IFN-B DISRUPTS INVASIVE EXTRAVILLOUS TROPHOBLASTS FUNCTION ON IMPLANTATION-ON-A-CHIP MODEL

Abstract

Chronic inflammatory conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, have been linked to implantation and early pregnancy failures. Studies suggest this may be linked to changes in interferon signaling during implantation. Supporting animal data demonstrates that excessive stimulation of the interferon-β (IFN-β) pathway during gestation, via infectious or non-infectious etiologies, causes breakdown of the maternal-fetal barrier and poor pregnancy outcomes (i.e. IUGR, fetal demise). In this study, we aim to examine the role of IFN-β in regulating human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion and spiral artery remodeling using a microfluidic organ-on-a-chip platform, Implantation-On-A-Chip (IOC).