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BACKGROUND: The frequency of protective antiviral memory B cells after hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination is unknown. METHODS: A novel 2-step immunomagnetic protocol to assess the ex vivo frequency of protective HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-specific memory B cells was used. RESULTS: HBsAg-specific memory B cells were detected in vaccinated individuals, although at very low frequency (median, 0.2% of CD19(+) cells [range, 0%-4% of CD19(+) cells]). No correlation existed between the frequency of HBsAg-specific memory B cells and the corresponding serum antibody titer or B cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot findings. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate sustained B cell-mediated protection against HBV despite waning antibody titers, which is consistent with clinical observations.

Original publication

DOI

10.1086/591094

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Infect Dis

Publication Date

15/09/2008

Volume

198

Pages

813 - 817

Keywords

Antigens, CD, Antigens, CD19, B-Lymphocytes, CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes, CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Cell Separation, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis B Surface Antigens, Hepatitis B Vaccines, Hepatitis B virus, Humans, Immunologic Memory, Reference Values