Selective detection of human hepatitis B virus surface and core antigens in peripheral blood mononuclear cell subsets...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant global health concern.
• The role of peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is not fully understood.
• Investigating viral protein expression and replication within specific immune cell subsets is crucial for understanding CHB pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) on PBMCs in CHB patients.
• To determine if HBV DNA and RNA are present and replicate within specific PBMC subsets.
• To elucidate the cellular tropism of HBV within the immune system.

Main Methods:

• Flow cytometry was used to detect HBsAg and HBcAg on PBMC subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD56).
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blotting were employed to detect HBV DNA and RNA in sorted PBMC subsets.
• Primers targeting the HBV S gene were utilized for PCR analysis.

Main Results:

• HBsAg and HBcAg were detected on the surface of PBMCs from most CHB patients.
• B lymphocytes (CD19) and NK cells (CD56) showed the highest expression of HBsAg and HBcAg.
• HBV DNA was detected in CD3, CD4, CD19, and CD56 cells, while HBV RNA was predominantly found in CD19 and CD56 cells, indicating active replication and transcription.

Conclusions:

• HBV can infect and replicate within B lymphocytes and NK cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
• The presence of viral antigens on immune cells suggests a complex interplay between HBV and the host immune system.
• These findings highlight potential new targets for therapeutic interventions in chronic hepatitis B.