HLA-associated non-responsiveness to hepatitis B vaccine

HLA-A,B,DR antigens of two groups, one of normal individuals (N- = 31) and another of CRF (Chronic Renal Failure) patients (K- = 37), who did not develop anti-HBs protective antibodies after Hepatitis B (HB) vaccination, were compared, respectively, to the HLA antigens of two corresponding control groups (N+ = 52, K+ = 49), who responded to the vaccine. A statistically significant difference (Pc less than 0.02) in the frequency of HLA-DR3 was observed between responders and non-responders. An increased frequency of HLA-A1 and HLA-B8 in N- as well as of HLA-A1 and HLA-B35 in K- was also noticed, but this was not of statistical significance. As these antigens have been associated to both HBs antigenemia as well as chronic active hepatitis, we suggest that these genes or other genes in linkage to those may suppress the response to HBV vaccination while, in parallel, they may predispose to an autoimmune course of Hepatitis.