Identification of a novel single-stranded DNA fragment associated with human hepatitis.
By performing nonspecific polymerase chain reaction followed by elimination of chromosome-derived sequences, foreign DNA fragments were obtained from the serum of a patient with non-A-E hepatitis. One of the sequences, named NV-F, contained a partial open reading frame and was detected in 17 (24.6%) of 69 patients with non-A-E hepatitis, including 1 with fulminant hepatitis (vs. in 5 [2.8%] of 180 healthy individuals). A peptide was synthesized accordingly, to detect serum anti-NV-F antibody, which was found in 49 (75.4%) of 65 patients positive for NV-F. This DNA fragment was sensitive to S1 nuclease digestion. Cesium chloride gradient analysis revealed that the NV-F-associated particles had buoyant densities of 1.33-1.39 and 1.22-1.25 g/mL. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the novel antigen was present in the hepatocytes of patients infected with NV-F. In conclusion, we have identified a novel single-stranded DNA fragment derived from a virus-like agent associated with human hepatitis.
Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan. chauting@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Chau-Ting
CT
Yeh
Mei-Lin
ML
Tsao
Ying-Chun
YC
Lin
I-Chu
IC
Tseng
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000378:metabolism; D001483:Base Sequence; D001706:Biopsy; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000821:virology*; D006518:Hepatitis Viruses / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral; D011994:Recombinant Proteins