IgG Subclasses of Pneumococcal Antibodies —Effect of Allotype G2m(n)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Antibody responses to three pneumococcal polysaccharides (types 3, 14, and 18C) were analysed after vaccination with a 23‐valent polysaccharide vaccine. Antibodies to all three polysaccharides could be detected before immunization. Clear cut IgG, IgA, and/or IgM antibody responses to the polysaccharides were seen in three‐quarters of the vaccines IgG2 was the predominant and IgG1 the second most abundant subclass of anti‐pneumococcal IgG antibodies both before and after the vaccination. The relative proportions of IgG2 and IgG1 antibodies exhibited a continuous variation from 1:0 to approximately 0:2. After vaccination. G2m(n)‐positive homozygotes had about four times more IgG2 antibodies (anti‐14 und anti‐18C than G2m(n)‐negative vaccinees. Heterozygotes occupied an intermediate position. The same pattern was seen less clearly in type 3 antibodies after vaccination, and in all three antibodies before vaccination. The G2m(n) allotypes had no detectable effect on the levels of IgG1, IgG4, or IgM antibodies, and possibly a weak effect on IgG3 and IgA antibodies (G2m(n)‐positive homozygotes responded strongly).