Maternal-Fetal Interaction in the Antiviral Response

Dear Colleagues,

Viral infections that have the potential to be transmitted vertically or that can affect fetal development have emerged as a major global public health challenge. Notably, climate change, changes in land use, unplanned urbanization and increasing population mobility are contributing to the geographical spread of arboviruses and their vectors. This includes infections by dengue virus, Chikungunya, Zika and, more recently, Oropouche in Latin American countries. The increase in imported Chikungunya cases in the United States and Europe highlights the potential for the global spread of these infections. From a clinical and biological perspective, congenital infection represents one of the most serious manifestations of these viral infections. The ability of certain viruses to cross the placental barrier and infect the fetus can result in significant adverse outcomes, including congenital malformations, fetal growth restriction and neurological impairment, miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal infection and death. These outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, such as the gestational age at the time of infection, viral tropism and the magnitude of the maternal immune response.

In addition to arboviruses, other non-emerging viral infections contribute to adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes, including cytomegalovirus, HIV and endogenous retrovirus. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 and mpox are also addressed in this issue, given their potential to cause unfavorable fetal outcomes.  

This Special Issue has been designed with the aim of integrating recent advances in the understanding of the placental immuno-tolerogenic microenvironment with a mechanistic approach to antiviral responses at the maternal–fetal interface. By bringing together contributions that explore everything from basic aspects of placental immunology to clinical and translational implications, it also seeks to foster the development of new therapeutic strategies and strengthen the emerging field of the immunology of congenital infections.

Dr. Maria Notomi Sato
Guest Editor

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