A Functional Polymorphism in the IL - 10 Promoter Influences the Response After Vaccination With HBsAg and Hepatitis A *

Abstract

The immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is mostly genetically determined. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a central immunoregulatory cytokine with important effects on B-cells. We have studied the influence of IL - 10 promoter polymorphisms on the immune response to HBsAg and hepatitis A vaccination. We vaccinated 202 twin pairs in an open prospective study with a combined recombinant HBsAg/inactivated hepatitis A vaccine. IL - 10 promoter polymorphisms were investigated in all individuals and their influence on anti-HBs, and anti-HAV responsiveness was studied. In the multiple regression analysis accounting for smoking, gender, body mass index and age, the ACC haplotype (− 1082 , − 819 and − 592 ) had a strong influence on anti-HBs production. Individuals carrying the ACC haplotype had anti-HBs titres almost twice as high as individuals without this haplotype. In contrast, anti-HAV production was suppressed by the presence of the −1082A allele in comparison with individuals homozygous for the −1082G allele. The contribution of the shared IL - 10 promoter haplotype accounted for 27% of the genetic influence on anti-HBs antibody response. In conclusion , genetic variability in the IL - 10 promoter is an important modulator of the immune response against hepatitis viral antigens. (Hepatology 2005.)

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