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Maternal immunization with adjuvanted RSV prefusion F protein effectively protects offspring from RSV challenge and

Katherine M Eichinger1, Jessica L Kosanovich2, Madeline A Lipp2

  • 1Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Vaccine
|November 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Maternal immunization against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) offers protection to infants. However, high levels of maternal antibodies targeting the prefusion F protein (PreF) can impact infant immune responses to RSV infection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes severe infant infections, often before infants can be effectively vaccinated.
  • Maternal immunization is a strategy to transfer protective antibodies to newborns, offering immediate protection.
  • Antibodies targeting the prefusion conformation of the RSV F protein (PreF) exhibit potent neutralizing activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of maternal anti-PreF antibodies on infant immune responses following RSV exposure.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of maternal immunization with an RSV PreF vaccine formulation in protecting offspring.
  • To analyze the impact of varying maternal antibody levels on infant innate and T cell immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Offspring from dams immunized with an RSV PreF vaccine were challenged with RSV.
  • Immune responses in the offspring were analyzed over time.
  • The correlation between maternal antibody levels and infant immune profiles was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Maternal immunization demonstrated safety and efficacy in RSV-challenged offspring.
  • High and decreasing maternal antibody levels were linked to distinct innate and T cell immune responses in infants.
  • The study provides insights into the complex interplay between maternal antibodies and infant immunity.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal immunization against RSV is a viable strategy for infant protection.
  • The level and duration of maternal antibodies can modulate infant immune development and response to RSV.
  • Further research is needed to optimize maternal vaccination schedules for sustained infant immunity.

Keywords:
AntibodyImmunityInfantMaternalOffspringPreFRSV

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