When your Immune System Gets in the Way of Pregnancy: How LMIT May Help
- Jasmine Hlongwane
- May 2
- 3 min read
Trying to conceive can be one of life’s most meaningful journeys, but for some couples, it’s also one of the most frustrating. If you've faced repeated pregnancy losses, failed implantation cycles, or been told your infertility is "unexplained", it's natural to look for answers beyond the standard treatment path.
One emerging area of interest is the immune system's role in fertility. At The Infusion Centre, we provide Lymphocyte Membrane Immunotherapy (LMIT) as a supportive, referral-based therapy that may help improve pregnancy outcomes in select cases where immune factors are suspected.
LMIT is part of a growing field known as reproductive immunology, which explores how the immune system interacts with the developing embryo. While LMIT remains investigational, early studies and clinical experience suggest it may help promote immune tolerance in situations where the body may otherwise misinterpret the embryo as a threat.
Next Steps
If your fertility specialist believes immune dysregulation could be a factor in your fertility journey, and LMIT is recommended as part of your care plan the good news is if you are on the Gold Coast you have a new nurse and midwifery led clinic that has opened to help. You can click here to see the simple steps of how we at The Infusion Centre can support you and your partner.
What are some common questions we are asked?
Q: Who might benefit from LMIT?
A: LMIT may be considered for people experiencing recurrent miscarriage, repeated IVF implantation failure, or unexplained infertility. A growing body of literature suggests that immune imbalances, particularly involving NK cell activity, Th1/Th2 ratios, and regulatory T-cell responses, may affect implantation and early pregnancy (Kwakkel et al., Am J Reprod Immunol, 2021). Suitability for LMIT is assessed by a qualified fertility specialist.
Q: How does LMIT support fertility?
A: LMIT introduces processed lymphocyte membrane components from the male partner into the female partner via injection. This may help the maternal immune system become more "familiar" with paternal antigens and tolerate the embryo. Studies suggest this process may stimulate blocking antibodies (e.g. PIBF, Ab2, anti-TCR antibodies), modulate NK cell activity, and shift immune responses to a more pregnancy-supportive profile (e.g. reduced IL-2 receptor expression and increased Treg function).
Q: How many LMIT sessions are needed?
A: Treatment protocols vary. Most patients receive 1–2 priming doses before trying to conceive, with possible booster doses during early pregnancy milestones (e.g. positive hCG, heartbeat scan). Your fertility specialist will customise the schedule based on your clinical history and lab monitoring.
Q: Are there risks or side effects?
A: LMIT is generally well tolerated. Minor side effects may include temporary redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. Very rare risks include allergic reactions or injection site infection. All risks will be discussed with you prior to treatment.
Q: Is LMIT an approved treatment?
A: LMIT is considered experimental and is not TGA- or FDA-approved. While observational studies and clinical reports suggest possible benefits, randomised controlled trials are lacking.
Q: Who should not receive LMIT?
A: LMIT may not be suitable for patients with:
Active or chronic infections
Autoimmune skin conditions (e.g. lupus)
Cancer or undergoing chemotherapy
Severe clotting disorders or platelet abnormalities
Current corticosteroid use or immunosuppressive therapies Your referring doctor will assess whether LMIT is safe for you based on your medical history.
Still have questions? We're here to help make your next steps simple and supported.📄 Want to learn more? Browse our FAQs.
Contact Us
The Infusion Centre
📍 306 Olsen Avenue, Parkwood QLD 4214
📞 +61 449 916 829
Contact us today and take the next step with a professional, caring team by your side, here to support your fertility journey with clarity and compassion.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Lymphocyte Membrane Immunotherapy (LMIT) is administered at The Infusion Centre only upon referral from a qualified fertility specialist.
LMIT is an investigational treatment. Outcomes vary between individuals. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your situation.
Comments