Clinical, histopathological, and expression analysis of CD4, CD8, and CD68 in chronic placental inflammatory lesions: a retrospective study of villitis of unknown etiology and chronic histiocytic intervillositis

• Grant number: 25/09437-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Histology
• Principal Investigator: Sílvio Roberto Consonni
• Grantee: Rafaela Ferraz Teixeira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) is a rare inflammatory condition of the placenta, characterized by the accumulation of maternal CD68+ histiocytes and CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes in the intervillous space. It has a high recurrence rate and is strongly associated with adverse obstetric outcomes, such as fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and pregnancy loss. Despite its clinical relevance, the immunopathological mechanisms underlying CHI and its differentiation from other inflammatory lesions, such as villitis of unknown etiology (VUE), remain poorly understood, especially in Latin American contexts. The immunohistochemical characterization of these infiltrates may significantly contribute to diagnostic and therapeutic advances for these conditions.Objectives: To evaluate and characterize the clinical, histopathological aspects and the expression of inflammatory markers (CD4+, CD8+, and CD68+) in placentas diagnosed with CHI and VUE associated with pregnancy loss.Method: A retrospective study will be conducted using placental samples previously diagnosed with CHI (n=21, convenience samples) and VUE (historical sample). Analyses will include histological stains (H&E, Masson's Trichrome), histochemical stains (Martius Scarlet Blue), and immunohistochemistry for CD4, CD8, and CD68.Expected results: It is expected to characterize the presence and distribution of inflammatory infiltrates in CHI, contributing to a better understanding of the immunological mechanisms involved in this condition, as well as to the improvement of diagnostic strategies, family counseling, and future therapeutic approaches. (AU)