LYVE-1 Hofbauer cells in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by the onset or worsening of high blood pressure and increased protein in the urine after the twentieth week of pregnancy. In pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, the placenta, a vital organ for pregnancy, undergoes significant changes leading to inflammation, vascular problems, and abnormal placental tissue structure. One crucial type of cells found in the placenta, known as Hofbauer cells, are placental macrophages. These cells express a receptor called LYVE-1 and interact with hyaluronan, an important component of the connective tissue. In preeclampsia, Hofbauer cells may not function properly, potentially contributing to placental dysfunction. This joint bilateral research project aims to delve into this phenomenon by examining data from placental tissue samples and investigating how Hofbauer cells interact with other cells in the placenta. For this purpose, we are using computational methods to understand how these cells develop and change during preeclampsia. Additionally, we are conducting experiments to directly assess how Hofbauer cells affect the structure and function of placental blood vessels. This project is significant because it could fill a gap in our understanding of how Hofbauer cells regulate placental tissue structure, especially in the context of preeclampsia. By gaining insights into these processes, we hope to advance our understanding of placental health and potentially identify new therapeutic targets for treating preeclampsia.