title: Viral infection of the trophoblast: time to take a serious look at its role in abnormal implantation and placentation?
abstract: Fragmentary evidence suggests that trophoblast viral infection may play a role in placental dysfunction, leading to complications including spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and preterm birth. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying differentiation and gestational age-dependent infection of trophoblast cells and the consequences of in vitro infection on trophoblast function. The relationship between trophoblast infection by common viruses and pregnancy outcomes is also analyzed. We conclude that there is sufficient evidence linking placental infection by common viruses, including viruses thought to be non-pathogenic or to have low pathogenicity, to indicate that this effect contributes to poor pregnancy outcome.
authors.affiliation: Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 1354 BRB II/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Fabian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Arechavaleta-Velasco
authors.forename: Hideki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koi
authors.forename: Jerome F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Strauss
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parry
mesh_terms: D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D005814:Genes, Viral; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010929:Placentation / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000821:virology*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*