Determinants of Immunoglobulin G responses to respiratory viruses in
children and adults
Abstract
Introduction: Exposure to respiratory viruses is a significant
cause of morbidity and affects virus-specific antibody levels. Little is
known about determinants associated with immune response to these
viruses. We aimed to investigate the determinants of respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus (RV) specific IgG responses in both
children and adults. Methods: The study is based on the EGEA
cohort, composed of 530 samples of children in EGEA1 (1991-95) and 1241
samples of adults in EGEA2 (2003-07). Cumulative RV-specific IgG
responses (species A, B and C) and IgG responses to RSV-G protein were
measured by micro-array technology. Multiple linear mixed models (random
effect to account for familial dependence) were performed to assess
associations between age, sex, body mass index (BMI), tobacco smoke
exposure and season of blood sampling with RSV and RV-specific IgG
levels. Results: In children (11.1±2.8 years old, 57% of
boys), higher RV-specific IgG levels were associated with older age
(only for RV-B), female sex and lower BMI, while only older age was
associated with higher RSV-specific IgG levels. In adults (43.5±16.7
years old, 48% of men), younger age, female sex, lower BMI, active
smoking and all seasons except summer were associated with higher
RV-specific IgG levels. Older age, active smoking and all seasons except
summer were associated with higher RSV-specific IgG levels.
Conclusion: Personal and seasonal determinants of RSV- and
RV-specific IgG levels seem to vary according to the respiratory virus
type and between children and adults, suggesting different patterns of
responses along the life course.