Citations

Abstract Background Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and preterm labor (PTL) are adverse obstetrical outcomes that are strongly associated with cervical high-risk human papilloma virus (cHPV) infection at the time of pregnancy. Persistent cHPV may lead to oncogenic changes in the cervico-vaginal tract and can cause inflammation in gestational tissues, but it is unknown how persistent cHPV infection may affect obstetrical outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether persistent cHPV infection is associated with recurrent PPROM or PTL among patients with a prior spontaneous preterm birth due to PPROM/PTL, and to examine clinical and pathologic characteristics of cHPV infection in this population. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients delivering at Mayo Clinic Rochester or Mayo Clinic Health System (5/1/2018–12/31/2023). Eligible patients had ≥ 1 spontaneous preterm birth due to PPROM/PTL and positive cHPV testing. Demographics and pregnancy outcomes from index and subsequent pregnancies were abstracted. Persistent cHPV was defined as > 1 pregnancy with positive cHPV testing. Results Of 191 index pregnancies, 90 (47.1%) and 30 (33.3%) had one and two subsequent pregnancies, respectively. Patients were predominantly White (91.3%), non‑Hispanic (94.2%), non-smokers (72.0%), and 34.8% were unvaccinated for HPV. Approximately one‑third (31%) experienced recurrent PPROM/PTL in the second pregnancy, with recurrence in 40.7% of those with persistent cHPV and 27.4% without (p = 0.69). Excisional procedures occurred before 12.0% of index pregnancies and 20–24% of subsequent pregnancies; recurrence of PTL/PPROM remained high regardless of procedure history. HPV strain data were available for 132 index pregnancies, and types 16 and 18 were more likely to persist into a subsequent pregnancy (p = 0.0043). CIN persistence occurred at similar rates in patients with and without persistent cHPV infection. Placental inflammation rates were high in both patients with persistent and non-persistent cHPV. Conclusion Recurrent PPROM/PTL, CIN persistence, and placental inflammation were common; a finding independent of persistent cHPV infection, excisional procedure history, or HPV vaccination status. These findings suggest that factors other than cHPV persistence may play a larger role in recurrent preterm birth. Larger studies with higher cHPV prevalence and subsequent pregnancies are needed to provide clarity.

Abstract Introduction: Placental cell-free DNA (cfDNA) activates maternal monocytes to a proinflammatory phenotype through cGAS-STING signaling during pregnancy, thereby stimulating T cells. We sought to engineer DNA nanocarriers that reproduce this mechanism in human monocytes using clinically translatable materials as a strategy for tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) reprogramming. Methods: A synthetic mimic of fetal cfDNA (scfDNA) was designed, commercially synthesized, and complexed with polyethylenimine (PEI) to form scfDNA-PEI nanoparticles (scfDNA-PEI-NPs) for cytosolic delivery. THP-1 Dual reporter monocytes expressing interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-inducible luciferase were treated with scfDNA-PEI-NPs or human cytotrophoblast derived cfDNA (CTB-DNA) to quantify cGAS-STING-IRF activation. Cytotoxicity was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release to define a non-toxic therapeutic window. Results: scfDNA-PEI-NPs triggered robust cGAS-STING-IRF activation in THP-1 monocytes, exceeding CTB-DNA responses. This response was abolished in cGAS-knockout cells and rescued by a cGAS-independent stimulator of the IRF pathway, confirming cGAS specificity of scfDNA-PEI-NPs. Dose-response analysis showed a > 10-fold separation between cGAS-activating and cytotoxic concentrations, establishing a therapeutic window for myeloid-selective cGAS activation. Conclusions: These findings provide proof-of-concept that pregnancy-inspired DNA nanocarriers can reproduce fetal cfDNA-driven activation of a proinflammatory monocyte phenotype in vitro. This platform lays the groundwork for future work on macrophage-targeted cGAS activation and proinflammatory reprogramming for tumor immunotherapy development. Citation Format: Mathew R. Schnorenberg, Elizabeth Ann L. Enninga, Wendy K. Nevala, Noah A. Stueven, Svetomir N. Markovic, . Pregnancy-inspired DNA nanocarriers reproduce a cGAS-driven pro-inflammatory monocyte phenotype [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 4307.

