Lymphocyte response to hepatitis B surface antigen. Findings in hepatitis and Indian childhood cirrhosis.
The lymphocyte delayed hypersensitivity response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and hepatitis B antigen (HBsAG) was evaluated by two in vitro tests-leucocyte migration inhibition and DNA synthesis. Patients convalescing from HBsAG-positive hepatits showed the presence of a state of cell-mediated immune responsiveness to the antigen. In Indian childhood cirrhosis, there was a failure of response to HBsAG and a slight but significant depression of reaction to PHA. It is suggested that the lack of immune reactivity to HBsAG, perhaps determined genetically, may be a significant factor in the evolution of cirrhosis in Indian children.
D000818:Animals; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000882:Haplorhini; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D037102:Lectins; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000276:immunology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male
D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D037102:Lectins