Structure and protective capacity of tetanus and diphtheria antibodies produced during human pregnancy and transferred to new-born

Abstract

PROBLEM: The structure and protective activity of antibodies against tetanus (anti‐T) and diphtheria (anti‐D), produced during human pregnancy and transferred to new‐born, was studied.

METHOD: Antibody levels were measured by ELISA in non‐pregnant women (control group), primiparae, and multiparae, and in their children. The proportion of symmetric and asymmetric IgG molecules was determined and their respective protective capacity evaluated.

RESULTS: The quantity of asymmetric anti‐T and anti‐D antibodies in mothers at the time of delivery was roughly four‐ and three‐fold that of the control group, respectively, dropping significantly 1 month later. A similar proportion of these antibodies was observed in the new‐born. The lower neutralizing capacity of asymmetric molecules was demonstrated in vivo.

CONCLUSION: Results show that during pregnancy there is a modulation of the immune response with an increase in the production of asymmetric molecules of lower protective capacity.