Impairment of Circulating Follicular Helper T Cells in HIV-Positive Individuals Who Are Negative for Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Despite Vaccination - Report - MDSpire

Impairment of Circulating Follicular Helper T Cells in HIV-Positive Individuals Who Are Negative for Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Despite Vaccination

  • By

  • Ayako Sedohara

  • Yoshiaki Kanno

  • Keiko Arai

  • Kotaro Arizono

  • Michiko Koga

  • Fumio Nakahara

  • Makoto Saito

  • Eisuke Adachi

  • Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi

  • March 11, 2026

  • 0 min

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Impairment of Circulating Follicular Helper T Cells in HIV-Positive Individuals

Overview

Revise to specify the findings regarding cTfh cell function and implications for vaccination.

Background

HIV infection leads to chronic inflammation and complications, despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART). Understanding the immune response to vaccinations, particularly in HIV-positive individuals, is crucial as they are at higher risk for infections like hepatitis B. The study focuses on the role of cTfh cells in the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in this population.

Data Highlights

No numerical data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • cTfh cells from HBsAb– PWH showed impaired function compared to HBsAb+ PWH.
  • HIV infection negatively affects the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination.
  • 5-10% of the population fails to acquire antibodies after HBV vaccination, with a higher prevalence in PWH.
  • HIV-infected Tfh cells are difficult to eliminate due to their location in secondary lymphoid tissues.
  • cTfh cells can be used as a minimally invasive method to assess Tfh function in humans.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the impaired immune responses in HIV-positive individuals following hepatitis B vaccination. Monitoring cTfh cell function may provide insights into vaccination efficacy and guide revaccination strategies for those who do not achieve adequate antibody responses.

Conclusion

The study underscores the need for tailored vaccination strategies in HIV-positive populations, particularly those who do not respond adequately to standard hepatitis B vaccination protocols.

References

  1. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2024 -- Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Clearance After Vaccination in People With HIV
  2. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2024 -- Reduced Longevity of Vaccine-Induced Antibodies in Youth with Perinatal HIV Undergoing cART
  3. The ASCO Post, 2016 -- Risk for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in HIV-Infected Patients
  4. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2024 -- Assessment of Immune Response Effectiveness and Longevity Following Hepatitis A Vaccination in Individuals with HIV
  5. NIH -- Immunizations for Preventable Diseases in Adults and Adolescents with HIV: Adult and Adolescent OIs
  6. HepB-CpG vs HepB-Alum Vaccine in People With HIV and Prior Vaccine Nonresponse: The BEe-HIVe Randomized Clinical Trial - PMC
  7. Persistent expansion and Th1-like skewing of HIV-specific circulating T follicular helper cells during antiretroviral therapy - PMC
  8. Immunizations for Preventable Diseases in Adults and Adolescents with HIV: Adult and Adolescent OIs | NIH
  9. HepB-CpG vs HepB-Alum Vaccine in People With HIV and Prior Vaccine Nonresponse: The BEe-HIVe Randomized Clinical Trial - PMC
  10. Persistent expansion and Th1-like skewing of HIV-specific circulating T follicular helper cells during antiretroviral therapy - PMC

Original Source(s)

Impairment of Circulating Follicular Helper T Cells in HIV-Positive Individuals Who Are Negative for Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Despite Vaccination

  • by Ayako Sedohara, Yoshiaki Kanno, Keiko Arai, Kotaro Arizono, Michiko Koga, Fumio Nakahara, Makoto Saito, Eisuke Adachi, Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi

  • March 11, 2026

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