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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibodies in different immunoglobulin classes in small children
J Wilczyński1, B Lukasik, E Torbicka
1Department of Virology, National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland.
Insights
This study tracked respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibody levels in young children. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies increased with age, while Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies decreased, indicating developing immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Virology
Background:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infections in young children.
- Understanding the developing immune response to RSV is crucial for managing infections and developing effective vaccines.
- Immunoglobulin (Ig) profiles, including IgG subclasses, provide insights into adaptive immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify specific antibody levels in immunoglobulin classes and IgG subclasses against RSV in children aged 0-2 years.
- To evaluate the dynamics of the immune response to RSV infection over the first two years of life.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure antibody percentages.
- Sera from children aged 0-2 years were analyzed for various immunoglobulin classes (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE) and IgG subclasses.
- Antibody levels were correlated with age and assessed for diagnostic increases.
Main Results:
- Serum IgG-RSV antibody levels decreased in the first 6-9 months, then rose to 100% by age 2.
- IgM-RSV and IgA-RSV antibody percentages increased with age.
- IgE-RSV antibodies were highest in the youngest children (20%) and decreased with age; IgG-1 was the most prevalent subclass.
Conclusions:
- The immune system matures in its response to RSV, with a shift towards IgG and IgG-1 antibodies.
- Diagnostic increases in antibodies were most prominent in the IgG and IgG-1 classes.
- The study highlights age-related changes in antibody responses to RSV, crucial for understanding pediatric immunity.
Abstract:
Percent of RSV antibodies in the individual immunoglobulin classes and IgG subclasses was determined by ELISA and the immune response to RSV infection was evaluated in children 0-2 years of age. In the first 6 months percent of sera containing IgG-RSV declined to reach minimal in the 7th-9th month, then it rose to 100% in children 2 years of age. Percent of positive IgM-RSV and IgA-RSV gradually increased with age. The IgE antibodies occurred in highest percent (20%) in the youngest children, and showed a tendency to decrease in the next age groups. The IgG-1 antibodies were found in the highest percent of sera, the incidence of other subclass antibodies being lower. Diagnostic increase in antibodies was found in highest number in the IgG class and IgG-1 subclass. In the IgM class the highest percent of antibody increase was detected in 21%, and in the IgE class in about 9%.