The humoral immune response of children and infants to an RSV infection: its maturation and association with illness.

In this study the immune response of 29 newborns and infants hospitalized on behalf of a RSV infection was evaluated. Acute phase and convalescent sera were examined by a neutralization assay, in an immunoblot, and in an ELISA based on 10 synthetic peptides derived from RSV proteins. The last two tests allow to monitor the synthesis of RSV specific antibodies of the infant. Despite the presence of maternal antibodies the initial immune response seems to be random and favours linear epitopes of the protein backbone of viral proteins. The earliest protecting antibodies directed against glycosylated epitopes are acquired in the second half year of life. Antibodies generated during the primary immune response seem to predispose infected children to get ill.