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Maternal-foetal interaction, antibody formation, and metabolic response in mice immunized with pneumococcal
Insights
Maternal transfer of pneumococcal polysaccharides to fetuses and neonates was observed. Maternal immunization and specific treatments enhanced offspring antibody responses without adverse effects on growth or tissue composition.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Perinatal Biology
- Microbial Polysaccharides
Background:
- Pneumococcal polysaccharides are crucial components of bacterial capsules.
- Understanding maternal transfer and immune responses is vital for neonatal health.
- Maternal factors significantly influence fetal and neonatal development and immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cross-placental and milk transfer of pneumococcal polysaccharides (types 19 and 57) in mice.
- To assess the impact of maternal immunization and immune modulation on neonatal antibody formation.
- To evaluate the effects of pneumococcal polysaccharide exposure on neonatal growth, organ development, and tissue composition.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to pneumococcal polysaccharides during pregnancy.
- Maternal immunization with type 19 polysaccharide was performed.
- Neonatal immune responses were measured after polysaccharide administration.
- Effects on neonatal growth, organ weights, and tissue chemistry were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Types 19 and 57 pneumococcal polysaccharides crossed the placenta and were transferred via milk.
- Maternal immunization with type 19 polysaccharide increased offspring antibody levels.
- Neonatal immune response was enhanced by maternal anti-lymphocyte serum treatment.
- High-dose polysaccharide exposure did not affect neonatal growth, organ weights, or tissue chemistry.
Conclusions:
- Pneumococcal polysaccharides are transferred from mother to offspring, influencing neonatal immunity.
- Maternal immunization and specific immune interventions can enhance neonatal antibody responses.
- Prenatal exposure to pneumococcal polysaccharides at high doses appears safe for neonatal development and metabolic integrity.
Abstract:
The maternal transfer of pneumococcal polysaccharides to foetus, as well as the antibody formation and metabolic response were studied in mice exposed to pneumococcal polysaccharides during pregnancy. Type 19 and type 57 pneumococcal polysaccharides display cross-placental transfer to foetus. These polysaccharides also transfer through mother's milk to neonates. Maternal immunization of type 19 polysaccharide during pregnancy induced higher antibody formation in the offspring than the group from non-immunized mothers. Young mice, which received a second dose of polysaccharide at 2 weeks of age, showed a higher antibody response than those which did not receive polysacharide. Treatment of mothers with anti-lymphocyte serum, following by administration of polysaccharide, significantly increased the neonatal immune response to the polysaccharide. Treatment of the mother with a high dose of type 19 or type 57 polysaccharide did not cause significant changes in neonatal growth and organ weights. The offspring from mothers treated with high doses of these polysaccharides did not exhibit abnormalities in chemical contents of their tissues.