Induction of the in vitro anti-HBs response by hepatitis B surface antigen.

The production in vitro of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy volunteers was studied after each of the three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. An in vitro hepatitis B surface antigen antibody response was successfully induced in 12% of the specimens taken over a 7 month period. The response to this antigen was induced in additional samples if cells had been treated previously with anti-CD4 and complement or anti-CD8 and complement prior to culture initiation. The addition of interleukin 2 could also induce the formation of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen. The results suggest that the antibody response to hepatitis B surface antigen is complex and varies depending on the individual and time of sampling.