Hepatitis B Virus and Hla Antigen Display in the Liver During Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

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Abstract
An analysis of the expression of the histocompatibility antigens in the livers of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and normal subjects has demonstrated an increased expression of HLA–A,B,C antigens on the hepatocytes of patients with a low level of viral replication (HBe antibody positive) as compared with patients who exhibit a high level of viral replication (HBe antigen positive) and controls. This increase in the expression of histocompatibility antigens on the hepatocytes was associated with a decrease in the membrane expression of viral antigens by the same cells. These differences in the density of HLA and viral antigen display may influence the efficiency of T–cell cytolysis of hepatitis B virus–infected hepatocytes.