Maternal antibody transfer in baboons and mice vaccinated with a group B streptococcal polysaccharide conjugate

Two animal models were used to study maternal transfer of antibody to a group B Streptococcus (GBS) type III polysaccharide-tetanus toroid (III-TT) conjugate, The III-TT vaccine protected all 27 mouse pups born to vaccinated dams against a GBS challenge. In a separate study of vaccinated mouse dams and pups, maternal sera contained all 4 subclasses of polysaccharide-specific IgG, with IgG1 accounting for 83% of total IgG. Specific IgG subclass distribution (IgG1 >> IgG2a = IgG2b = IgG3) in newborn pups closely resembled that in their mothers. Seven of 9 female baboons given the III-TT vaccine had 5- to 36-fold increases in specific antibody from baseline levels; they transferred 26%-185% of specific antibody to their offspring. Matched maternal and neonatal sera obtained at delivery were functionally equivalent in an in vitro opsonophagocytosis assay. These preclinical studies provide further evidence for effective immunogenicity of GBS conjugate vaccine and efficient transport of functionally active maternal antibody.