Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
Published on: November 7, 2018
Circulating immune complexes in non-A, non-B hepatitis. Possible masking of viral antigen
Abstract:
Serial serum samples from 22 patients with transfusion-associated non-A, non-B hepatitis and 2 chimpanzees with the experimentally induced disease were tested for circulating immune complexes by Raji-cell radioimmunoassay. 13 patients (59%) and 1 chimpanzee had circulating immune complexes immediately before, coincident with, or during the return to normal of raised aminotransferase activity. 7 of the 10 patients with chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis had detectable complexes at levels which waxed and waned in parallel with changes in serum aminotransferase activity. Immune complexes may contain and mask viral antigens, and their presence may explain the failure of conventional immunological techniques to detect virus antigens.
Related Concept Videos
Humoral Immune Responses
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Antibody Actions
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

