Impact of viral dsRNA on endometrial decidualization

While viral components, including viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), have been shown to affect placental trophoblast function; how these components may affect maternal endometrial function is less understood. Endometrial stromal cells make up the bulk of the human endometrium and they undergo a specialized hormone-driven differentiation process termed decidualization monthly in preparation for pregnancy.

We have previously shown that these stromal cells exhibit robust inflammatory responses to bacterial LPS and viral dsRNA. The goals of this study are to determine the effects of prior viral dsRNA exposure on endometrial decidualization and whether this affects subsequent placentation and pregnancy outcomes. Using a combination of 2D endometrial stromal cell cultures, 3D human endometrial assembloids, as well as mouse models of decidualization and pregnancy, we demonstrate that exposure to viral dsRNA [Poly(I:C)] 48 hours prior to hormonal stimulation impaired decidualization in vitro and in vivo.