Lymphocyte stimulation in hepatitis B infections.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hepatology
• Virology

Background:

• Cell-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in viral hepatitis clearance.
• Assessing immune responses to Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is vital for understanding disease progression and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cell-mediated immune responses in patients with acute and chronic Type B hepatitis.
• To determine the correlation between lymphocyte transformation to HBsAg and recovery from hepatitis B infection.

Main Methods:

• Lymphocyte transformation assays were performed using purified HBsAg and phytohemagglutinin.
• Dinitrochlorobenzene sensitization and skin-test antigen responses were evaluated.
• Immune responses were assessed in patients with acute, chronic active, and chronic persistent Type B hepatitis, as well as HBsAg carriers.

Main Results:

• Lymphocyte transformation to HBsAg was absent in acute Type B hepatitis but emerged during convalescence, persisting for at least six years.
• Patients with chronic active hepatitis and elevated transaminases showed partial transformation, while those with normal transaminases did not.
• No lymphocyte transformation to HBsAg was observed in chronic persistent hepatitis or HBsAg carriers.
• All patient groups exhibited normal responses to dinitrochlorobenzene, skin-test antigens, and phytohemagglutinin.

Conclusions:

• Recovery from Type B hepatitis is associated with the development of a specific lymphocyte response to HBsAg.
• Cell-mediated immunity, indicated by lymphocyte transformation, serves as a marker for successful recovery and long-term immunity.