Abstract
Maternally-derived antibodies (MDAs) can protect offspring against influenza virus infection but may also inhibit active immune responses. To overcome MDA- mediated inhibition, active immunization of offspring with an inactivated H5N1 whole-virion vaccine under the influence of MDAs was explored in mice. Female mice were vaccinated twice via the intraperitoneal (IP) or intranasal (IN) route with the vaccine prior to mating. One week after birth, the offspring were immunized twice via the IP or IN route with the same vaccine and then challenged with a lethal dose of a highly homologous virus strain. The results showed that, no matter which immunization route (IP or IN) was used for mothers, the presence of MDAs severely interfered with the active immune response of the offspring when the offspring were immunized via the IP route. Only via the IN immunization route did the offspring overcome the MDA interference. These results suggest that intranasal immunization could be a suitable inoculation route for offspring to overcome MDA interference in the defense against highly pathogenic H5N1 virus infection. This study may provide references for human and animal vaccination to overcome MDA-induced inhibition.
Highlights
Pregnant women and infants are usually the most susceptible populations to infection during influenza pandemics and seasonal epidemics, and influenza infection tends to result in more serious sequelae in these populations [1,2,3]
The cloacal swab collected from a chicken was eluted using 2.0 ml phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin (BSA), 4×106 U/l penicillin G and 400 mg/l streptomycin sulfate, and the elution fluid was sterilized by a 0.22-μm filter
The results suggested that the Maternally-derived antibodies (MDAs) from mothers vaccinated via the IN route inhibited the production of serum IgG Abs in the offspring, the inhibition became weak as the immunization dosage increased
Summary
Pregnant women and infants are usually the most susceptible populations to infection during influenza pandemics and seasonal epidemics, and influenza infection tends to result in more serious sequelae in these populations [1,2,3]. Infants under 6 months of age have been reported to have much higher morbidity and mortality rates than older babies during severe influenza seasons [4,5]. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza virus infection. The immune system of newborns is not mature enough to respond effectively to vaccination [6]. No influenza vaccine is currently suitable for infants younger than 6 months [7].
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