Microbiota-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Maternal-Fetal Communication: What We Know?

Recent research suggests bacteria may exist in the fetal environment, though findings are limited. Dr. Reuanen will discuss his lab's latest discovery about how microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) could influence bacterial interactions within our bodies.

Their study investigated whether these bacterial vesicles appear in amniotic fluid during healthy pregnancies and if they can reach the fetus. Results show that such vesicles are present in amniotic fluid, resembling those in the mother's gut. Additionally, these vesicles from the maternal gut were observed to travel near the fetus in mice.

Microbiota derived EVs might be crucial for the mother's gut bacteria to communicate with the developing baby, potentially aiding in the preparation of its immune system for life after birth.