Abstract
We have shown that both demographic and immunogenetic factors are involved in the immune responses of Hepagene® vaccinated individuals who were persistent nonresponders to `S' containing hepatitis B vaccines. The HLA-DRB1 ∗0701; DQB1 ∗0202 genotype was found to be associated with a decline of anti-HBs antibodies (anti-HBs) and were frequent in those individuals who remained nonresponders following booster vaccination. Contrary to previously published `S' vaccination data, Hepagene stimulated T-cell responses showed a lack of correlation with the humoral responses. Limiting dilution analysis demonstrated that the cellular immune response is associated with the kinetics of exposure to Hepagene rather than magnitude of the anti-HBs response. It remains that despite the inclusion of the pre-S proteins 74% nonresponder vaccinated individuals failed to produce >100 IU/l of anti-HBs. However, these were persistent nonresponders and it was therefore encouraging that two doses of Hepagene did seroconvert (>10 IU/L) 61% of this difficult group.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
