[Subclasses of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen in chronic HBV infections: changes during treatment with interferons and predictors of response].
Response to interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier is preceded by the appearance of IgM class anti-HBc (antibody to hepatitis B core antigen). The temporal relationship and magnitude of the IgM anti-HBc response is variable, suggesting that the antibody is not directly involved in hepatocyte lysis, but is merely a marker of a changed state of immunity to the nucleocapsid proteins induced by interferon. IgG 1, 2, 3 and 4 did not change during therapy. IgG anti-HBc of all subclasses was absent in two Chinese HBV carriers. Lower than normal titres of anti-HBc (P less than 0.001) were detected in human immunodeficiency virus antibody positive (anti-HIV) carriers. These data indicate the presence of altered immunity to the nucleocapsid antigens in these two types of chronic HBV carrier that are known to respond poorly to antiviral therapy.
Cheng
G M
GM
Institute of Hepatitis, Chongqing Medical University.
Karayiannis
P
P
Thomas
H C
HC
D000328:Adult; D002353:Carrier State / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D007372:Interferons