Expecting parents have had a lot on their minds lately, especially regarding the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to their unborn children. However, recent research published in the American Journal of Pathology sheds light on why the transmission of the virus from mothers to babies remains surprisingly low, even among those who experience severe illness.
Researchers from Metro University investigated placentas from 16 pregnant individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 during their second or third trimesters. Their findings revealed that these placentas exhibited lower levels of an enzyme known as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) compared to those from healthy pregnancies. ACE-2 is the gateway for the COVID-19 virus to enter human cells, and the research suggests that the placenta may reduce ACE-2 levels to “block [the virus] from being passed to the fetus.” Dr. Linda Johnson, one of the study’s co-authors and an assistant professor of pediatrics, has been exploring the protective role of the placenta against COVID-19 since 2020.
Conducted between July 2020 and April 2021, prior to the widespread availability of COVID vaccines, this study adds to the growing body of evidence that vaccines, such as those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, enhance immune responses in pregnant and lactating individuals, which could further protect infants after birth.
The researchers used placenta samples from two groups: one with no confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses and another with at least one positive test during the second or third trimester. Their microscopic analysis of ACE-2 levels has provided insight into why the rate of in utero COVID transmission remains low, even when the mother is severely ill.
These findings could help medical professionals better understand how COVID-19 infiltrates cells, especially since the placenta functions similarly to the lungs in utero, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. By managing these enzymes, we may find ways to prevent COVID infections, a goal that remains critical in the ongoing pandemic.
Dr. Johnson referred to the placenta as “one of the few ‘success stories’ of the pandemic,” highlighting its crucial role in protecting unborn children.
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In summary, new research highlights the placenta’s role in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 to fetuses, indicating that lower levels of ACE-2 in the placenta may block the virus from reaching the unborn child. This discovery could enhance our understanding of how COVID-19 operates and pave the way for better protective measures for pregnant individuals.