Gonzalez-Ricon RJ, Otero AM, Chalen I, Savas JN, A. Influenza A virus infection during pregnancy increases transfer of maternal bloodborne molecules to fetal tissues. Brain Behav Immun. 2025 Aug 6:106069
Influenza A virus (IAV) infection during pregnancy is linked to heightened risk for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in the offspring. The precise pathophysiological mechanism(s) underling this association remains an active topic of research. We propose that maternal immune activation (MIA) triggered by IAV infection can disrupt selective permeability at the maternal-fetal interface, leading to increased transfer of blood-derived molecules into the fetal compartment. Some of these molecules might be responsible for the initiation of inflammatory cascades implicated in NDD etiology. Using a murine model of seasonal IAV infection during pregnancy, we examined placental and fetal brain barrier properties following maternal IAV challenge. Our findings demonstrate an enhanced transplacental transfer of fluorescently labeled tracers from maternal circulation to key neurodevelopmental regions, including the subventricular zone (SVZ) and choroid plexus (ChP) of fetal brains. This effect was most pronounced in fetuses from dams exposed to the highest dose of IAV. Notably, a similar pattern was observed for accumulation of the bloodborne neuroinflammatory molecule fibrinogen in these same brain regions, which was further amplified in response to the highest IAV dose. Moreover, fibrinogen accumulation was positively correlated with Iba1+ cell immunofluorescence, suggesting a potential interaction between fibrinogen and Iba1+ cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that IAV-induced MIA enhances transplacental transfer of blood-derived molecules into fetal tissues, potentially activating proinflammatory pathways in Iba1+ cells.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- [preprint]Mass mortality at penguin mega-colonies due to avian cholera confounds H5N1 HPAIV surveillance in Antarctica 11 hours ago
- [preprint]How the 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic Spread Across Switzerland - Spatial Patterns and Determinants of Incidence and Mortality 11 hours ago
- Influenza C Virus in Children With Acute Bronchiolitis and Febrile Seizures 15 hours ago
- Feasibility and Safety of Aerosolized Influenza Virus Challenge in Humans Using Two Modern Delivery Systems 15 hours ago
- Avian Influenza Weekly Update # 1026: 12 December 2025 1 days ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]


