The role of IFN-gamma in Humoral immune response for HCMV antigens among pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly host-specific virus belongs to the βherpesvirus subfamily, which is a leading cause of congenital infections. The immune cytokines such as Interferons-gama (IFN- ) may have direct inhibitory effects on HCMV replication and control of viral infections. Aim of the study: This research aims at determining the specificity of anti-HCMV antibodies for different HCMV antigens in relation to serum INF- levels. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in Kirkuk governorate from April 2018 to June 2019. The number of pregnant women understudy was 400 women presented to some private medical laboratories. The pregnant women were examined for the seroprevalence of HCMVIgM and IgG by using ECLIA technique then their specificities determined for different HCMV antigens by using line immune assay, In addition to estimation the level of serum INF- levels by using ELISA technique. Results: The rate of HCMV-IgG , HCMV-IgM and both HCMV-IgG and IgM at the same time were 288(72 %), 32(8%) and 18(4.5%) respectively. Regarding the specificity of the determined HCMVIgM to various HCMV antigens (IE1, CM2, p150, p65, gB1 and gB2), the highest rate of HCMVIgG was 96.25% specific for gB1 antigen, while highest rate of HCMV-IgM were 96.87% specific gB1 and p150 antigen. Considering the specificity of these antibodies for the examined antigens in relation to serum INF- levels, the highest of pregnant women with increased INF- level had antibodies for IE1 antigen. Conclusions: There was significant relation of the serum INF- level with specificity of anti-HCMV antibodies to divers HCMV antigens.