Serum Immunoglobulin G Antibodies to Human Papillomavirus Type 6 L1, E2, E4, E6, and E7 Proteins among Children Prospectively Followed up for 3 Years

Abstract

Background: Current knowledge implicates that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can be acquired at an early age. However, the role of HPV-specific passive immunization from mother to neonate is nearly unexplored, especially against the HPV early proteins. We analyzed immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against HPV-6 early (E2, E4, E6, E7) and late (L1) proteins in children prospectively followed up for 3 years. Methods: A total of 272 children and their mothers from the Finnish Family HPV Study were included in these analyses. Serum samples were obtained from pregnant mothers at their third trimester and from newborn/infants at 1-, 2-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month visits after birth. Antibodies were analyzed by multiplex serology based on glutathione S-Transferase fusion protein capture to fluorescent beads. Results: Maternal antibodies to all tested HPV-6 proteins were transferred to neonates, concordance between maternal and neonates' antibody levels being highly significant (P