A Weak Neutralizing Antibody Response to Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Glycoprotein Enhances Virus Infection
2011
Weak Antibody Response to Hepatitis C Virus Enhances Infection
Sample size: 16
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Meyer Keith, Banerjee Arup, Frey Sharon E., Belshe Robert B., Ray Ranjit
Primary Institution: Saint Louis University
Hypothesis
Can weak neutralizing antibodies to hepatitis C virus enhance infection?
Conclusion
The study found that sera with poor neutralizing activity can enhance hepatitis C virus infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Neutralizing activity to HCV genotype 1a was detected in approximately 25% of the vaccinee sera.
- Sera with poor neutralizing activity enhanced HCV infection in a dilution-dependent manner.
- Antibody specific to FcRII blocked enhancement of HCV infection by vaccinee sera.
Takeaway
Some vaccines can create weak antibodies that actually help the virus infect cells instead of stopping it.
Methodology
A phase 1 safety and immunogenicity trial was conducted with hepatitis C virus envelope glycoproteins in volunteers.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a small sample size and specific genotypes of the virus.
Participant Demographics
Volunteers were vaccinated with different doses of HCV glycoproteins.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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