Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice
Published on: September 19, 2016
Intradermal hepatitis B vaccination in non-responders after topical application of imiquimod (Aldara)
Anna H Roukens1, Ann C Vossen, Greet J Boland
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands. a.h.e.roukens@lumc.nl
Background:
Five to ten percent of immunocompetent persons fail to develop a protective immune response to hepatitis B vaccination, and are defined non-responders (NR). We investigated the immune response to intradermal hepatitis B vaccination after pre-treatment of the skin with the TLR7 agonist imiquimod.
Methods:
Twenty-one non-responders (anti-HBs <10 IU/l after at least 6 intramuscular hepatitis B vaccinations) were randomly assigned to the control group (N=11) or the experimental group (N=10). Participants in both groups received 3 intradermal (ID) vaccinations with 5 microg HBsAg (0.125 mL) at 0, 1 and 6 months. In the experimental group, the dermal site of injection was pre-treated with 250 mg imiquimod ointment. Anti-HBs antibodies were determined at 0, 1, 2, 6 and 7 months.
Results:
In both study groups, 70% of the participants developed a protective immune response (anti-HBs >or=10 IU/l), after the 3rd intradermal vaccination.
Conclusion:
The application of imiquimod on the skin prior to intradermal vaccination did not enhance the humoral response to hepatitis B vaccine. However, irrespective of imiquimod application, 70% of the NR who had not responded to 6 previous intramuscular vaccinations, developed a protective immune response with high affinity antibodies after 3 ID hepatitis B vaccinations with 5 microg HBsAg.
Related Concept Videos
Vaccinations
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Chickenpox
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Smallpox
