RMIT Research Unveils Key Findings

RMIT University has led a groundbreaking study discovering that the immune system’s overreaction, rather than the influenza virus itself, is responsible for serious complications during pregnancy. This revelation is particularly timely as Australia prepares for its flu season.

Influenza typically remains confined to the upper respiratory tract, such as the nose. However, during pregnancy, the virus can breach the lungs and enter the cardiovascular system, heightening risks for both mothers and babies.

Researchers used animal models to understand why the virus can infiltrate the bloodstream during pregnancy. They identified a viral sensor called TLR7, which can become overactive, leading to increased inflammation.

Dr Stella Liong from RMIT’s School of Health and Biomedical Sciences said, “We identified a viral sensor that’s meant to help fight influenza but, in pregnancy, can become overactive and drive damaging inflammation throughout the body.”

Implications for Future Treatments

By blocking TLR7, it may be possible to prevent the harmful inflammation that affects the placenta, thereby safeguarding the health of both mother and baby. Researchers are actively investigating methods to deactivate this sensor.

Dr Gemma Trollope, a former researcher at RMIT now with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, stressed the importance of vaccination, stating, “The best defence against maternal flu complications is immunization, so we hope this finding leads to stronger healthcare messaging and more prevention.”

The study, published in Science Advances, highlights the need for new pregnancy-safe therapies. Dr Trollope emphasised that getting vaccinated against flu is safe at any stage of pregnancy.

Previous studies have shown that severe flu during pregnancy can have lasting effects on brain development in babies by inflaming blood vessels and disrupting oxygen and nutrient flow. This study pinpoints the cause, potentially leading to more targeted treatments.

RMIT co-lead author Professor Stavros Selemidis mentioned that future treatments might focus on the immune system instead of the virus. This approach could significantly reshape our understanding of treating flu-related risks in pregnancy.

The research was a collaborative effort between RMIT, Adelaide University, and Trinity College Dublin, funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.