title: The spot-ELISA: a sensitive in vitro method to study the immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Utrecht, Netherlands.
authors: P J
authors: PJ
authors: Wismans
authors: J
authors: J
authors: van Hattum
authors: G C
authors: GC
authors: De Gast
authors: H J
authors: HJ
authors: Endeman
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Poel
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Stolk
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Maikoe
authors: G C
authors: GC
authors: Mudde
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M