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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Preterm labor: CD55 in maternal blood leukocytes
Stella Nowicki1, Michael G Izban, Edyta Pawelczyk
1Departments of Obstrics and Gynocology, and Microbial Pathogenesis and Immune Response, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd, Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208, USA. snowicki@mmc.edu
Summary
Elevated CD55 mRNA in white blood cells (WBCs) is linked to preterm labor. This finding suggests CD55 may serve as a useful biomarker for predicting preterm birth.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Intrauterine inflammation is a key factor in preterm labor and birth (PTL/PTB).
- The connection between intrauterine inflammation and maternal peripheral circulation activation is not well understood.
- Investigating peripheral markers could offer insights into PTL/PTB pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if CD55 mRNA expression in peripheral white blood cells (WBCs) differs between women in preterm labor and controls.
- To explore CD55 mRNA as a potential indicator of preterm birth (PTB).
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR was used to measure CD55 gene expression.
- RNA was purified from WBCs of pregnant women with preterm labor (n=45) and control subjects (n=30).
Main Results:
- CD55 mRNA levels were significantly higher (1.48-fold) in the preterm labor group compared to controls (P < 0.0001).
- Elevated CD55 mRNA was found in 71% of preterm labor patients versus 6.7% of controls.
- CD55 demonstrated high specificity (93%) and positive predictive value (94%) for PTL in receiver operating characteristic analysis.
Conclusions:
- CD55 mRNA expression is elevated in peripheral WBCs of women experiencing preterm labor.
- Elevated leukocyte CD55 mRNA may serve as a valuable predictor for subsequent preterm birth.
