Infant immunity against viral infections is advanced by the placenta-dependent vertical transfer of maternal antibodies

• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.12.049
• Publication Date: 2021-01-11T15:10:36Z
• Authors: Marie Albrecht; Mirja Pagenkemper; Christian Wiessner; Michael Spohn; Marc Lütgehetmann; Henning Jacobsen; Gülsah Gabriel; Dimitra E. Zazara; Christoph Haertel; Kurt Hecher; Anke Diemert; Petra Clara Arck
• Keywords: Transplacental; Passive immunity; Cord blood

Neonatal passive immunity, derived from transplacental transfer of IgG antibodies mother to fetus during pregnancy, can mitigate the risk for severe infections in early postnatal period. Understanding placenta as gateway organ this process, we aimed evaluate influence specific factors modulating rate (TPTR) 141 mother/neonate pairs. We further evaluated potential health advantage elicited by maternal with regard respiratory tract infancy and childhood. Data biological samples collected within prospective longitudinal pregnancy cohort study PRINCE (Prenatal Identification Children's Health) were used these analyses. tested antibody levels against seven pathogens (measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis influenza A) ELISA detected seropositivity 72.6-100% pregnant women 76.3-100% their neonates, respectively. Cord blood reached 137-160% blood. Strikingly, assessment TPTR all antigens highlighted that strongly depends on individual placental function. Subsequent in-depth analysis anti-influenza A revealed a link between cord uterine perfusion, measured artery pulsatility index. Moreover, higher associated significantly reduced first six months life, indicating high degree cross-reactivity possible pathogen-agnostic effects antibodies. Taken together, our data suggest life immunity is modulated features such perfusion. Vaccination women, i.e. influenza, increase neonatal hereby protect infections. Consequently, guidelines should evolve order safeguard neonates born pregnancies poorer capacity vertical protective