Long-term culture and passaging of term trophoblast for the investigation of syncytiotrophoblast function.

Recent advances in the use of trophoblast stem cells and organoid models have markedly enhanced our understanding of placental development and function. These models offer significant improvements over previous systems due to their extended viability in culture and capacity to replicate various trophoblast functions, such as extravillous trophoblast invasion, syncytialisation and 3D architecture. Initially, the generation of trophoblast organoids was confined to first trimester placental tissue; however, it was recently reported that term placentae can also serve as a source of trophoblast stem cells.

Women's views and experiences of accessing pertussis vaccination in pregnancy and infant vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-methods study in the UK.

Background: COVID-19 changed access to healthcare, including vaccinations, in the United Kingdom (UK). This study explored UK women's experiences of accessing pertussis vaccination during pregnancy and infant vaccinations during COVID-19.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was completed, between 3rd August-11th October 2020, by 1404 women aged 16+ years who were pregnant at some point after the first UK lockdown from March 23rd, 2020.

Women's views on accepting COVID-19 vaccination during and after pregnancy, and for their babies: a multi-methods study in the UK.

Background: COVID-19 vaccines are advised for pregnant women in the United Kingdom (UK) however COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women is inadequate.

Methods: An online survey and semi-structured interviews were used to investigate pregnant women's views on COVID-19 vaccine acceptability for themselves when pregnant, not pregnant and for their babies. One thousand one hundred eighty-one women, aged over 16 years, who had been pregnant since 23rd March 2020, were surveyed between 3rd August-11th October 2020.

Modification of innate immune responses to Bordetella pertussis in babies from pertussis vaccinated pregnancies.

Background: Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, inactivated polio (Tdap-IPV) vaccines administered during pregnancy protect young infants from Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis) infection. Whilst the impact of maternal Tdap-IPV vaccination on infants' humoral response to subsequent pertussis immunisation has been investigated, little is known about any impact on innate responses.

Update on Transplacental Transfer of IgG Subclasses: Impact of Maternal and Fetal Factors.

Transplacental antibody transfer from mother to fetus provides protection from infection in the first weeks of life, and the four different subclasses of IgG (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) have diverse roles in protection against infection. In this study, we evaluated concentrations and transplacental transfer ratios of the IgG subclasses in a healthy UK-based cohort of mother-cord pairs, and investigated associations with maternal, obstetric, and fetal factors. In agreement with previous studies, we found a strong association between maternal and cord IgG for all subclasses.

Evaluation of a midwife-led, hospital based vaccination service for pregnant women.

: Vaccines against whooping cough (pertussis) and seasonal-influenza are recommended for pregnant women in England. Uptake however varies regionally and by ethnicity. Pregnant women are traditionally vaccinated in primary care, though some hospitals now offer vaccines through antenatal clinics.

The relationship between concentration of specific antibody at birth and subsequent response to primary immunization.

Background And Aims: Trans-placentally acquired antibodies can protect infants from infection in the first months of life. However, high concentrations of antibody at birth may impact the infant's own immune response to primary immunization. We examine the relationship between concentration of specific antibody to Bordetella pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), tetanus toxoid and pneumococcal antigens at birth and following primary immunization.

Specific antibodies against vaccine-preventable infections: a mother-infant cohort study.

Objectives: To determine maternal and neonatal specific antibody levels to selected vaccine-preventable infections (pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), tetanus and pneumococcus).

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: A UK secondary care maternity unit (March 2011-January 2012).