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Ex vivo Culture of Human Placental Explants for the Study of Viral Transmission Across the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: December 30, 2025
378
Viral infections during pregnancy.
Michelle Silasi1, Ingrid Cardenas, Ja-Young Kwon
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)
|January 14, 2015
Summary
Viral infections during pregnancy can lead to severe outcomes like preterm labor. Understanding the maternal immune system
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Virology
Background:
- Viral infections in pregnancy were historically viewed as low-risk, barring specific exceptions.
- Recent pandemics highlight increased risks for pregnant women, including preterm labor and adverse fetal outcomes.
- Pregnancy involves a complex immunological transformation, not immunosuppression, crucial for fetal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant viral infections impacting pregnancy.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking viral infections to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- To update understanding of the maternal immune system's role in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of viral infections in pregnancy.
- Analysis of immunological changes during gestation.
- Exploration of placental-fetal interface interactions.
Main Results:
- Viral infections pose significant risks to pregnant women and fetuses.
- The maternal immune system actively supports pregnancy but can be compromised by viral invasion.
- Breaches in maternal immune defenses during pregnancy can lead to secondary infections and complications.
Conclusions:
- Viral infections during pregnancy are associated with worse maternal and fetal outcomes.
- The immunological adaptations of pregnancy are critical for protection, and their disruption by viruses has severe consequences.
- Further research into maternal immunity and viral pathogenesis is needed to mitigate adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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