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Scientists identify a molecular mechanism that protects the fetus from maternal infection
Researchers at Duke and Mt. Sinai have identified a molecular mechanism that prevents a viral infection during a mother s pregnancy from harming her unborn baby.
When a person becomes infected by a virus, their immune system sends out a chemical signal called type I interferon, which tells surrounding cells to increase their anti-viral defenses, including making more inflammation.
This response helps to prevent the virus from copying itself and gives the adaptive immune system more time to learn about the new invader and begin to hunt it down.
Estrogen Receptors in Mom’s Placenta Critical During Viral Infection
Researchers at Duke and Mt. Sinai have identified a molecular mechanism that prevents a viral infection during a mother’s pregnancy from harming her unborn baby.
When a person becomes infected by a virus, their immune system sends out a chemical signal called type I interferon, which tells surrounding cells to increase their anti-viral defenses, including making more inflammation.
This response helps to prevent the virus from copying itself and gives the adaptive immune system more time to learn about the new invader and begin to hunt it down.
A pregnant woman who encounters a virus generates these same signals to protect herself, but if those signaling molecules and the resulting inflammation were able to cross the placenta and reach the fetus, they would lead to serious developmental abnormalities and even fetal death.