SARS-CoV-2 anti-RBD and anti-N protein responses are differentially regulated between mother-child pairs: insight from a national study cohort at the Faroe Islands

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  • Ida Jarlhelt
  • Cecilie Bo Hansen
  • Laura Pérez-Alós
  • Pál Weihe
  • Maria Skaalum Petersen
  • Garred, Peter

Background: Knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics in neonates and direct comparisons with maternal antibody responses are not well established. This study aimed to characterize and directly compare the maternal and infant antibody response in a national birth cohort from the Faroe Islands. Methods: The levels of immunoglobulins (Ig) targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein and the nucleocapsid protein (N protein) of SARS-CoV-2 were investigated in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood from neonates. The study included 537 neonates and 565 mothers from the Faroe Islands, and follow-up samples were collected 12 months after birth. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess associations of maternal parameters with maternal and neonatal Ig levels and pregnancy outcomes. Results: The finding showed that neonates acquired varying levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies through transplacental transfer, and the levels were significantly influenced by the mother’s vaccination and infection status. The study also found that maternal vaccination and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies targeting spike RBD were associated with gestational age and APGAR scores. Furthermore, the anti-RBD and -N protein-specific antibody response dynamics during 12 months after birth exhibited differences between mothers and children. RBD and N protein responses were maintained at follow-up in the mother’s cohort, while only the N protein response was maintained at follow-up in the children’s cohort. Conclusion: In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses in newborns rely on maternal immunity, while the persistence of SARS-CoV-2-specific Igs appears to be differently regulated between mothers and children. The study provides new insights into the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses in newborns and underscores the nuanced relationship between maternal factors and neonatal humoral responses.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1418678
JournalFrontiers in Immunology
Volume15
Number of pages17
ISSN1664-3224
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2024 Jarlhelt, Hansen, Pérez-Alós, Weihe, Petersen and Garred.

    Research areas

  • antibody duration, maternal immunization, nucleocapsid protein, SARS-CoV-2, spike protein

ID: 399165714