This data set of single cell RNA sequencing was generated from maternal blood samples collected from pregnant women (n=10) in their first and second pregnancy, respectively, either experiencing a healthy term (n=10) or a spontaneous preterm birth (n=10).

The analysis of this data set is part of the manuscript entitled "Immunological Maladaptation preceding Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Human Pregnancies" which is currently under consideration for publication with Nature Communications.

Abstract:

The majority of spontaneous preterm births (sPTB) occurs without identifiable clinical indications or apparent risk factors. A dysregulated maternal immune adaptation at delivery has been associated with sPTB. Yet, a precise understanding of maternal immune dynamics preceding sPTB remains lacking. Here we show, in a nested case-control study within a low-risk, population-based pregnancy cohort, that an abnormal immune adaptation in mothers' blood precedes sPTB by weeks to months and discriminates sPTB cases from full-term controls (AUROC: 0.7). Prominent immunoproteome features include heightened sensitivity to adrenergic signals within myeloid and T cell populations in early pregnancy, followed by increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the third trimester. Transcriptome analysis of single-cell CD4+ T cells reveals a Th17-skewed, neuroactive-protein responsive phenotype. Our study provides a multi-omics resource and a conceptual framework for early identification of individuals at increased risk for sPTB with broad translational implications for advancing targeted preventive measures.