Vaccination with rabies to study the humoral and cellular immune response to a T-cell dependent neoantigen in man

J Clin Immunol. 2003 Nov;23(6):528-38. doi: 10.1023/b:joci.0000010429.36461.6b.

Abstract

We investigated the humoral (antigen-specific immunoglobulin isotypes, IgG subclasses, and avidity maturation) and cellular (antigen-specific in vitro proliferation) immune response in 18 healthy adult volunteers, following a primary and a single booster vaccination with the T-cell dependent neoantigen rabies administered at a 3-months interval. The IgG antibody titer showed a mean 31-fold increase (range 3-154) 4 weeks after the first vaccination and a memory response was observed after booster vaccination, i.e. high IgG titers, switch from IgM to IgG and IgA and increased antibody avidity. All healthy adults showed a rabies-induced proliferative response with a mean stimulation index of 45 (range 3.5-200) after in vitro stimulation of PBMC obtained at 4 weeks after booster vaccination. The results obtained in this study provide a frame of reference for the interpretation of specific immune responses to the T-cell dependent neoantigen rabies in patients suspected of a primary or secondary immunodeficiency. Humoral and cellular immune responses to the rabies neoantigen provide complementary information on the condition of the immune system of an individual. Five patients diagnosed with a combined immunodeficiency were vaccinated using the same protocol and showed a number of abnormalities, either in the humoral or the cellular immune response to the rabies neoantigen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Antibodies / immunology*
  • Antibody Formation
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunization Schedule
  • Middle Aged
  • Rabies Vaccines / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Vaccination*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Rabies Vaccines