フロンティア医科学学位プログラム、医学類の学生たちの英文総説が発行されました。11月も半ばを過ぎました。週末はつくばマラソンが予定されています。研究は、時間的スパンが長い行為です。自分なりの短期の目標を設定し、フィードバックを意識しながら前進したいものです。

Neuroglia 6(4): 45-65 https://doi.org/10.3390/neuroglia6040045

How Does Maternal Immune Activity Affect Fetal Survival and Brain Development? The Critical Roles of IL-17A and Microglia (母体の免疫活性は胎児の生存と脳発達にどのように影響するか？IL-17Aとミクログリアの重要な役割)

Asumi Kubo, Sara Kamiya, Sae Sanaka, Kenyu Nakamura, Kyoko Kishi, Tetsuya Sasaki

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; interleukin-17A; maternal immune activation; microglia; miscarriage

Abstract: Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of fetal loss and neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. This review summarizes recent findings on the effects of MIA on fetal survival and microglial phenotype. Studies using polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)-induced MIA mouse models have revealed the crucial role of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in mediating these effects. Overexpression of RORγt, a key transcription factor for IL-17A production, enhances poly(I: C)-induced fetal loss, possibly due to increased placental vulnerability. Intraventricular administration of IL-17A in fetal brains activates microglia and alters their localization, particularly in periventricular regions and the medial cortex. These activated microglia may contribute to abnormal synaptic pruning and excessive phagocytosis of neural progenitor cells, potentially leading to long-term neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The insights gained from MIA research have important clinical implications, including the potential for early identification of high-risk pregnancies and the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Future research should focus on elucidating the roles of other cytokines, determining critical periods of MIA susceptibility, and translating findings to human populations, while carefully considering ethical implications and the need for appropriate risk communication.