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Emergence of hepatitis B virus S gene mutant in a liver transplant recipient
Author(s) -
Cariani Elisabetta,
Ravaggi Antonella,
Tanzi Elisabetta,
Romanò Luisa,
Fiordalisi Gianfranco,
Bellati Giorgio,
Caccamo Lucio,
Galmarini Dinangelo,
Albertini Alberto,
Zanetti Alessandro
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.1890470419
Subject(s) - hbsag , hepatitis b virus , virology , biology , monoclonal antibody , virus , antibody , epitope , hepadnaviridae , mutant , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , immunology , genetics
Immunological and genomic analysis of the “a” determinant was carried out in seven patients with concurrent HBsAg and anti‐HBs, four of whom were immunized against hepatitis B virus at liver transplant, two with histologically characterized chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and one HBsAg healthy carrier. The immune reactivity of the HBsAg “a” determinant was evaluated by binding to specific monoclonal antibodies, and the corresponding genomic sequence was studied by differential hybridization in microtiter plates and nucleotide sequence analysis. A double mutation generating an amino acid change (glycine to lysine) at residue 145, able to impair recognition by monoclonal antibodies, was observed in the post‐transplant serum from one patient. No significant alteration of the “a” determinant sequence or reactivity was detected in the other patients. Amino acid residue 145 appears therefore to be critical for the recognition by anti‐HBs antibodies. A previously undescribed glycine to lysine substitution at this level interferes with the immune reactivity of the “a” determinant. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.