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Placenta-Targeted Nanoparticles: A New Frontier in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss – Reproduction and Fertility
Dec 13, 2025, 04:22

Placenta-Targeted Nanoparticles: A New Frontier in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss – Reproduction and Fertility

Reproduction and Fertility shared a post on LinkedIn:

Day 4 of RaFJC – Placenta-Targeted Nanoparticles: A New Frontier in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) (two or more consecutive miscarriages) affects 1–2% of couples worldwide. Up to 50% of cases remain unexplained, with immune maladaptation at the maternal–fetal interface increasingly recognised as a key driver.

Current therapies rely on systemic immunosuppression (corticosteroids, IVIG, TNF inhibitors), which:

  • Show inconsistent efficacy
  • Carry significant risks
  • Are costly and not always accessible

This highlights the urgent need for localised, safer, and cost‑effective therapies.

Mohsen Dashti, Vinnie A., and Mehdi Yousefi propose a placenta‑targeted nanoparticle (NP) system for localized immune cloaking.

Core design:

  • PLGA biodegradable matrix
  • Lipid‑PEG stealth layer to prolong circulation
  • SPIONs for imaging and tracking
  • Placental‑homing peptides for site‑specific delivery

Evidence so far:

  • Rodent and primate models show placenta‑specific NP delivery is feasible
  • NPs can induce anti‑inflammatory cytokines, suppress cytotoxic NK/T cells, and remodel spiral arteries
  • Ex vivo human placenta models confirm uptake with minimal fetal exposure

Estimated cost: $0.56–$5.58 per dose, far cheaper than IVIG or biologics. Production is scalable.

In conclusion, placenta‑targeted nanoparticles represent a promising therapy for unexplained RPL, offering localized immune tolerance while avoiding systemic risks.

Read the full article.

Join the discussion in the comments:

  • What challenges must be overcome for clinical translation?
  • How might localised immune cloaking reshape patient care?
  • Which biomarkers should guide future trials?

Explore the Special Collection: Immune Regulation and Inflammatory Mechanisms in Reproductive Health and Disease.”

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

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