Pre-S antibody

Because pre-S protein is more immunogenic than HBsAg, pre-S antibodies appear shortly after the appearance of pre-S protein. Therefore, the pre-S antibody is the earliest antibody that appears during the HBV infection. It reaches a high peak after anti-Hbe seroconversion, but the existence time is short. Generally, it only lasts about 6-12 months in the recovery period of acute infection. Other antigens coexist. Unlike anti-HBs, which prevent viral reinfection through neutralization, pre-S antibodies clear the virus by destroying infected cells, and thus participate in both the activity of the lesion and the immune clearance mechanism.