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

Long-term protection against hepatitis B (HB) disease is dependent on persistence of a strong immune memory. This paper presents and discusses new knowledge that allows a better understanding of the mechanisms of long-term protection following hepatitis B vaccination. Studies have revealed links between 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 primary vaccination. Vaccine antigen dose and structure have been identified as important influences in the primary antibody response and development of immune memory. The data and considerations presented support the use of highly immunogenic HB vaccines in order to provide long-lasting protection against HB disease.