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Updated: May 27, 2025

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C
Published on: March 25, 2016
Pregnancy Reduces COVID-19 Vaccine Immunity Against Novel Variants
Pregnancy may weaken immune responses to COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccines, especially against new variants. Pregnant women showed reduced antibody breadth and T cell function compared to non-pregnant individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Pregnant women face higher risks from infectious diseases like COVID-19.
- Limited inclusion in initial COVID-19 vaccine trials and low uptake in pregnant populations necessitate further research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serological and cellular immune responses to COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccines in pregnant and non-pregnant females.
- To investigate how pregnancy impacts immunity against vaccine strains and novel SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples collected pre- and post-booster vaccination (ancestral and BA.5 strains).
- Assessed antibody cross-reactivity, IgG subclass ratios, neutralization, antibody-dependent NK cell activity, neutrophil phagocytosis, and CD4+ T cell polyfunctionality.
Main Results:
- Pregnant women had antibodies with less cross-reactivity to variants (XBB1.5, JN.1).
- Non-pregnant women showed stronger antibody correlations, higher IgG1:IgG3 ratios, and better neutralization.
- Pregnant women exhibited increased antibody-dependent NK cell cytokine production and neutrophil phagocytosis against variants, alongside reduced CD4+ T cell polyfunctionality.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy may diminish the breadth, composition, and magnitude of humoral and cellular immunity.
- These effects are particularly pronounced against novel SARS-CoV-2 variants, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in pregnant populations.
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06:08Author Spotlight: A Pseudotype Virus System for Assessing Omicron Subvariants and Neutralizing Antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 Research
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