Publications

Research outputs, reports, policy briefs and knowledge products from KIU scholars and partners.

2024 School of Allied Health Sciences Elite Journal of Immunology

Maternal Eosinophilic Responses in HIV-Positive Pregnant Women: Unraveling Immunological Dynamics for Improved Maternal-Fetal Health

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu1 and Getrude Uzoma Obeagu2

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection during pregnancy introduces a complex interplay between the maternal immune system and the imperative need for fetal development. This review delves into the nuanced relationship between maternal eosinophilic responses and HIV infection during pregnancy, offering insights into the immunological dynamics that influence both maternal and fetal outcomes. Eosinophils, traditionally associated with allergic responses, emerge as pivotal players in the adaptive immune responses of HIV-positive pregnant women. This abstract provides a succinct overview of the key themes explored in the review, emphasizing the implications of eosinophilic responses, potential roles in immune modulation, and the influence on vertical transmission risk. Further, it highlights the impact of antiretroviral therapy on maternal eosinophil dynamics, the delicate balance between immune tolerance and antiviral defenses, and the future perspectives and therapeutic implications that may optimize maternal-fetal health in the context of HIV