Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Author Spotlight: Investigating Immune Cell Dynamics in the Tumor Microenvironment — Challenges and Innovations in Cancer Prognosis
Published on: April 12, 2024
Nature of immune complexes in autoimmune chronic active hepatitis
Abstract:
Immune complexes containing antinuclear antibodies have been observed in autoimmune chronic active hepatitis. Using a library of nuclear constituents (deoxyribonucleic acid, small nuclear ribonucleoproteins, and histones), we analyzed the antigens involved in formation of immune complexes. Immune complexes were defined in dissociation experiments, and after separation under dissociating conditions. Immune complexes composed of histones and immunoglobulin G were observed in four of nine immune complex-positive autoimmune chronic active hepatitis sera. Immune complexes containing the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein U1-RNP and immunoglobulin G were observed in two additional samples. Kidney eluates obtained from 2 patients with autoimmune chronic active hepatitis and membranous glomerulonephritis revealed enrichment of anti-U1-RNP, suggesting specific deposition of this antibody in complexed form. Circulating immune complexes containing histones were observed only in patients with autoimmune chronic active hepatitis-associated sicca syndrome; those containing U1-RNP were restricted to patients with autoimmune chronic active hepatitis associated with kidney disease.
Related Concept Videos
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and...
Antibody Actions
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Affinity and Avidity

