Do double-stranded RNA receptors play a role in preeclampsia?

Dysregulation of the maternal immune system during pregnancy has been implicated in the development of preeclampsia (PE), however the pathogenetic signals and mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. Here we provide a hypothesis and evidence that dsRNA is a danger signal leading to maternal immune system activation and an "antiviral" immune response that manifests as PE. dsRNA released from necrotic cells and/or from viruses causes excessive activation of dsRNA receptors and PE-like symptoms in animals. Additionally, high expression levels of dsRNA receptors have been identified in human and animal placental tissue as well as trophoblast cells, and these receptors appear to be excessively activated in PE. These key components of the innate immune system that respond to invading pathogens and dead or necrotic tissue likely play a major role in the development of PE.