H1N1 influenza virus infection results in adverse pregnancy outcomes by disrupting tissue-specific hormonal regulation
Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: Increased susceptibility to influenza virus infection during pregnancy has been attributed to immunological changes occurring before and during gestation in order to "tolerate" the developing fetus.These systemic changes are most often characterized by a suppression of cell-mediated immunity and elevation of humoral immune responses referred to as the Th1-Th2 shift.However, the underlying mechanisms which increase pregnant mothers' risk following influenza virus infection have not been fully elucidated.We used pregnant BALB/c mice during mid-to late gestation to determine the impact of a sub-lethal infection with A/ Brisbane/59/07 H1N1 seasonal influenza virus on completion of gestation.Maternal and fetal health status was closely monitored and compared to infected non-pregnant mice.Severity of infection during pregnancy was correlated with premature rupture of amniotic membranes (PROM), fetal survival and body weight at birth, lung viral load and degree of systemic and tissue inflammation mediated by innate and adaptive immune responses.Here we report that influenza virus infection resulted in dysregulation of inflammatory responses that led to pre-term labor, impairment of fetal growth, increased fetal mortality and maternal morbidity.We observed significant compartment-specific immune responses correlated with changes in hormonal synthesis and regulation.Dysregulation of progesterone, COX-2, PGE2 and PGF2α expression in infected pregnant mice was accompanied by significant remodeling of placental architecture and upregulation of MMP-9 early after infection.Collectively these findings demonstrate the potential of a seasonal influenza virus to initiate a powerful pro-abortive mechanism with adverse outcomes in fetal health. Author summaryMaternal immunology is finely balanced to maintain a tolerant and supportive molecular environment for the developing fetus while continuing surveillance against foreign microbial threats.Influenza viral infection during pregnancy is a significant clinical risk for mothers and their newborns, increasing hospitalization, preterm birth, low birth weight,
Source: PLoS Pathogens
Institution: Emory University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,043
Awards: G1799669307, G8574682048
OpenAlex ID: W2769354711