de Laat P C, Weemaes C M, Bakkeren J A, van den Brandt F C, van Lith T G, de Graaf R, van Munster P J, Stoelinga G B
Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1991 Jan;58(1):92-101. doi: 10.1016/0090-1229(91)90151-y.
Two families were investigated in which the mothers had selective IgA deficiency and circulating class-specific anti-IgA antibodies. Both gave birth to two children who were found to be IgA deficient. Three of these children developed anti-IgA antibodies before puberty. In vitro immunoglobulin production studies performed in the children of both families revealed an IgA B cell defect combined with IgA-specific excessive T suppressor function in all four. The mechanisms by which transplacental passage of maternal anti-IgA antibodies could have interfered with the developing IgA system in the offspring are discussed.
