The differential expression of toll like receptors and RIG-1 in the placenta of neonates with in utero infections

Antiviral Therapy-Induced Changes in Long Non-Coding RNA Expression Profiles in Umbilical Cord Blood and Placental Tissues of Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Pregnant Women

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health concern, with maternal-fetal transmission being the primary route of transmission, which can lead to chronic HBV infection in newborns. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in gene regulation and immune responses, but their involvement in HBV transmission during pregnancy remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based antiviral therapy on lncRNA expression profiles and immune signaling pathways in umbilical cord blood and placental tissues and to identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing intrauterine HBV infection.

Materials and Methods

Umbilical cord serum and placental tissues were collected from six HBV carriers. Three carriers received TDF-based antiviral therapy, and the remaining carriers who did not receive antiviral therapy served as controls. LncRNA microarray analysis and bioinformatics were used to evaluate the effects of antiviral therapy on lncRNA expression profiles and signaling pathways.

Results

Antiviral therapy exerted minimal effects on lncRNA expression profiles in umbilical cord blood. In placental tissues, significant alterations in lncRNA expression profiles were observed, including 249 upregulated and 381 downregulated lncRNAs. Antiviral therapy activated innate immune pathways, such as intracellular DNA sensing, chemokine signaling, type I interferon, Jak-Stat, and interferon-γ-mediated adaptive immunity. Through intersection analysis, CPED1 was found differentially expressed in both cord blood and placental tissues. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that low CPED1 expression may inhibit virus transmission via the JAK-STAT pathway.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that TDF-based antiviral therapy altered lncRNA expression and activated immune signaling pathways in placental tissues, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms of maternal-fetal HBV transmission.

From defense to offense: Modulating toll-like receptors to combat arbovirus infections

Arboviruses are a significant threat to global public health, with outbreaks occurring worldwide. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in the innate immune response against these viruses by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns and initiating an inflammatory response. Significantly, TLRs commonly implicated in the immune response against viral infections include TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR8; limiting or allowing them to replicate and spread within the host. Modulating TLRs has emerged as a promising approach to combat arbovirus infections. This review summarizes recent advances in TLR modulation as a therapeutic target in arbovirus infections. Studies have shown that the activation of TLRs can enhance the immune response against arbovirus infections, leading to increased viral clearance and protection against disease. Conversely, inhibition of TLRs can reduce the excessive inflammation and tissue damage associated with arbovirus infection. Modulating TLRs represents a potential therapeutic strategy to combat arbovirus infections.