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

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate immunological variations between a group that received the hepatitis B vaccine and a non-vaccine group. We focused on a cohort that achieved HBsAg seroclearance after Peg-IFNα treatment of CHB. Methods We enrolled twenty-eight individuals who achieved HBsAg seroclearance after Peg-IFNα treatment. They were divided into two groups: a vaccine group (n = 14) and a non-vaccine group (n = 14). We assessed lymphocyte subpopulations, B cell- and T cell-surface costimulatory/inhibitory factors, cytokines and immunoglobulin levels were detected at different time points to explore immune-function differences between both groups. Results The seroconversion rate in the vaccine group at 24 weeks post-vaccination was 100%, which was significantly higher (p = 0.006) than that of the non-vaccine group (50%). Additionally, more individuals in the vaccine group exhibited anti-HBs levels exceeding 100 IUs/L and 300 IUs/L compared to the non-vaccine group (p 0.05). Total IgG increased significantly in the vaccine group, and IL-2, IL-5, and IL-6 concentrations increased significantly at week 24 (p 0.05). Anti-HBs titers positively correlated with Th1/Th2 cells at 24 weeks (r = 0.448 and 0.458, respectively, p = 0.022 and 0.019, respectively), and negatively with CD24+CD38highBreg cells (r = -0.402, p = 0.042). Conclusions After achieving HBsAg seroclearance through Peg-IFNα treatment for CHB, administering the hepatitis B vaccine significantly increased anti-HBs-seroconversion rates and antibody levels. We also observed significant immunological differences between the vaccine and non-vaccine groups. Specifically, the vaccine group exhibited significant increases in B cells, plasma cells, and Tfh cells, while Breg levels was significantly lower. These immunological changes are likely conducive to the production of anti-HBs antibodies. However, in the non-vaccine group, the observed changes were not significantlly significant.

Keywords

• Hepatitis B vaccine
• HBsAg seroconversion
• Interferon therapy
• Humoral immunity
• Functional cure