Abstract
5 9 HLA class I antigens have been shown to be expressed on cellmembrane of hepatocytes in acute hepatitis (AH) and chronic hepatitis (CH), and are thought to be involved in T cell-mediated hepatocyte-lysis. In this study, we have measured the level of soluble HLA class I (s-HLA class I) antigens in sera of patients with AH, CH and of patients with CH type B (CH-B) treated with human lymphoblast interferone alpha ( IFN-a ) . Soluble HLA class I was measured by double determinat immunoassay using a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to a monomorphic determinant of HLA class I antigen and a peroxidase-labelled MoAb to B2-microglobul in 1. The level of s-HLA class I antigens was expressed as a ratio agaist standard serum (titer). The mean titer of s-HLA class I antigens was 0.36 + 0.29 (mean + SD) in normal control (NC), 3.28 + 0.76 in AH, 2.22 + 1.60 in chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH), 2.24 + 1.65 in chronic active hepatitis 2A (CAH 2A) and 2.73 + 1.46 in chronic active hepatitis 2B (CAH 2B)(Fig.l). The titer of sHLA class I antigens was significantly correlated with GPT value in AH and CH (r=0.79, P<0.01 and r=0.73, P<0.01). In CH-B patients treated with IFN-o~ , the s-HLA class I antigen level increased markedly during IFN therapy (Fig.2). Increased level of s-HLA class I antigens was demonstrated in sera of patients with AH, CH and patients with CH-B treated with I F N a . Studies are in progress to determine whether the measure of s-HLA class I antigens may provide a new accurate approach to study the mechanisms of hepatitis and a parameter for the IFN treatment. 1. Sakaguchi K, et al: Human Immunol. 1988;21:193-207 o o
Published Version
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