Immunoglobulin G antibodies in human vaginal secretions after parenteral vaccination

Abstract

density at 492 nm [OD4921) similar to those of the corresponding serum dilutions measured in the same plate. Dilutions of a 3957

Systemic and Secretory Humoral Immunity in the Normal Human Vaginal Tract

“…As a basis of the strategy for future vaccines against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases in women, we reconsidered the classical data of vaginal Ig using sensitive detection methods after fractionation. In agreement with our previous results [14] we show IgG as the major isotype, and provide additional information on the presence of secretoryand systemic-derived vaginal Abs, as well as new data on the subclass pattern of these Igs. A practical consequence of both studies could be to favour systemic versus secretory vaccines in the induction of vaginal protection.…”

“…Antitoxins were present at high levels in the IgG peak (b) of the three pools (Fig. 3A), with specific activities in the range of those observed in the serum of non-boostered subjects [14].…”

“…Recently, we have shown the induction of antitoxins in the vaginal fiuid by parenteral vaccination with tetanus toxoid [14]. These Abs were ofthe sole IgG isotype and their specific activities and avidities were similar to those of the corresponding serum molecules.…”

Decreased cervicovaginal production of both IgA1 and IgA2 subclasses in women with AIDS

“…These findings are in keeping with the fact that the cervicovaginal mucosa belongs to the mucosal immune system, with a predominance of IgA-producing cells, the IgA2 plasma cells being more numerous than the IgAl plasma cells within vaginal mticosa (55% versus 45%) [I]. In addition, ihe presence of albumin in cervicovaginal fluids from healthy women suggests that transudation into the cervicovaginal compartment of serum-borne monomeric IgA, the principal form of IgA in blood, should be possible, as previously demonstrated for serum IgG [15].…”

Induction of mucosal immune responses in the human genital tract

“…Because antibodies of the IgG isotype are dominant in both male and female genital tract secretions and are largely of plasma origin, the e¡ectiveness of the systemic route of immunization has been evaluated in several studies. Injection of tetanus toxoid [53] or inactivated in£uenza virus vaccine [35] induced antigen-speci¢c IgG antibodies in vaginal and cervical secretions. Systemic immunization of males with an experimental gonococcal vaccine induced IgG and IgA antibodies in seminal £uid [54,55].…”