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Maternal–fetal interaction: preconception immunization in mice prevents neonatal sensitization induced by allergen exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Author(s) -
Fusaro Ana E.,
Brito Cyro A.,
Victor Jefferson R.,
Rigato Paula O.,
Goldoni Adriana L.,
Duarte Alberto J. S.,
Sato Maria N.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.297
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1365-2567
pISSN - 0019-2805
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2007.02618.x
Subject(s) - sensitization , medicine , immunology , pregnancy , ovalbumin , breastfeeding , immunization , antigen , allergen , allergy , immunoglobulin e , antibody , pediatrics , biology , genetics
Summary Allergen exclusion measures during pregnancy and lactation have been given consideration in studies of primary allergy prevention but complete avoidance of mother/neonatal allergen exposure has proven to be a difficult procedure. To evaluate a strategy to prevent allergen sensitization in early life in mice, we first established a neonatal model with ovalbumin sensitization through maternal allergen exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The modulatory potential of preconception immunization was investigated on the neonatal development of subsequent allergic responses to maternal allergen exposure. Herein, we demonstrate that immunized mothers exposed to antigen during pregnancy or breastfeeding underwent intense vertical transmission of antibodies, including immunoglobulin G (IgG) in complex with ovalbumin and IgG1 antibody with anaphylactic function. It was further shown that maternal immunization efficiently decreased the passage of free antigens through breastfeeding and inhibited the enhanced IgE antibody response after postnatal antigen exposure. In addition, antenatal immunization decreased the antigen‐specific proliferative response of immunized neonates, in parallel with profound downmodulatory effects on both the activation and differentiation of T and B cells after a non‐specific stimulus and cytokine production. These findings showed that early life sensitization, subsequent to maternal allergen exposure during both the prenatal and postnatal periods, could be avoided by preventive vaccination of the mother.