Characterizing the pregnancy immune phenotype: Results of the viral immunity and pregnancy (VIP) study

Thomas A. Kraus, Stephanie M. Engel, Rhoda S. Sperling, Lisa Kellerman, Yungtai Lo, Sylvan Wallenstein, Maria M. Escribese, Jose L. Garrido, Tricia Singh, Martine Loubeau, Thomas M. Moran

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

155 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose The increased risk of morbidity and mortality from certain microbial infections and the demonstrated improvements in the clinical course of some autoimmune diseases support the existence of pregnancy-related alterations in immune status. Elucidating the changes in innate and adaptive immunity during gestation may improve pregnancy outcomes and facilitate the development of targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases. Method The Viral Immunity and Pregnancy (VIP) study evaluated over 50 subjects longitudinally at three time points during pregnancy and at two time points post-delivery. Leukocyte enumeration was performed; functional responses of NK cells and CD4 T cells were analyzed, and soluble factors such as cytokines, defensins, and steroid hormones were measured in maternal blood. Results In comparison to the post-partum period, the latter part of pregnancy was characterized by significant increases in blood phagocytes and pDCs and decreases in the number and activity of NK and T cells. Alterations were found in antimicrobial proteins and serum cytokines. Conclusions These data show that pregnancy is not a period of immunosuppression but an alteration in immune priorities characterized by a strengthening of innate immune barriers and a concomitant reduction in adaptive/inflammatory immunity in the later stages of pregnancy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)300-311
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • Cytokines
  • Gestation
  • Immunity
  • Influenza
  • Pregnancy
  • Th2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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