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Maternal antibodies and infant immune responses to vaccines

Kathryn M Edwards1

  • 1Sarah H. Sell and Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair in Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University, 21st Avenue South, S 2323 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.

Vaccine
|August 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Maternal antibodies protect newborns but can hinder infant vaccine responses. This study explores how these antibodies interfere with infant immunity and vaccine effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Infants possess immature immune systems at birth, limiting their ability to combat early-life infections.
  • Maternal antibodies, transferred via the placenta, offer crucial passive immunity to newborns.
  • Maternal antibodies are known to suppress infant immune responses to vaccinations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which maternal antibodies inhibit infant immune responses to vaccines.
  • To discuss the implications of this inhibition on the development of long-term immunity in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on maternal antibody interference.
  • Analysis of immunological pathways involved in antibody-mediated suppression.
  • Discussion of experimental data and clinical observations.

Main Results:

  • Maternal antibodies can interfere with B-cell activation and antibody production in infants.
  • The presence of maternal antibodies may downregulate T-cell responses crucial for vaccine efficacy.
  • The extent of inhibition can vary depending on the specific vaccine and antibody levels.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the mechanisms of maternal antibody interference is vital for optimizing infant vaccination strategies.
  • Strategies to overcome this inhibition may be necessary to ensure robust and lasting immunity in infants.
  • Further research is needed to develop vaccination protocols that mitigate the suppressive effects of maternal antibodies.

Keywords:
Inhibition of vaccine responsesMaternal antibodyTransplacental transferVaccine responses

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