Antibiotic Intervention Affects Maternal Immunity During Gestation in Mice

Area of Science:

• Reproductive immunology
• Microbiome research
• Maternal-fetal health

Background:

• Maternal microbial communities significantly influence offspring development.
• Antibiotics are frequently used during pregnancy despite potential interference with developmental processes.
• Gestational antibiotic use is associated with preeclampsia and adverse neonatal immune effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of antibiotic treatment on maternal immune system during pregnancy.
• To understand the impact of microbial manipulation on maternal immunity in a gestational context.

Main Methods:

• Pregnant mice were administered broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Maternal gut microbiome composition was analyzed.
• Immune parameters in maternal tissues, placenta, and amniotic fluid were assessed.
• A machine-learning strategy identified key immunological distinctions between groups.

Main Results:

• Antibiotic treatment decreased maternal microbiota diversity without affecting litter size.
• Immune alterations extended to the placenta.
• Four immunological features, including specific T and B cell populations and placental RORγT mRNA expression, were identified as key classifiers.

Conclusions:

• Antibiotic treatment during pregnancy disrupts carefully regulated maternal immunity.
• These findings underscore the importance of evaluating immunological parameters when considering medications during gestation.