Evaluation of the involvement of the STING/TBK1 axis in the activation of the NLRP3 complex in placentas of pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia

• Grant number: 25/04931-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Augusto da Silva
• Grantee: Erick Ribeiro de Lima
• Host Institution: Vice-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade Paulista (UNIP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Embryonic growth and survival are directly linked to the correct formation and function of the placenta, which is responsible for the efficient exchange of oxygen, nutrients and metabolic wastes between the maternal and fetal blood supply. Increasing evidence suggests that increased production of biologically active IL-1¿ may be mediated in part by the maternal innate immune system. In this regard, the STING/TBK1 axis has been implicated as a potential factor in the exacerbated activation of the inflammatory response mediated by the NRLP3 inflammasome in placental cells and tissue. Thus, knowing that pathological maternal inflammation and abnormal placentation contribute to several pregnancy-related disorders, especially the development of PE, this project evaluates the role of the STING/TBK1 axis on the transcriptional activation of members of the NRLP3 inflammasome in placental tissue of pregnant women who developed PE. We reinforce the need for additional research to clarify the involvement of the STING/TBK1 axis in the pathophysiology of PE, since we believe that the results obtained may provide novel results that may contribute to the repositioning of the use of TBK inhibitors for pregnancy-related complications.