CD26/DPPIV and response to hepatitis B vaccination

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Hepatitis B (HBV) prevention is crucial globally, but HBV vaccines do not guarantee protective immunity in all individuals.
• Non-response to HBV vaccination can be linked to individual characteristics, highlighting the need for immune competence indicators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPPIV) cellular expression and DPPIV serum activity with HBV vaccine response.
• To assess the potential role of CD26/DPPIV as an indicator of acquired immune competence post-HBV vaccination.
• To determine the cellular expression of CD3, CD19, CD56, and CD25 in peripheral blood T lymphocytes of vaccine responders and non-responders.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from 28 healthy volunteers undergoing HBV vaccination.
• Lymphocyte populations (CD3, CD19, CD56, CD25) were analyzed using flow cytometry.
• CD26 cellular expression and serum DPPIV activity were measured; DPPIV activity was determined fluorimetrically.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in CD26 cellular expression was observed between responders and non-responders.
• Responders exhibited significantly higher serum DPPIV activity compared to non-responders (P < 0.05).
• CD25 expression, a marker of T lymphocyte activation, was significantly higher in responders (P = 0.003), although not specifically on CD3+ T cells.

Conclusions:

• Serum DPPIV activity and CD25 expression may serve as potential indicators of immune competence acquisition following HBV vaccination.
• The findings suggest that lymphocyte subsets beyond T cells might be involved in the response to hepatitis B vaccination.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and roles of these markers in vaccine response.