Hepatitis A virus and Hepatitis B virus antigens (HAV/HBV antigens)

The target 'Immune system – prophylactic antibody induction against HAV and HBV' refers to the biological process of stimulating the host immune system to produce protective antibodies against Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) (CDC, 2022). This is achieved using vaccines that contain inactivated HAV and recombinant Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which serve as the primary molecular targets for the immune response (FDA, 2023). Upon administration, these antigens are recognized by B cells and T cells, leading to the production of neutralizing antibodies that prevent viral entry into hepatocytes (WHO, 2017). This prophylactic approach is essential for preventing acute liver failure from HAV and chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, from HBV (Mayo Clinic, 2023). The efficacy of this induction is measured by the presence of anti-HAV and anti-HBs antibodies in the serum (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

Hepatitis A and B vaccineHAV/HBV prophylaxisCombined Hepatitis A and B antigensTwinrix targetInactivated Hepatitis A and recombinant Hepatitis B surface antigen

Induction of active immunity through the production of neutralizing antibodies against HAV and HBV surface antigens (HBsAg).