Functional and structural modifications of influenza antibodies during pregnancy

Pregnancy represents a unique tolerogenic immune state which may alter susceptibility to infection and vaccine response. Here, we characterized humoral immunity to seasonal influenza vaccine strains in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Although serological responses to influenza remained largely intact during late pregnancy, distinct modifications were observed. Pregnant women had reduced hemagglutinin subtype-1 (H1)- IgG, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3, hemagglutination inhibition, and group 1 and 2 stem IgG titers. Intriguingly, H1-specific avidity and FcγR1 binding increased, and influenza antibodies had distinct Fc and Fab glycans characterized by increased di-galactosylation and di-sialylation. H1-specific Fc-functionality (i.e. monocyte phagocytosis and complement deposition) was moderately reduced in pregnancy. Multivariate antibody analysis revealed two distinct populations (pregnant vs. non-pregnant) segregated by H1 FcγR1 binding, H1-IgG levels, and Fab and Fc glycosylation. Our results demonstrated a structural and functional modulation of influenza humoral immunity during pregnancy that was antigen-specific and consistent with reduced inflammation and efficient placental transport.