Relationship of Th1/Th2 cell balance with the immune response to influenza vaccine during pregnancy

To determine the optimal timing for influenza vaccination in pregnant women, we measured alterations in the types 1 and 2 T helper cell (Th1/Th2) balance during pregnancy, monitored specific immunity to inoculated antigens after vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine, evaluated the relevance of the Th1/Th2 ratio and immune responses to the vaccination, monitored the maintenance of high antibody titers until delivery and measured the transplacental antibody transfer rate. No significant alterations of the Th1/Th2 balance were noted in the 65% of pregnant women among whom the Th1/Th2 ratio was lower than 9.9% in the first trimester. In those groups with a ratio higher than 10% in the first trimester, there was a tendency for the ratio to decrease as gestation advanced. The efficiency of immunization was not influenced by the Th1/Th2 status or by the stage of gestation. The antibody titer decreased steadily with time from 1 month after vaccination to the time of delivery. Conversely, the transfer rate of antibodies from maternal to fetal blood at the time of delivery increased with the duration of gestation after vaccination. Nevertheless, the antibody titers in both maternal and fetal blood were sufficient to afford protection against infection. Thus, efficient influenza vaccination can be undertaken at any stage of pregnancy.