Microchimerism: How Foreign Cells in Our Bodies Redefine Human Identity and Immunology
By
Marceltan
Pulled from the oven just right. Trustworthy, fact-dense, deeply satisfying.
Summary
The article explores the scientific phenomenon of microchimerism, where individuals carry cells from other people inside their bodies, primarily passed between mother and baby across the placenta. This challenges traditional views of human identity and immunology, as these 'foreign' cells can persist for decades and potentially influence health outcomes. The book 'Hidden Guests' by Lise Barnéoud examines how this cellular exchange redefines our understanding of human biology and the boundaries between individuals.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledHumans are also chimaeras — thanks to the presence of cells that are not our own inside our bodies.
Mothers carry cells that came from their biological children, passed across the placenta when the baby was in the womb.
A tiny population of cells that are passed across the placenta between mother and baby challenge basic tenets of human immunology.
The chimaera of Greek mythology was 'an evil creature with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail'.
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