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HLA typing in chronic type B, D and C hepatitis
C Zavaglia1, C Bortolon, G Ferrioli
1Department of Internal Medicine, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Journal of Hepatology
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Host genetics, specifically Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA), do not influence chronic Hepatitis B or D. However, HLA-DR5 may protect against chronic Hepatitis C infection in Italian patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Host genetic factors may influence susceptibility to viral hepatitis.
- Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) play a crucial role in immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between HLA antigens and susceptibility to chronic Hepatitis B (HBV), D (HDV), and C (HCV) infections.
- To determine if host genetic factors influence the pathology of these chronic viral infections.
Main Methods:
- Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) A, B, DR, and DQ were determined using microlymphocytotoxicity assays.
- Frequencies of HLA antigens in patients with chronic hepatitis B, C, or D were compared to those of healthy controls.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between any HLA antigen and chronic HBV or HDV infection.
- A higher frequency of HLA-B14 was observed in patients with chronic HCV infection.
- A lower frequency of HLA-DR5 was observed in HCV-positive patients compared to controls, suggesting a protective role.
Conclusions:
- No correlation exists between HLA phenotype and clearance of HBV or HDV.
- Immunogenetic factors, particularly HLA-DR5, may play a role in susceptibility to chronic HCV infection in the Italian population.
- HLA-DR5 appears to be a protective factor against chronic Hepatitis C.