha testing for fertility after repeated embryo transfers or miscarriages. If that’s you, you’re not alone, and it’s completely normal to want clear, non-scary information. This guide explains the basics in everyday language, outlines when these tests may be discussed, and shares supportive next steps you can explore with your fertility specialist.

Quick note: These laboratory tests are ordered/interpreted by your fertility specialist or a genetics lab. They do not diagnose infertility on their own; rather, they offer additional context your clinician may consider in complex cases like recurrent implantation failure (RIF) or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

What is DQ alpha genotyping?

Your DQ alpha gene is part of the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) system—one of the ways your immune system recognises “self” versus “not-self.” DQ alpha genotyping looks at how a couple’s HLA-DQ alpha profiles might interact during implantation. Sometimes partners share similar DQ alpha types; in theory, that “familiarity” could influence how the immune system responds to an embryo.

A common (simplified) way this is discussed:

Maternal DQ alpha	Paternal DQ alpha	Plain-English interpretation
Completely different	Completely different	No match (often considered “incompatible”)
One type same as male	One type same as female	Partial match
One or two same as male	Two types same as female	Full match

Importantly, many couples with partial or full matches go on to have healthy pregnancies. These results are simply one piece of a larger picture your specialist will consider.

What is KIR typing?

KIR stands for killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors. They sit on natural killer (NK) cells, a type of immune cell that helps the uterine lining interact with the developing placenta in early pregnancy.

You’ll often see KIR genotypes grouped as:

• KIR AA – tends towards a more cautious immune profile

• KIR AB – more balanced response

• KIR BB – generally more tolerant profile

  
  

A simple way clinicians sometimes frame potential interactions:

Maternal KIR type	Partner/fetal HLA-C type	Potential interaction (plain English)	Clinical note
KIR AA	HLA-C2	Lower tolerance / “more vigilant”	May require closer review by specialist
KIR AB	HLA-C1/C2	Balanced	Generally stable
KIR BB	HLA-C1	Higher tolerance / “more accepting”	Lower immune activation

💡 Did you know? Every embryo carries genetic material from both parents; the immune system is constantly balancing protection and acceptance during implantation.

How KIR, HLA-C and DQ alpha fit together

When your specialist looks at KIR/HLA-C alongside DQ alpha, they’re building a broader picture of immune–genetic compatibility around implantation. For example, a woman with KIR AA whose partner contributes HLA-C2 may have a more sensitive immune interaction; conversely KIR AB or BB results are often viewed as more balanced. Again, these are context clues—not a diagnosis.

What does the wider evidence say?

• Current international guidance for recurrent implantation failure (RIF) stresses careful evaluation and highlights that add-on tests/treatments should be weighed against the strength of evidence. (See ESHRE good practice recommendations on RIF, 2023.) OUP Academic

• Research continues to explore how KIR/HLA-C interactions relate to RIF and RPL; results are mixed and evolving. We include a recent immunology paper as an example of ongoing investigation, not a clinical directive. Frontiers

  
  

What this means for you: your team may sometimes discuss KIR/HLA-C and DQ alpha in complex or unexplained cases, but decisions will be personalised and guided by your specialist’s judgement and current evidence.

When might these tests be discussed?

Your GP or fertility specialist may raise these tests if you’ve experienced:

• Multiple embryo transfers without implantation (RIF)

• Recurrent pregnancy loss

• Unexplained infertility after standard work-up

  
  

All testing should be arranged and interpreted by your clinician. The Infusion Centre does not order these tests; we support you with education and nurse-led services that complement your specialist’s plan.

Supportive strategies to discuss with your specialist

While testing outcomes are only one part of your plan, many people focus on preparing the body and the uterine environment before a transfer. In collaboration with your fertility specialist, supportive strategies may include:

• Pre-conception nutrient optimisation—correcting low vitamin/mineral status via diet, supplements or infusions where clinically appropriate.

• Specialist-prescribed therapies such as lymphocyte membrane immunotherapy (LMIT) or Intralipid infusions when clinically indicated. These are prescribed by qualified clinicians and may form part of a specialist-led care plan.

  
  

The Infusion Centre provides education and adjunct services, working alongside your fertility specialist. Our aim is to support your journey with tailored, nurse-led care.

What to expect from results

• A “match” isn’t a verdict. Many couples with similar DQ alpha profiles or KIR/HLA-C combinations still conceive and carry healthy pregnancies.

• Results inform, they don’t decide. Your clinician may fold these findings into a broader plan that also considers embryo quality, uterine factors, hormones, timing, lifestyle, and stress management.

• Shared decisions matter. Ask your specialist what each finding changes in practice. If the answer is “nothing right now,” that’s a valid outcome—it can still be reassuring to have looked.

  
  

Checklist for your next specialist appointment

• What’s the clinical question we’re trying to answer with KIR/HLA-C or DQ alpha testing?

• How would a positive/negative result change our plan?

• Are there alternatives (or higher-evidence steps) to prioritise first?

• What are the risks, costs, and timelines of any proposed add-ons?

• How will we review progress after the next cycle?

FAQs

• Does KIR HLA-C and DQ alpha testing guarantee answers? No. These tests add context; they don’t predict outcomes. Decisions remain personalised and specialist-led.

  
  

• Can The Infusion Centre arrange these tests? No. All investigations must be actioned by your GP or fertility specialist. We can support you with information and adjunct services that complement your plan.

  
  

• If I’m KIR AA and my partner contributes HLA-C2, does that mean I can’t get pregnant? Not necessarily. Some combinations may prompt closer review, but many people with these profiles have healthy pregnancies.

  
  

• Are these tests part of standard fertility work-ups? Often, no. They may be considered in complex cases like RIF/RPL. Guidance encourages careful consideration of the evidence base for any “add-ons.” OUP Academic

  
  

• What services does The Infusion Centre provide in this space? Education, nurse-led infusions for nutrient repletion, and collaborative support alongside your specialist’s care plan. We do not provide medical diagnoses or guarantees

  
  

• Where can I read more? See the ESHRE good practice recommendations on RIF (2023) for a balanced overview of add-on testing and treatments, and a 2021 immunology study exploring KIR/HLA-C in RIF (research context only). OUP Academic+1

Contact Us

The Infusion Centre 

📍 306 Olsen Avenue, Parkwood QLD 4214 

📞 +61 449 916 829 

📧 info@theinfusioncentre.com.au 

🌐 theinfusioncentre.com.au

Disclaimer: This article is general education only and is not medical advice. It does not recommend specific tests or treatments for any individual, and it does not guarantee improved fertility or IVF success. Any investigations or therapies mentioned are considered by your treating specialist based on your history and clinical findings.  We do not advertise prescription-only medicines or biologicals to the public, and we do not promote or facilitate access to these products. If such therapies are relevant, they are discussed privately between patients and their doctors.  All information provided by The Infusion Centre is intended for general education and wellness support only. Our services do not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your doctor or specialist. Always consult your healthcare provider—particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a health condition—before commencing any treatment. Individual outcomes may vary.  Clinical guidance and suitability vary by person; pre-conception care is individualised and determined in consultation with your clinician.