Antibodies to the 70 kDa heat shock protein in midtrimester amniotic fluid and intraamniotic immunity

Shari E. Gelber, Ann Marie Bongiovanni, Claudel Jean-Pierre, Iara M. Linhares, Daniel W. Skupski, Steven S. Witkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Antibodies to the 70 kDa heat shock protein (hsp70) immunoglobulin (Ig) G are markers for exposure to adverse or nonphysiological stimuli. In addition, these antibodies cross-link hsp-70 microbial antigen complexes and enhance development of antimicrobial immunity. The association between intraamniotic hsp70 IgG concentrations and intraamniotic immune responses were evaluated. Study Design: Midtrimester amniotic fluids from 90 women undergoing an amniocentesis were tested for hsp70 IgG, hsp70 antigen, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), and interferon (IFN)-α by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical outcomes were obtained after completion of all testing. Associations were analyzed by nonparametric statistics. Results: Intraamniotic hsp70 IgG concentrations, but not hsp70 antigen levels, were positively associated with levels of TNF-α (P < .0001), IFN-α (P = .0001), and SLPI (P = .0038). There were no associations between hsp70 IgG and maternal age or parity, race/ethnicity or pregnancy outcome. Conclusion: The hsp70 IgG levels correlate with intraamniotic concentrations of antimicrobial immune mediators. This antibody may potentiate antimicrobial immunity during fetal development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)278.e1-278.e4
JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume197
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • amniotic fluid
  • heat shock protein
  • heat shock protein antibodies
  • immune regulation
  • interferon-α
  • secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor
  • tumor necrosis factor-α

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Antibodies to the 70 kDa heat shock protein in midtrimester amniotic fluid and intraamniotic immunity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this