Rapid CommunicationHigher decidual EBI3 and HLA-G mRNA expression in preeclampsia: Cause or consequence of preeclampsia

The maternal immune system must adapt to tolerate the invasion of the allogeneic feto-placental unit. It is generally accepted that improper adaptation causes pregnancy complications like preeclampsia. The Epstein–Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) protein is a subunit of immune-modulatory cytokines interleukin 27 (IL-27) and IL-35. EBI3 has been reported to associate with HLA-G. In this small pilot study we find higher decidual EBI3 (p < 0.05) and HLA-G (p < 0.01) mRNA expression in preeclampsia (n = 7) compared to normotensive (n = 8) pregnancies. Whether the higher EBI3 and HLA-G mRNA expression is a consequence or cause of preeclampsia remains to be answered. Further research to determine the effects on IL-27 and IL-35 is needed.