[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.
Institute of Hepatitis, Chongqing Medical University.
G M
GM
Cheng
P
P
Karayiannis
H C
HC
Thomas
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