Maternal prenatal stress modulates antibody levels in offspring

Maternal stress is a risk factor for preterm birth and is associated with adverse birth outcomes and immune adaptations in the baby. In this study, we used a murine model of prenatal stress and measured serum immunoglobulin levels in the dams and offspring following stress. We found a significant decrease in the levels of all IgG subclasses in dams following stress. In contrast, we observed an increase in the levels of IgG1, IgG2b and IgG3 in the offspring derived from stressed dams compared to unstressed controls. We made similar observations in offspring that were fed corticosterone in drinking water during gestation indicating that these changes in immunoglobulin (Ig) levels are mediated by excess cortisol. Overall, the results from these studies will help better understand the casual link between prenatal maternal stress and compromised neonatal immunity and will help develop optimal vaccination strategies to protect both the pregnant women and infant.