Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus
Published on: July 31, 2021
Maternal antibodies shape infant immune response development in an epitope-specific manner
Helle Sadam1, Regina Maruste1, Annika Rähni2
1Protobios Llc, Tallinn, Estonia.
Background:
The antibody repertoire in the blood encodes a comprehensive record of an individual's immunological encounters. Knowing the individuality of the repertoire would benefit in vaccinations, and also in personalising treatments. Formation of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody repertoire starts before birth.
Methods:
Here, we used a mimotope variation analysis (MVA) method to gain deeper insight into the repertoire of maternal antibodies actively transferred to newborns during pregnancy with the follow-up at 6 months.
Findings:
Our study of 25 mothers and their neonates highlighted the strong correlation between maternal and neonatal antibody levels with comparable antigen-specificity shortly after birth. However, a noticeable blunting or interference in the antibody response was observed at the epitope level, revealing distinct patterns of recognition of antigenic determinants between mothers and their infants at 6 months, particularly concerning common latent viral infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Interpretation:
Comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of placental IgG antibody transmission is essential for effectively leveraging and manipulating these mechanisms to benefit newborn health.
Funding:
This research was supported by funds from the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, the Estonian Research Council and by grants from the EU's HE programme.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:10Antibody Structure
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
01:41Affinity and Avidity
00:42Cross-reactivity
01:23Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
01:25Antibody Structure and Classes
The basic structure of an antibody consists of four protein chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds and other non-covalent interactions, forming a Y-shaped structure.