title: Nuclear antigen detected in hepatoma cell lines containing integrated hepatitis B virus DNA.
abstract: We identified, by anticomplement immunofluorescence, a nuclear antigen (hepatitis B virus-associated nuclear antigen [HBNA]) in two human hepatoma cell lines containing integrated hepatitis B virus DNA but not in three hepatoma cell lines lacking it. The antigen resembled neoantigens associated with the oncogenesis of certain papovaviruses, adenoviruses, and herpesviruses. Antibody to the antigen (anti-HBNA) was found in 7.3% of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive sera from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma but not in surface antigen-negative sera. The staining of HBNA was characterized by two patterns, reticular nuclear fluorescence and nucleolar fluorescence. The expression of HBNA did not parallel the production of extracellular hepatitis B surface antigen. Treatment of cells with proteinase K, RNase, DNase, or cycloheximide significantly diminished the staining of HBNA.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D002460:Cell Line; D002466:Cell Nucleolus / Q000276:immunology; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000276:immunology; D003513:Cycloheximide / Q000494:pharmacology; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009698:Nucleoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic
chemical_list: D034961:Antigens, Nuclear; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D009698:Nucleoproteins; D003513:Cycloheximide