Placental Galectin Signatures in HIV-1-Positive Women: Spatial Distribution and Glycosylation Patterns

• Grant number: 25/08119-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: June 30, 2025
• End date: December 29, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Notomi Sato
• Grantee: Gabriela Domingues Mattos
• Supervisor: Sandra Maria Blois
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/16264-9 - Profile of galectins at the maternal-fetal interface in HIV-1 infection, BP.MS

Abstract

Various factors play a fundamental role in maintaining immune system homeostasis between the mother and the newborn during infections, with it being essential to ensure that the intrauterine environment supports healthy fetal development. Among these factors, galectins stand out as key molecules in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, immunity, and inflammation, performing critical functions at the maternal-fetal interface. RT-qPCR analyses have shown that the expression of galectin-3 and galectin-13 is increased in the decidua of placentas from women living with HIV. Additionally, in vitro experiments revealed that exposure of BeWo trophoblastic cells to HIV-1 attenuated by AT-2 also induces an increase in galectin-3 expression, reinforcing the hypothesis that viral infection directly modulates galectin production at the maternal-fetal interface. However, the spatial organization of these galectins in the placental environment and their glycosylation interactions in HIV-1-infected mothers has yet to be elucidated. Considering that the spatial arrangement of immune-active molecules is crucial for modulating local immune responses, the aim of this project is to characterize the spatial signature of galectins at the maternal-fetal interface in placentas from women living with HIV. To achieve this, we will use spatial glyco-phenotyping techniques to map the distribution of galectin-3 and galectin-13 on the maternal (decidual) and fetal (villous) faces of the placenta. The expression and localization of these molecules will be analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively, seeking correlations with infection status and potential alterations in placental immune microenvironments. Through this study, we hope to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that sustain immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface in the context of HIV infection, providing insights for future strategies to protect pregnancy and prevent vertical transmission of the virus.