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.