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Early childhood stress is associated with elevated antibody levels to herpes simplex virus type 1

Elizabeth A Shirtcliff1, Christopher L Coe, Seth D Pollak

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, 2006 Geology/Psychology Building, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA. eshirtcl@uno.edu

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|February 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Early adversity, like institutionalization or abuse, impairs immune responses, leading to higher herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibody levels in adolescents. These effects persist long after the adverse experiences cease.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Early adversity negatively impacts child development.
  • The effect of adverse childhood experiences on physiological systems, particularly immune regulation, is not fully understood.
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) latency and reactivation are influenced by immune status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of early institutionalization and physical abuse on herpes simplex virus (HSV) containment.
  • To examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and HSV-specific antibody levels.
  • To explore the role of immune functioning in viral reactivation following early adversity.

Main Methods:

  • Salivary HSV-specific antibody levels were measured in 155 adolescents.
  • Participants included postinstitutionalized, physically abused, and control youth.
  • Secretory Ig-A levels were also assessed to understand immune responses.

Main Results:

  • Adolescents with histories of institutionalization or physical abuse exhibited higher HSV-specific antibody levels compared to controls.
  • HSV infection prevalence was similar across groups, suggesting elevated antibodies indicate viral recrudescence.
  • While secretory Ig-A was associated with HSV, it did not explain the observed group differences in antibody levels.

Conclusions:

  • Early adverse experiences, including institutionalization and abuse, can lead to persistent deficits in cellular immune processes that control viral reactivation.
  • Altered antibody profiles years after improved rearing conditions suggest a lasting impact of early life adversity on immune functioning.
  • These findings highlight the profound and enduring effects of early life experiences on physiological systems and immune regulation.

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