Lymphocyte response to hepatitis B surface antigen: Findings in hepatitis and Indian childhood cirrhosis

Abstract

The lymphocyte delayed hypersensitivity response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) was evaluated by two in vitro tests - leucocyte migration inhibition and DNA synthesis. Patients convalescing from HBsAg-positive hepatitis showed the presence of a state of cell-mediated immune responsiveness to the antigen. In Indian childhood cirrhosis, there was a failure of response to HBsAg and a slight but significant depression of reaction to PHA. It is suggested that the lack of immune reactivity to HBsAg, perhaps determined genetically, may be a significant factor in the evolution of cirrhosis in Indian children.