LEVEL OF MATERNAL ANTIBODIES AGAINST RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV)
NUCLEOPROTEIN AT BIRTH AND RISK OF RSV VERY-SEVERE LOWER RESPIRATORY
TRACT INFECTION
Abstract
Background: The nucleoprotein (N protein) of respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) is a candidate antigen for new RSV vaccine development. The aim of
the present study was to investigate the association between maternal
antibody titers against the RSV N protein at birth and the newborns’
risk of developing very-severe lower respiratory tract infection
(VS-LRTI). Methods: In this single-center prospective cohort study, 578
infants born during the RSV epidemic season in France were included.
Among these, 36 were hospitalized for RSV VS-LRTI. A generalized linear
model was used to test the occurrence of a VS-LRTI in function of sex,
mode of delivery, parity of the mother, type of pregnancy, date of birth
in relation to the peak of the epidemic, and antibody titer against N
protein. Results: All cord blood samples had detectable antibodies
against N protein. The mean titers were significantly lower in newborns
with risk factors for RSV severe LRTI (preterm infants, birth before the
peak epidemic, multiparous mother). There was no association between
antibody titer against the N protein and a protection against VS-LRTI.
Conclusions The present study found that transfer of maternal antibodies
against the RSV N protein may not provide a significant immune
protection early in infancy. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04144816.