Immune checkpoint molecule PD-1 acts as a novel biomarker for the pathological process of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Aim: Accumulating evidence suggested that challenge of thematernal-fetal interaction during pregnancy might cause the impairment of immunological hemostasis and lead to gestational diabetesmellitus (GDM) pathological process. Immune checkpoint molecule PD-1 is one of the critical molecule balancing immune response and immunological tolerance. Methods: PD-1 expressions on T-cell subsets of GDM patients and control groups were measured via flow cytometric analysis and followed up. Results: Downregulation of PD-1 acted as an indicator for GDM occurrence in the third trimester of pregnancy. With the recovery of GDM, PD-1 expression restored to normal level. Conclusion: PD-1 expression on T-cell subsets is a novel biomarker for the occurrence and recovery of GDM.