Expression Of β 2-Microglobulin on Hepatocytes in Acute and Chronic Type B Hepatitis

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Abstract
β2-Microglobulin display was examined in 131 liver biopsies from patients with acute and chronic type B hepatitis, using an indirect immunoperoxidase method. Enhanced expression of β2-microglobulin on hepatocyte membranes was observed in patients with acute hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis with moderate to severe activity and cirrhosis, when compared with normal liver. In acute hepatitis, β2-microglobulin–positive hepatocytes were mainly observed in perivenular areas in association with bridging necrosis. In chronic hepatitis, β2-microglobulin–positive hepatocytes were observed mainly in periportal zones and in some areas of lobular activty. Diffuse–enhanced display of β2-microglobulin on hepatocytes was observed in 5 of 6 patients treated with lymphoblastoid interferon as part of a trial of antiviral therapy. The mechanism by which β2-microglobulin display is enhanced on hepatocytes in patients not treated with interferon is uncertain. However, display of β2-microglobulin on hepatocytes probably reflects display of HLA–A, B and C antigens and may influence the course of hepatitis B virus infection by increasing susceptibility of the affectedcells to T cell–mediated immune attack.