Hla-Bb,Dr3 Phenotype and the Antibody Response Against Epstein-Barr Virus

Abstract
Antibodies against the viral capsid antigen (VCA) and nuclear antigens (EBNAs) of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were determined in a sample of Sicilian population. A significant correlation was observed between HLA-BB,DR3 phenotype and reduced titres of antibodies to EBNAs, whereas HLA-BB,DR3 positive individuals displayed levels of antibodies to VCA comparable to those of HLA-BB,DR3 negative ones. These results further strenghten the suggestion that HLA-BB,DR3 positive subjects are low responders and that the depth of immune response depends on on the fashion of antigenic challenge.