Evaluation of Transplacental Transfer of MRNA Vaccine Products and Functional Antibodies During Pregnancy and Early Infancy

Overview

Journal Res Sq

Date 2021 Dec 21

PMID 34931183

Authors

Mary Prahl

Yarden Golan

Arianna G Cassidy

Yusuke Matsui

Lin Li

Bonny Alvarenga

Hao Chen

Unurzul Jigmeddagva

Christine Y Lin

Veronica J Gonzalez

Megan A Chidboy

Lakshmi Warrier

Sirirak Buarpung

Amy P Murtha

Valerie J Flaherman

Warner C Greene

Alan H B Wu

Kara L Lynch

Jayant Rajan

Stephanie L Gaw

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Studies are needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during pregnancy, and the levels of protection provided to their newborns through placental transfer of antibodies. We evaluated the transplacental transfer of mRNA vaccine products and functional anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies during pregnancy and early infancy in a cohort of 20 individuals vaccinated during pregnancy. We found no evidence of mRNA vaccine products in maternal blood, placenta tissue, or cord blood at delivery. However, we found time-dependent efficient transfer of IgG and neutralizing antibodies to the neonate that persisted during early infancy. Additionally, using phage immunoprecipitation sequencing, we found a vaccine-specific signature of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein epitope binding that is transplacentally transferred during pregnancy. In conclusion, products of mRNA vaccines are not transferred to the fetus during pregnancy, however timing of vaccination during pregnancy is critical to ensure transplacental transfer of protective antibodies during early infancy.

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