Mutations in fetal genes involved in innate immunity and host defense against microbes increase risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes (<scp>PPROM</scp>)

Abstract

We conclude that rare damaging mutations in innate immunity and host defense genes, the majority being heterozygous, are more frequent in neonates born of pregnancies complicated by PPROM. These findings suggest that the risk of preterm birth in African-Americans may be conferred by mutations in multiple genes encoding proteins involved in dampening the innate immune response or protecting the host against microbial infection and microbial products.