title: HBsAg-induced antigen-specific T and B lymphocyte responses in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers and immune individuals.
abstract: This report describes a study of in vitro proliferative and antibody responses to the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) of lymphocytes from chronic HBsAg carriers, subjects with naturally acquired immunity, and responders to the hepatitis B vaccine. Peripheral blood T and B lymphocytes were cultured with a wide range of concentrations of HBsAg (0.025-250 ng/ml). We were unable to detect HBsAg-specific proliferation or antibody synthesis in any of the subject groups studied, despite the use of a range of antigen concentrations, cell ratios and culture periods. The addition of recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL-2) or T cell growth factor at either initiation or day 3 of culture enhanced proliferative responses, but in an antigen-independent manner. In contrast to the proliferation observed following the addition of IL-2, the absence of responses to specific antigen suggest there may be low numbers of HBsAg-specific precursors in the peripheral blood.
authors: Liver Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Fernan
authors: C J
authors: CJ
authors: Cayzer
authors: W G
authors: WG
authors: Cooksley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D002353:Carrier State / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011994:Recombinant Proteins