Difference in respiratory syncytial virus-specific Fc-mediated antibody effector functions between children and adults

In this study, we have assessed both quantitative and qualitative aspects of RSV-specific serum antibodies, including IgG/IgA levels, IgG subclasses, antibody-dependent complement deposition (ADCD), cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), and NK cell activation (ADNKA). Samples were collected cross-sectionally in different age groups (11-, 24-, and 46-month-old children, adults, and older adults; n=31-35 per group) and longitudinally following natural RSV infection in (older) adults (2-36 months post infection; n=10). We found that serum of 24-month-old children induces significantly lower ADNKA than serum of adults (p<0.01), which is not explained by antibody levels. Furthermore, in (older) adults we observed boosting of antibody levels and functionality at 2-3 months after RSV infection, except for ADNKA. The strongest decrease was subsequently observed within the first 9 months, after which levels remained relatively stable up to three years post infection. Together, these data provide a comprehensive overview of the functional landscape of RSV-specific serum antibodies in the human population, highlighting that while antibodies reach adult levels already at a young age, ADNKA requires more time to fully develop.PMID:37605554 | DOI:10.1093/cei/uxad101

Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology - August 22, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Anke J Lakerveld Anne T Gelderloos Rutger M Schepp Cornelis A M de Haan Robert S van Binnendijk Nynke Y Rots Josine van Beek C écile A C M van Els Puck B van Kasteren Source Type: research