Introduction Placental inflammation is a major contributor to preterm birth (PTB), and there are currently few targeted strategies to prevent PTB and its associated adverse neonatal outcomes. Serum amyloid A (SAA), particularly the isoforms SAA1 and SAA2, are well-recognized inflammatory markers, but their functional roles in placental inflammation remain poorly defined. Methods Using a translational mouse model of sub-chronic maternal inflammation, we investigated the immune mechanisms and therapeutic potential of siRNA-mediated targeting of Saa2 (siSaa2). Placental expression patterns of SAA2 were examined in vivo , and macrophage responses to extracellular SAA2 were modeled in vitro using RAW264.7 cells to assess downstream P2X7R-dependent signaling and functional outcomes. Results SAA2 is primarily induced in placental trophoblast and endothelial compartments during inflammation, where it acts as an extracellular inflammatory mediator. In vitro , we model macrophage responses to extracellular SAA2 using RAW264.7 cells to examine downstream P2X7R-dependent signaling and functional outcomes. Maternal administration of siSaa2 improved PTB rates, placental morphology and fetal brain development. Additionally, SAA1 and SAA2 exhibited distinct expression patterns in the mouse and human placenta. Discussion These findings identify placental SAA2 as a key inflammatory mediator in inflammation-associated PTB and demonstrate that targeted silencing of Saa2 represents a potential therapeutic strategy to mitigate placental injury and adverse fetal outcomes.

ABSTRACT Objective Fetal surgery (FS) for spina bifida (SB) repair improves infant outcomes; however, spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is common. We aimed to evaluate maternal and fetal immune responses following FS for SB repair. Method Pregnant participants undergoing fetoscopic SB repair at 24–26 weeks of gestational age (GA) were prospectively recruited and compared to GA matched low‐risk controls. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 2‐week post‐surgery (POD14), and delivery. Cytokine analysis, flow cytometry, and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing were performed. Results sPTB occurred in 5/6 of the FS group (0/6 of controls). Maternal blood in the FS group demonstrated increased alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and anti‐inflammatory IL‐1RA at baseline and POD14, increased pro‐inflammatory IL‐8 only post‐operatively, and elevated growth factors throughout. T cell phenotypes following FS revealed reduced TH17 frequency but increased activation receptors on cytotoxic T cells. At delivery, the FS cohort had reduced Th2 and Th17 helper T cells and CD4+ memory T cells, but CD8 T cells still showed increased activation. No TCR expansion was detected post‐surgery, suggesting antigen‐independent activation. Cord blood in FS repaired neonates had increased AFP, IL‐8, IL‐1RA. Conclusion Systemic immune changes following FS, particularly T cell maturation and activation, were observed. Further characterization of these mechanisms may help predict and prevent surgery‐induced PTB, improving outcomes.

Abstract Obstetric training programs typically offer limited formal education on placental pathology; yet, in practice, obstetric providers are expected to incorporate placental pathology findings into the overall evaluation of obstetric complications. In this narrative review, we briefly review pathology classifications and then delve deeper into pathology findings that may change clinical decision‐making, specifically highlighting pathologic lesions with a recurrence risk and recommended management for subsequent pregnancies. Last, we present specific recommendations on how to improve clinical interpretability and utility of placental pathology reports for obstetrical practice.

