[Immunogenetic factors influencing HBV carrier state, the seroconversion and the development of chronic liver...

In order to investigate the immunogenetic factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier state, the HBe seroconversion and the development of chronic liver disease, HLA typing were performed in 278 asymptomatic HBV carriers (ASC) and 110 patients with chronic B type hepatitis (CH). HLA typing was also performed in 178 vaccinees who had received hepatitis B vaccine. The significantly decreased frequencies of DR1 and DRw13 were found in ASC, CH and non-responders to HB vaccine. This suggests that DR1 and DRw13 may be associated with the elimination of HBV. The frequency of DR4.2 was increased in ASC, but decreased in CH. The seroconversion rate of DR4.2 positive CH as well as ASC was high. Therefore DR4.2 may have relevance to the seroconversion from HBeAg to anti-HBe.