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Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice
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Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

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Microbial dysbiosis and immunological dysregulation in pathological pregnancy

Alanna Kaminsky1, Andrea Braundmeier-Fleming2

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 825 N Rutledge St, Springfield, IL 62702, USA.

Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|March 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pregnancy complications like preterm birth are linked to immune system dysfunction. Microbial imbalances in the reproductive tract may drive this inflammation, impacting maternal and fetal health.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Adverse perinatal outcomes including preterm birth (PB), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preeclampsia are significant causes of maternal and fetal mortality.
  • Altered immunological regulation in maternal innate and adaptive immune systems is implicated in pathological inflammation leading to obstetrical complications, though the exact pathogenesis remains unclear.
  • Microbial dysbiosis in the female reproductive tract is hypothesized to disrupt immunological tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface, triggering inflammation and precipitating obstetrical disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and characterize how microbial communities modulate maternal immunological function during pregnancy.
  • To elucidate the pathways through which microbial influence on maternal immunity may precipitate obstetrical disorders.
  • To explore potential therapeutic avenues for modulating the maternal immune system to enhance immune tolerance and reduce pregnancy complications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing current research on the interplay between the maternal microbiome and immune system.
  • Analysis of mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis influences maternal immune responses.
  • Examination of the link between altered immune regulation and specific adverse perinatal outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests microbial dysbiosis significantly impacts maternal immune homeostasis.
  • Specific microbial profiles are associated with increased risk of conditions like preeclampsia and preterm birth.
  • The maternal microbiome plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the influence of microbial communities on maternal immune function is crucial for addressing pregnancy complications.
  • Targeting microbial dysbiosis offers a potential strategy for therapeutic intervention to promote immune tolerance and improve perinatal outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate these complex interactions and develop effective treatments.

Keywords:
DysbiosisImmunologyMicrobiotaPerinatal outcomesTolerance

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