Genetic prediction of nonresponse to hepatitis B vaccine

Article Abstract:

The immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies to fight off antigens (foreign substances). In mice this antibody production is regulated by an inherited gene found on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a group of protein antigens which can induce an immune reaction in the body. A new vaccine to prevent hepatitis B has been developed, but some patients do not produce any immunity from it. To test whether or not this unexplained lack of antibody response is caused by an inadequate MHC gene inheritance, five persons with the dominant gene on the MHC (heterozygotes) and five persons without the dominant gene on the MHC (homozygotes, recessive trait) were given hepatitis B vaccine. It was found that the antibody for hepatitis B can only be produced when the dominant gene in the MHC is inherited. The lack of antibody response to the vaccine is due to a recessive trait that is characterized by the absence of a dominant gene in the MHC. Individuals with this genetic trait are unresponsive to hepatitis B vaccine.

Prevention, Hepatitis B

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The effects of variation in human immune-response genes

Article Abstract:

The immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies to fight off antigens (foreign substances). In mice this antibody production is regulated by an inherited gene found on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC, a group of protein antigens which can induce an immune reaction in the body). The gene located in the MHC of the human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) is the primary regulator of the immune response. Human response to vaccines, grafts and infectious agents are formed by the genetic variations of HLA class II genes. Groups of families who were unresponsive when given hepatitis B vaccine were examined and it was found that the unresponsive group did not have the total gene combination in MHC that is necessary for a successful immune response and had inherited a recessive trait. A dominant inheritance of the gene results in normal antibody response. Susceptibility to autoimmune diseases may also be regulated by the same or a similar mechanism of HLA genetic inheritance.

HLA histocompatibility antigens, HLA antigens, editorial

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The perils of platelet transfusions

Article Abstract:

More research is needed on the proper use of blood platelet transfusions. These transfusions are often given to cancer patients who experience a drop in blood platelet levels following chemotherapy. The platelets are prepared from blood which is centrifuged to sediment out the platelets and other blood cells. However, the other cells can cause an immune reaction when the platelets are transfused. A 1997 study found that this immune reaction can be prevented by irradiating the platelets or removing the cells that cause the reaction. Another study found that physicians can wait until platelet counts drop to 10,000 before transfusing platelets rather than 20,000.

Care and treatment, Editorial, Production processes, Blood, Blood platelets, Thrombocytopenia, Platelet transfusion

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