Unsolved problems and future perspectives of hepatitis B virus vaccination

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a serious worldwide problem, and vaccination is the most effective strategy for primary prevention of the infection. Although universal vaccination may be required for total eradication, several countries, including Japan, have not yet adopted universal vaccination programs. Some individuals are non-responders to HBV vaccine and several mechanisms responsible for their poor response have been proposed. To overcome non-response, third generation vaccines with pre-S proteins have been developed. These vaccines have shown better anti-HBs responses and may also be effective in preventing infection by HBV with S mutant. Improvement of vaccine efficacy by intradermal administration, or co-administration with cytokines or adjuvants, may also be effective in non-responders. The necessity, timing and method of booster vaccination in responders with decreased anti-HBs responses, and effective vaccination against S-mutant HBV, are issues requiring resolution in the global prevention of HBV infection.