Hepatitis B virus and HLA antigen display in the liver during chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
an analysis of the expression of the histocompatibility antigens in the livers of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and normal subjects has demonstrated an increased expression of HLA-A, B, C antigens on the hepatocytes of patients with a low level of viral replication (HBe antibody positive) as compared with patients who exhibit a high level of viral replication (HBe antigen positive) and controls. This increase in the expression of histocompatibility antigens on the hepatocytes was associated with a decrease in the membrane expression of viral antigens by the same cells. These differences in the density of HLA and viral antigen display may influence the efficiency of T-cell cytolysis of hepatitis B virus-infected hepatocytes.
D001706:Biopsy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000032:analysis* / Q000473:pathology
D006680:HLA Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens