Lifelong protection against hepatitis B: the role of vaccine immunogenicity in immune memory

Long-term protection against hepatitis B (HB) disease is dependent on persi stence of a strong immune memory. This paper presents and discusses new kno wledge that allows a better understanding of the mechanisms of long-term pr otection following hepatitis B vaccination. Studies have revealed links bet ween specific lymphoproliferation, the in vivo humoral response and immune memory. The strength of immune memory and of a subsequent secondary immune response can therefore be predicted by the antibody response following prim ary vaccination. Vaccine antigen dose and structure have been identified as important influences in the primary antibody response and development of i mmune memory. The data and considerations presented support the use of high ly immunogenic HE vaccines in order to provide long-lasting protection agai nst HE disease. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.