Withdrawal Statement The authors have withdrawn the manuscript because the data it contained has been updated. Consequently, they request that this work should not be cited as a reference for any projects to ensure the use of the most current information. For any questions or further clarifications, readers are encouraged to contact the corresponding author directly

Abstract The incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is increasing, which may be due to several factors, including an increased age at pregnancy and more comorbid health conditions during reproductive years. Preeclampsia, the most severe hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, has been associated with an increased risk of future disease, including cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Cellular senescence, the process of cell cycle arrest in response to many physiologic and maladaptive stimuli, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and provide a mechanistic link to future disease. In this article, we will discuss the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, the many mechanisms of cellular senescence, evidence for the involvement of senescence in the development of preeclampsia, as well as evidence that cellular senescence may link preeclampsia to the risk of future disease. Lastly, we will explore how a better understanding of the role of cellular senescence in preeclampsia may lead to therapeutic trials. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:5077‐5114, 2023.

The placenta is susceptible to infection by a number of viral pathogens, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which is associated with poor fetal outcomes. The histologic pattern of injury, termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 placentitis, is characterized by a triad of increased perivillous fibrin deposition, intervillous histiocytes, and trophoblast necrosis. While the etiology of massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPVFD) is mostly unknown, previous case reports of MPVFD in association with maternal Enterovirus (ENT) suggest that a subset of these cases are a consequence of undiagnosed viral infection. We evaluated 46 placentas collected between 2011 and 2022 with a diagnosis of MPVFD (n = 41) or chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI; n = 4). Combining methods of pan-viral metagenomic sequencing and targeted viral PCR, we detected Enterovirus DNA in 8 of 45 (18%) MPVFD and/or CHI cases. Seven of these positive cases were from MPVFD, and 1 was associated with a CHI diagnosis. Enterovirus A species (n = 7) were commonly identified, whereas one case had Enterovirus B. Histologic evaluation of these cases, including immunohistochemical staining for CD68, demonstrated increased intervillous histiocytes in Enterovirus-positive MPVFD cases in comparison with Enterovirus -negative, as well as evidence of trophoblast necrosis. Thus, we favor the terminology Enterovirus placentitis to describe this pathology. Overall, these findings suggest that Enterovirus is an underrecognized etiology of histologic MPVFD and, possibly, CHI. Further study to evaluate the recurrence risk of Enterovirus placentitis in comparison to MPVFD may help inform future fertility planning in patients with these diagnoses.

ObjectivesFetal growth restriction (FGR) is commonly associated with placental dysfunction, increasing perinatal morbidity and mortality. Visualizing placental vessels in utero would be advantageous for identifying functional FGR cause and determining proper management strategies. We aimed to utilize high‐sensitivity ultrasound microvessel imaging (HUMI) for quantifying placental vessel density (VD) in pregnancies diagnosed with FGR.MethodsThis pilot case–control study enrolled subjects in the third trimester with a diagnosis of FGR (n = 40) and gestational age‐matched controls with normal fetal growth (n = 20) at a 2:1 ratio, respectively. The Verasonics Vantage ultrasound system was used to perform HUMI on each participant at one timepoint. Scanning involved randomized singular value decomposition‐based clutter filtering to identify the villous tree, followed by step‐by‐step scanning to acquire 3‐dimensional‐like data. Mean VD was calculated from three ultrasound measurements per subject. Additional clinical and pathology data were also collected and compared.ResultsSixteen participants were utilized to establish the scanning protocol and 2 met exclusion criteria at delivery. Thus, VD was successfully measured on 42 pregnancies scanned at 35 weeks 5 days on average. In FGR (n = 24), placental VD was significantly reduced compared to controls (P < .01). VD measures were as good at predicting FGR as systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratios (area under the curve 0.86 versus 0.80). In a smaller cohort, VD in placentas with a diagnosis of inflammatory villitis (n = 10) by histology showed an increase in VD compared to those without inflammation (P = .01). Low VD was correlated with increased S/D ratios (P = .03).ConclusionsHUMI is useful for identifying altered placental vascularization in utero for FGR. VD may be a valuable indicator for placental health and could lead to improved risk stratification methods considering underlying biology.