Figure 2. Mouse models of viral infection during pregnancy.

Herpesviruses target the pregnant cervix and induce dramatic molecular and functional changes. (A) High sex hormone levels associated with pregnancy enhance cervical susceptibility to infection by causing upregulation in the cervix of integrins and HA, receptors for herpes infection. (B) Infection of cervical epithelial cells results in activated SRC kinase, which stabilizes the ER. These changes are also associated with reduced expression of innate immune factors such as TLRs and defensins, as well as tissue remodeling in the stroma that is reminiscent of cervical ripening.