The spot-ELISA: a sensitive in vitro method to study the immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen.
We present our experience with a new sensitive in vitro method for the study of the immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). This immunoenzymatic technique, called spot-ELISA, detects specific immunoglobulin production (e.g. IgG- or IgM-anti-HBs) by stimulated individual B cells in vitro. We have studied the immune response against HBsAg by mitogenic stimulation and subsequent spot-ELISA assay in 24 well-documented subjects with known immune status after either natural infection or vaccination with plasma-derived vaccine. Results indicate a good correlation between in vitro IgG anti-HBs spots and immune 'memory.' A possible predictive value in non-immunized and non-responder subjects awaits further confirmation.
Wismans
P J
PJ
Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Utrecht, Netherlands.
van Hattum
J
J
De Gast
G C
GC
Endeman
H J
HJ
Poel
J
J
Stolk
B
B
Maikoe
T
T
Mudde
G C
GC
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M