Inhibition of offspring Type I hypersensitivity response through maternal immunization with the dust mite Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus

Abstract

The early life exposure to allergens associated with the tendency of newborns to develop Th2-biased responses, may contribute to the development of allergy during infancy. The effect of preconception immunization of A/Sn females with the dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), were analysed on the hybrid offspring’s type I hypersensitivity response. The kinetics of Dp immunization was followed from newborn to adult age. Offspring from immune mothers did not show evidence of pre or postnatal allergen priming at humoral level. Immunization with Dp in very early life and in the postweaning period revealed a marked inhibition of offspring anti-Dp IgE and IgG1 Ab production, which remained decreased upon secondary allergenic challenge. The maternal influence on the offspring’s Ab response was specific to Dp, since their immunization with a heterologous antigen led to a normal IgE response. Taken together, maternal immunization to Dp seems to be protective in regard to the early development of allergy.