Immunological Aspects of Preterm Birth, a volume in the Reproductive Immunology book series, bridges reproductive immunology of preterm birth to subtypes, phenotypes, and bedside prevention and treatment. This book reviews the role of the different immune mechanisms during pregnancy leading to preterm birth and fetal programming effects that are connected to maternal immune activation. This book also discusses immune cells and their products, cytokines and chemokines, as central for the success of the pregnancy, from the process of implantation to parturition and the effects of the changes on fetal programming. While our knowledge on the role of immune cells and the inflammatory process in preterm birth has grown exponentially in the last 10 years, connecting basic science to clinical science and development of new therapeutics has not progressed as rapidly. This book assists researchers in understanding the basic immunologic mechanisms and inflammatory processes associated with preterm birth and fills an urgent need for the development of therapeutics in this space.
1. Preterm labor, preterm birth and prematurity: Molecular and clinical phenotypes
2. Screening, diagnosis and therapeutic approaches to preterm labor
3. Potential use of biomarkers as therapeutic targets of immunotherapy in preterm birth
4. Fetal and placental inflammation in preterm birth
5. Innate Immunity: the role of macrophages and beyond
6. The role of T cells and other adaptive immune mediators in preterm birth
7. Spontaneous preterm birth: Immunoperinatology perspective
8. Fetal pathophysiological changes in preterm birth
9. Vaginal microbiome and preterm birth
10. Viral infections and preterm birth
11. Environment-immune interactions and epigenetics in preterm birth
12. Special considerations: Pregnancy and organ transplantation
13. Placenta: Window into neonatal health
14. Neonatal outcomes following preterm birth
15. Spontaneous preterm birth: Current therapies and opportunities for the future
16. Pathway forward
Irina Burd, MD, PhD, is a renowned maternalfetal medicine and reproductive immunology expert. She is the Sylvan Frieman, M.D. Endowed Professor and Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, leading initiatives in womens health research, clinical care and education. Her research explores immunology, pregnancy, and fetal development, focusing on placental inflammation and infection and their effects on neonatal and long-term outcomes. With over 170 peer-reviewed publications, her work has been funded by NIH and other organizations, advancing understanding of the maternalfetal immune interface. A dedicated educator and mentor, she has trained numerous clinicians, clinician-scientists and scientists. Dr. Burd has held leadership roles in prominent organizations, fostering collaboration in womens health. Her work continues to shape perinatal medicine, aiming to improve outcomes for mothers and children worldwide.
