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Species specificity for HBsAg binding protein endonexin II
W C de Bruin1, W P Leenders, H Moshage
1Division of Gastro/intestinal and Liver Diseases, Academical Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Hepatology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
The HBsAg binding protein, endonexin II, is found in human and certain primate liver tissues, correlating with Hepatitis B virus tropism. Its presence in various human tissues aligns with HBV detection in chronic infections.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) exhibits specific species and tissue tropism.
- A 34 kDa human liver plasma membrane protein, identified as endonexin II, binds to Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
- Endonexin II is a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the species and tissue distribution of endonexin II.
- To determine if endonexin II distribution correlates with Hepatitis B virus tropism.
Main Methods:
- Screening of liver tissues from various species and human extra-hepatic tissues using a mouse monoclonal antibody against the HBsAg binding epitope of human endonexin II.
- Utilizing western blot and immunohistochemical techniques to detect endonexin II.
Main Results:
- Endonexin II was detected in human, chimpanzee, and rhesus monkey liver tissues.
- Endonexin II was present in all tested human extra-hepatic tissues.
- Endonexin II was undetectable in rat, mouse, cow, and pig liver tissues.
Conclusions:
- The species-specific distribution of endonexin II correlates with Hepatitis B virus species tropism.
- The widespread distribution of endonexin II in human tissues supports findings of HBV DNA, RNA, and antigens in various tissues of chronically infected patients.