COVID-19 in pregnancy: implications for fetal brain development
Lydia L Shook1, Elinor L Sullivan2, Jamie O Lo3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|March 12, 2022
Summary
Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection may impact fetal brain development via immune activation. Further research using cellular models is needed to understand these neurodevelopmental risks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during pregnancy poses risks to fetal development.
- Antenatal infections like influenza are linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring.
- Maternal immune activation (MIA) from SARS-CoV-2 may affect the developing fetal brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the developing fetal brain.
- To explore the mechanisms of maternal, placental, and fetal immune activation.
- To highlight the need for cellular models to study neurodevelopmental effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on viral infections during pregnancy.
- Analysis of evidence regarding maternal immune responses.
- Examination of placental and fetal immune activation pathways.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections can trigger maternal, placental, and fetal immune responses.
- These immune activations are associated with potential neurodevelopmental morbidity in offspring.
- Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is rare, but immune effects are a concern.
Conclusions:
- Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to neurodevelopmental issues in offspring through immune pathways.
- Cellular models are crucial for understanding short- and long-term impacts on fetal brain development.
- Further investigation is essential to protect the next generation from prenatal infection risks.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
2.9K
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
2.9K
01:14Fetal Circulation
1.5K
Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
1.5K