# Adenovirus 40 and 41 Antibodies Associated With Protection From Infection in a Bangladeshi Birth Cohort

## TL;DR

The study found that antibodies to specific adenovirus proteins in early life are linked to protection against future infections in children.

## Contribution

The study identifies penton base proteins as novel correlates of protection against adenovirus 40/41 infection.

## Key findings

- Antibodies to AdV 41 penton base at Year 1 reduce infection risk in Year 2.
- Higher PB reactivity correlates with milder infections in Year 2.
- Penton base proteins are promising targets for vaccines or therapies.

## Abstract

Adenovirus (AdV) 40/41 is a major cause of pediatric acute gastroenteritis (AGE), leading to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. As little is known about clinical correlates of protection, we analyzed AdV-specific antibody reactivities using a multi-AdV protein microarray and serum from a Bangladeshi birth cohort surveilled for diarrhea during the first 2 years of life.

Arrays contained a comprehensive set of proteins from AdV 40 and 41, in addition to respiratory AdVs 4, 5, and 26. Children were split into four groups according to AdV 40/41 infection occurrence during year 1 (Y1) and year 2 (Y2) of life. One-year array antibody reactivity levels were analyzed from 119 children using principal component analysis (PCA). Top antibody reactivities were evaluated for associations with AdV 40/41 disease severity and protection in Year 2 using logistic regression.

Eight principal components (PCs) were identified from PCA. Top targets contributing to the leading PCs included external AdV 40/41 antigens that function in host cell entry, particularly penton base (PB) proteins. AdV 41 PB antibody reactivity at Year 1 is significantly associated with reduced risk of AdV 40/41 infection in Year 2 (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.16–0.80, P = .013, adjusted P = .003). Additionally, those with mild to moderate infections in Year 2 had higher reactivities to AdV 40 and 41 PB compared to severe infections (P = .008 and .032, respectively).

Higher antibody reactivity to AdV PB was associated with improved Year 2 AdV 40/41 outcomes, elevating it as a promising vaccine or monoclonal antibody target.