Effect of age on the immunogenicity of yeast recombinant hepatitis B vaccines containing surface antigen (S) or PreS2 + S antigens.
A single-blind, multicenter, phase II trial of yeast recombinant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines containing surface antigen (S) alone or with PreS2 (PreS2 + S) was conducted in 282 healthy HBV-seronegative adults aged 20-59 years. Each volunteer was randomly assigned to receive HBV vaccine containing 10 micrograms of S or one of three doses of PreS2 plus S: 2 + 10 micrograms, 4 + 20 micrograms, or 8 + 40 micrograms. The level of antibody to HBV surface antigen reached depended on the dose of S, not PreS2, received. In each vaccine group, volunteers 20-39 years old had higher titers of anti-PreS2 and antibody to S than those 40-59 years old. The age-related effect on immune response to HBV vaccination suggests that adults should be immunized against hepatitis B at as early an age as possible and that older persons may need a higher dose or booster immunizations to achieve durable immunity.
Clements
M L
ML
Center for Immunization Research, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
Miskovsky
E
E
Davidson
M
M
Cupps
T
T
Kumwenda
N
N
Sandman
L A
LA
West
D
D
Hesley
T
T
Ioli
V
V
Miller
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000917:Antibody Formation; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D005260:Female; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity*
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic