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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.
Background/Aims:
Hepatitis B virus displays a distinct species and tissue tropism. Previously we have demonstrated that a human liver plasma membrane protein with a molecular weight of approximately 34 kiloDalton specifically binds to HBsAg. This protein was identified as endonexin II, a Ca2+ dependent phospholipid binding protein.
Methods:
Using a mouse monoclonal antibody, directed against the HBsAg binding epitope on human endonexin II, liver tissue from various non-human species, human liver tissue and some extra-hepatic human tissues were screened for the presence of endonexin II.
Results:
Endonexin II was detectable in human, chimpanzee and rhesus monkey liver and in all tested extra-hepatic human tissues, using western blot and immunohistochemical techniques. In rat, mouse, cow and pig liver tissues endonexin II could not be detected with the antibody.
Conclusions:
The species specific distribution of the HBsAg binding protein endonexin II apparently correlates with the species tropism of hepatitis B virus. Furthermore, the detection of HBV-DNA, RNA transcripts and antigens in a variety of tissues in chronic infected patients, is in agreement with the wide distribution of the HBsAg binding endonexin II in various tissues.