Viral infection as an underlying cause of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a severe, potentially fatal pregnancy complication affecting millions of women every year.

The condition is characterized by de-novo hypertension and proteinuria, but can progress to distress multiple maternal organs such as brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs. The child is also at risk of complications with preeclampsia. These complications include growth restriction, pre-term birth, and stillbirth.

The etiology of preeclampsia is unknown, but evidence suggests it is primarily a placental disorder. Viruses are well-known to cause pregnancy complications. The hypothesis of this project is that preeclampsia is caused by human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6). HHV-6 has previously been associated with other pregnancy complications.

In this project, we will determine if HHV-6 infection occurs more frequently in women with preeclampsia using blood samples collected in Sweden and South Africa [year 1-2].

We will also establish the effects of HHV-6 infection in vitro on human primary cells from endometrium and placenta [year 2-5].

With the in vitro studies, we will determine if HHV-6 infection results in similar cellular changes and stresses known to occur in preeclampsia.

Identifying an underlying cause of preeclampsia would generate numerous possibilities to start developing strategies for treating, managing, and even preventing this severe pregnancy complication.