Higher numbers of memory B-cells and Th2-cytokine skewing in high responders to hepatitis B vaccination. Issue 19 (27th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doedée, A.M.C.M.; Kannegieter, N.; Öztürk, K.; van Loveren, H.; Janssen, R.; Buisman, A.M.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 34:Issue 19(2016)
• Page Start: 2281
• Page End: 2289
• Publication Date: 2016-04-27
• Subjects: Hepatitis B vaccination -- Low and high responders -- Anti-HBs levels -- HBsAg-specific memory B-cells -- HBsAg-specific memory T-cells -- IL-13; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.12.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: Low and high responders to HepB based on anti-HBs level were selected. Differences in HBsAg-specific memory B- and T-cell responses were determined. Significant higher numbers of HBsAg-specific B-cells in the high responder group. Th2, and not the Th1, cell response was significant higher in high responders. HBsAg-specific Th2 cells are involved in the differences in low and high responders. Abstract: In the present study, differences in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-specific memory B-cell responses between low and high responders to hepatitis B vaccine (HepB), based on levels of antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs), were determined. In addition, HBsAg specific T-cell responses between high (anti-HBs level >20, 000 IU/L) and low (anti-HBs level <1500 IU/L) responders were compared. Numbers of HBsAg-specific B-cells, plasma immunoglobulin G (Ig) levels, and T-cell cytokine concentrations were measured in low and high responders directly before and one month after the second booster vaccination. In advance, an Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Spot (ELISpot) Assay was optimized for the determination of HBsAg-specific B-cell responses. The number of HBsAg-specific B-cells was significantly higher ( p < 0.01) in the high responder group compared to the low responder group after a booster vaccination with HepB. In addition, the plasma IgG levels and numbers of HBsAg-specific B-cells were significantly correlated ( R S = 0.66, p < 0.01). The HBsAg-specific Th1 cell response showed the same values in the low and high responder group and did not change by the booster vaccination with HepB. However, a significant correlation ( R S = 0.6975, p = 0.007) between the IL-13 levels and the plasma IgG levels post-booster was found. Subsequently, the IL-13 level in the high-responder group post-booster was significantly higher compared to the low-responder group. Since activation of the B-cell response after vaccination is induced by Th2 cells and IL-13 is produced by these cells, we conclude that the difference in HBsAg-specific Th2 cells is involved in determining the differences in anti-HBs level and memory B-cell numbers between low and high responders.