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Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

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Why are pregnant women susceptible to COVID-19? An immunological viewpoint

Hong Liu1, Li-Ling Wang1, Si-Jia Zhao1

  • 1Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.

Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|April 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Pregnant women may be more susceptible to COVID-19 due to altered immune responses. This review examines immunological factors contributing to increased susceptibility and potential complications for mothers and infants.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, rapidly spread globally.
  • COVID-19 presents with a range of respiratory symptoms, from mild infections to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Pregnant women are a vulnerable population, potentially at higher risk for respiratory infections like COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immunological reasons behind increased COVID-19 susceptibility in pregnant women.
  • To explore potential maternal and fetal complications arising from COVID-19 in pregnancy.
  • To provide an immunological perspective on COVID-19's impact on the maternal-fetal interface.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on COVID-19 and pregnancy.
  • Focus on immunological mechanisms and their implications.
  • Analysis of clinical observations regarding maternal and fetal outcomes.

Main Results:

  • While vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is not evidenced, pregnant women show increased susceptibility to COVID-19.
  • An increased prevalence of preterm deliveries has been observed in pregnant women with COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 may dysregulate immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface, impacting maternal and infant well-being.

Conclusions:

  • Pregnant women's unique immunological status may predispose them to severe COVID-19 outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the immunological interplay and mitigate risks.
  • Understanding these immunological aspects is crucial for managing COVID-19 in pregnant populations and ensuring maternal-fetal health.

Keywords:
COVID-19ImmunityMaternal-fetal interfacePlacentaPregnancy

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