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Hepatitis B virus transcripts and surface antigen in human peripheral blood lymphocytes
A Lobbiani1, F Lalatta, F Lugo
1Molecular Biology Laboratory, Clonit S.p.A., Milan, Italy.
Journal of Medical Virology
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and RNA were found in lymphocytes of some chronic active hepatitis patients, indicating an active viral genome within these cells. This discovery sheds light on HBV persistence in immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health concern.
- The role of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in HBV persistence is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and activity of the HBV genome within PBL of patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH).
Main Methods:
- Southern and Northern blot techniques were used to detect HBV DNA and transcripts.
- Enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA) were employed to detect HBV antigens.
- Analysis was performed on PBL from 12 patients with HBsAg-positive CAH and 8 healthy donors.
Main Results:
- HBV DNA was detected in 5 out of 12 CAH patients as extrachromosomal monomers.
- RNA transcripts, including a 2.4 kb HBsAg-specific transcript, were found in 3 patients.
- Detectable HBsAg was found in cell lysates, and circulating HBeAg was present in all patients with cellular HBV DNA.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocytes can harbor a transcriptionally and translationally active HBV genome in some patients with chronic hepatitis B.
- This suggests a potential role for lymphocytes in HBV persistence and pathogenesis.
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