Anti-preS responses influence the anti-HBs response in newborns after vaccination with the third generation Sci-B-Vac...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Hepatitis B Research

Background:

• The preS1 and preS2 regions of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are crucial for viral entry and immune response.
• Sci-B-Vac is a preS-containing hepatitis B vaccine used for infant immunization.
• Understanding antibody responses to specific preS epitopes is vital for vaccine efficacy assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the antibody response to the preS1 (21-47) and preS2 (131-140) epitopes following Sci-B-Vac vaccination in newborns.
• To determine the relationship between anti-preS1 and anti-preS2 antibody responses and the overall antibody response to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs).

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight healthy newborns were vaccinated with three doses of Sci-B-Vac.
• Antibody levels against preS1 (21-47), preS2 (131-140), and HBsAg were measured at 6 and/or 9 months post-vaccination.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare anti-HBs levels between groups based on preS reactivity.

Main Results:

• 61% of newborns developed detectable anti-preS1 (21-47) antibodies, and 50% were reactive to anti-preS2 (131-140).
• Mean anti-HBs levels were significantly higher in infants non-reactive to preS2 (131-140) compared to those who were reactive (24580 IU/l vs 7287 IU/l).
• The highest anti-HBs levels were observed in infants with anti-preS1 (21-47) reactivity but without anti-preS2 (131-140) reactivity.

Conclusions:

• Antibody responses to preS1 and preS2 epitopes vary among infants vaccinated with Sci-B-Vac.
• Lack of reactivity to the preS2 (131-140) epitope is associated with significantly higher anti-HBs levels.
• These findings highlight the differential impact of preS epitope responses on hepatitis B vaccine immunogenicity.