Porphyromonas gingivalis-mediated disruption in spiral artery remodeling is associated with altered uterine NK cell populations and dysregulated IL-18 and Htra1.

Impaired spiral artery remodeling (IRSA) underpins the great obstetrical syndromes. We previously demonstrated that intrauterine infection with the periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, induces IRSA in rats. Since our previous studies only examined the end stage of arterial remodeling, the aim of this study was to identify the impact of P.

Robust engraftment of fetal nonhuman primate CD34-positive cells in immune-deficient mice.

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) represent one of the most important models for preclinical studies of novel biomedical interventions. In contrast with small animal models, however, widespread utilization of NHPs is restricted by cost, logistics, and availability. Therefore, we sought to develop a translational primatized mouse model, akin to a humanized mouse, to allow for high-throughput in vivo experimentation leveraged to inform large animal immunology-based studies.

Sequelae of Fetal Infection in a Non-human Primate Model of Listeriosis.

(Lm) is a common environmental bacterium that thrives on vegetation and soil matter, but can infect humans if contaminated food products are ingested, resulting in severe disease in immunosuppressed populations, including pregnant women and newborns. To better understand how the unique immunological milieu of pregnancy increases susceptibility to infection, we study listeriosis in cynomolgus macaques, a non-human primate that closely resembles humans in placentation and in the physiology, and immunology of pregnancy. Non-human primates are naturally susceptible to Lm infection, and spontaneous abortions due to listeriosis are known to occur in outdoor macaque colonies, making them ideal models to understand the disease pathogenesis and host-pathogen relationship of listeriosis.

IFPA meeting 2018 workshop report II: Abnormally invasive placenta; inflammation and infection; preeclampsia; gestational trophoblastic disease and drug delivery.

Workshops are an important part of the IFPA annual meeting as they allow for discussion of specialized topics. At IFPA meeting 2018 there were nine themed workshops, five of which are summarised in this report. These workshops discussed new perspectives and knowledge in the following areas of research: 1) preeclampsia; 2) abnormally invasive placenta; 3) placental infection; 4) gestational trophoblastic disease; 4) drug delivery to treat placental dysfunction.

and adverse pregnancy outcome.

is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium considered to be an important pathogen of periodontal disease that is also implicated in adverse pregnancy outcome (APO). Until recently, our understanding of the role of in APO has been limited and sometimes contradictory. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of past and current research on that addresses some of the controversies concerning the role of this organism in the pathogenesis of APO.

Highly efficient maternal-fetal Zika virus transmission in pregnant rhesus macaques.

Infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with human congenital fetal anomalies. To model fetal outcomes in nonhuman primates, we administered Asian-lineage ZIKV subcutaneously to four pregnant rhesus macaques. While non-pregnant animals in a previous study contemporary with the current report clear viremia within 10-12 days, maternal viremia was prolonged in 3 of 4 pregnancies.

Hofbauer Cells: Placental Macrophages of Fetal Origin.

Pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, miscarriage, maternal and/or neonatal morbidities, and mortality can be manifestations of underlying placental pathology. Hofbauer cells refer to a heterogeneous population of fetal macrophages that reside within the functional unit of the placenta known as the chorionic villus. Hofbauer cells can be detected within the connective tissue matrix of the placenta as early as 4 weeks post-conception and are present throughout pregnancy.

Acute Fetal Demise with First Trimester Maternal Infection Resulting from in a Nonhuman Primate Model.

Infection with during pregnancy is associated with miscarriage, preterm birth, and neonatal complications, including sepsis and meningitis. While the risk of these conditions is thought to be greatest during the third trimester of pregnancy, the determinants of fetoplacental susceptibility to infection, the contribution of gestational age, and the progression of disease at the maternal-fetal interface are poorly understood. We developed a nonhuman primate model of listeriosis to better understand antecedents of adverse pregnancy outcomes in early pregnancy.