Work

Prenatal electroacupuncture modulates maternal-fetal immune activation via a brain-to-splenic signal

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is a major risk factor for adverse obstetric outcomes and neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring; yet the underlying mechanisms and effective interventions are not well established. Here, we identify a pivotal role of α 7 nAChR (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor)-mediated activation in splenic macrophages, which triggers an interleukin-6-driven inflammatory cascade, affecting the disruption of maternal-fetal immune balance. This process contributes to miscarriage, diminished neonatal survival, and long-term neuropsychiatric deficits in adulthood. We further identified that the paraventricular nucleus-vagus-α 7 nAChR-spleen circuit is a central regulator for gestational neuroimmune homeostasis. Prenatal electroacupuncture stimulation (ES) modulates macrophage activation and immune equilibrium at the maternal-fetal interface by engaging these circuits, improving perinatal outcomes, and mitigating neurodevelopmental impairments in offspring. These findings position the brain-spleen axis as a promising therapeutic target and support prenatal ES as a viable non-pharmacological strategy for preventing MIA-related complications.

Source: Cell Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116576