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

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Anti-HBs seroconversion and high levels of antibody are closely associated with lower HBsAg recurrence rates. Some studies have shown that the relapse rate can be reduced by increasing anti-HBs levels by injecting hepatitis B vaccine, but the changes in immune function after vaccination are unclear. Methods Twenty-eight people who obtained HBsAg seroclearance based on Peg-IFNα treatment were enrolled and divided into two groups according to whether hepatitis B vaccine was used during consolidation treatment. The proportion of lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokines and immunoglobulin levels at different time points were detected. Results The proportions of total B cells, plasma cells and Tfh cells in the Vaccine group were significantly increased compared with baseline (p < 0.05). And CD80 + B cells and ICOS + Tfh cells were significantly higher than the baseline (p < 0.05). In the Vaccine group, both types of Breg cells decreased significantly (p < 0.05). None of the above changes in the Non-vaccine group reached statistical significance (p > 0.05). Total IgG increased significantly in the Vaccine group, and among cytokines, IL-2, IL-5, and IL-6 concentrations increased significantly at week 24 (p < 0.05). The changes in various types of cytokines and immunoglobulins in the plasma of the Non-vaccine group were not significant (p > 0.05). In addition, anti-HBs titers were positively correlated with Th1/Th2 cells at 24 weeks (r were 0.448 and 0.458, respectively, p values were 0.022 and 0.019, respectively), and were correlated with CD24 + CD38highBreg cells showed a negative correlation (r = -0.402, p = 0.042). Conclusions Our study suggests that hepatitis B vaccination in individuals with HBsAg seroclearance significantly enhances anti-HBs seroconversion rate and increases antibody levels. Peg-IFNα combined with hepatitis B vaccination contributes to HBsAg seroconversion and improved immune function Therefore, we believe that concomitant hepatitis B vaccination to increase anti-HBs levels in the late stage of Peg-IFNα treatment may be an effective measure for preventing recurrence.