Immunity to the respiratory syncytial virus: dynamics of the antibody response

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory infections worldwide. While most infections are mild, RSV can lead to severe disease in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Despite recent progress in vaccine development, the immune mechanisms underlying severe disease remain incompletely understood.

This thesis focuses on the role of antibodies in RSV immunity, particularly on their Fc-mediated effector functions. We examined how these functions vary between different age groups (children, adults and older adults). The findings indicate that adults generally have more functional RSV-specific antibodies than young children, likely due to repeated exposures changing the antibody glycosylation profile. In addition, we studied a partial genetic duplication in the RSV G protein gene and found that this mutation may contribute to immune evasion by reducing antibody binding. Finally, we examined whether platelets play a role in RSV infection but found no signs of direct involvement.

Together, these studies improve our understanding of the antibody response to RSV and underscore the importance of considering risk group-specific immune profiles and viral evolution in the design of future vaccines and prevention strategies.