Peg-IFNα combined with hepatitis B vaccination contributes to HBsAg seroconversion and improved immune function

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hepatology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a significant global health concern.
• Pegylated interferon-alpha (Peg-IFNα) treatment can lead to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in some CHB patients.
• The immunological response following vaccination in patients who have achieved HBsAg seroclearance is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate immunological variations between patients vaccinated for hepatitis B and a control group after achieving HBsAg seroclearance via Peg-IFNα treatment.
• To assess the impact of hepatitis B vaccination on immune cell populations and cytokine profiles in this specific patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 28 individuals who achieved HBsAg seroclearance post-Peg-IFNα treatment were divided into a vaccine (n=14) and non-vaccine (n=14) group.
• Lymphocyte subpopulations, B and T cell costimulatory/inhibitory factors, cytokines, and immunoglobulin levels were measured at various time points.
• Statistical analyses were performed to compare immune function differences between the groups.

Main Results:

• The vaccine group achieved a 100% seroconversion rate at 24 weeks, significantly higher than the non-vaccine group (50%).
• Vaccination led to significant increases in total B cells, class-switched B cells, plasma cells, Tfh cells, and CD80+ B cells, with a concurrent decrease in Bregs.
• The vaccine group showed elevated total IgG, IL-2, IL-5, and IL-6 levels, and anti-HBs titers correlated positively with Th1/Th2 cells and negatively with Breg cells.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis B vaccination post-Peg-IFNα treatment significantly enhances anti-HBs seroconversion and antibody levels.
• Vaccination induces favorable immunological changes, including increased B and Tfh cells and reduced Bregs, supporting antibody production.
• These findings highlight the benefit of vaccination in patients achieving viral clearance through Peg-IFNα therapy.