Maternofetal transfer of antibodies and the influence of maternal atopic status on the neonate.

Background: Epidemiologic evidence has shown that sensitization of allergic diseases develops early in life, even before birth. The gestational environment, including maternal atopic status and transplacentally transferred antibodies to allergens, may be of importance in the sensitization process. Objective: To investigate maternofetal transfer of antibodies and the influence of maternal atopic status on the neonatal immune response. Methods: Fifty-seven healthy pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section (ECS) were recruited. Total and specific IgE (Phadiatop) levels in cord blood (CB) and maternal blood (MB) were determined using the ImmunoCAP assay. MB- and CB-specific IgG1 and IgA1 antibodies against ovalbumin and house dust mite were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The cytokines, interleukin (IL)-13, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and IL-10 in the supernatant of cultured CB mononuclear cells were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Two subgroups were defined based on the maternal levels of specific IgE (atopic group, Phadiatop IgE more than or equal to 0.35 kilo international units of allergen-specific antibody (KUA)/L; nonatopic group, Phadiatop IgE less than 0.35 KUA/L). Results: Although total IgE was detectable in all MB samples, it could only be detected in 7% (4/57) of the CB samples. Specific IgE was detectable in all MB samples but undetectable in all CB samples. There was no correlation of total IgE between mothers and their neonates. The concentrations of IL-10, IL-13, and allergen-specific IgG1 and IgA1 in the CB samples did not differ significantly between the atopic and nonatopic groups. IFN-gamma was undetectable in the CB samples. Conclusions: Maternal IgE cannot be transferred to the child in utero. Maternal atopic status has no significant effect on neonatal immune responses.