Host responses to hepatitis B infection: hepatitis B surface antigen and host proteins.

Abstract

Editorials1 July 1975Host Responses to Hepatitis B Infection: Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Host ProteinsBARBARA WERNER, PH.D., W. THOMAS LONDON, M.D., F.A.C.P.BARBARA WERNER, PH.D.Search for more papers by this author, W. THOMAS LONDON, M.D., F.A.C.P.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-83-1-113 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptAn intriguing feature of infection with the agent that causes hepatitis B in man is the great variation in host response. The Dane particle, which is 45 nm in diameter and contains an internal core with antigenic specificity (HBcAg) and an outer surface component that is also antigenic (HBsAg, Australia antigen), is presumed to be the infectious virion of hepatitis B (HBV). The host response to HBV ranges from clinically inapparent infections to acute, chronic, and fulminant hepatitis. When infected, most persons produce an excess of HBsAg, which is readily detected in their serum and is seen by electron microscopy...