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Published on: April 29, 2020
Breadth and Dynamics of Human Norovirus-Specific Antibodies in the First Year of Life
Nadja A Vielot1, Amanda Brinkman2, Christina DeMaso2
1Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Insights
Maternal antibodies against norovirus wane by 5 months in infants. Natural infections may boost immunity after 3 months, informing optimal norovirus vaccine timing for children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Virology
Background:
- Norovirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in children.
- Understanding the development of natural immunity is crucial for vaccine strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To track antibody responses to norovirus in infants over the first year of life.
- To investigate the role of maternal antibodies and natural infections in developing immunity.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of antibody binding to diverse norovirus virus-like particles.
- Longitudinal study of 16 children over 12 months.
Main Results:
- Maternal antibodies were present at 2 months but decreased to lowest levels around 5 months.
- Antibody levels increased after 3 months, suggesting natural norovirus infections occurred.
- Individual antibody responses varied significantly.
Conclusions:
- Infant antibody levels to norovirus are influenced by both maternal antibodies and natural infections.
- The findings provide insights into the natural immune acquisition against norovirus.
- This data can inform the optimal age for administering norovirus vaccines to children.
Abstract:
We measured antibody binding to diverse norovirus virus-like particles over 12 months in 16 children. All had maternal antibodies at 2 months, with estimated lowest levels at 5 months of age. Antibody increases after 3 months suggested natural infections. This information could guide the timing of future norovirus vaccines.
