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. 1977 Apr;74(4):1702–1706. doi: 10.1073/pnas.74.4.1702

Host specificity of a serum marker for hepatitis B: evidence that "e antigen" has the properties of an immunoglobulin.

A R Neurath, N Strick
PMCID: PMC430861  PMID: 266209

Abstract

A family of antigens, referred to collectively as e antigen (eAg), has been detected in sera of some individuals with liver disease who test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Studies on eAg partially purified by affinity chromatography on insolubilized antibodies to eAg revealed the following: (i) eAg has the physicochemical and immunologic properties of an immunoglobulin, predominantly of the IgG4 subclass, and (ii) specific antigenic sites, designated as e determinants, differentiate eAg from other immunoglobulins. We suggest that these determinants represent idiotypic determinants on antibodies that are formed in response to hepatitis B virus infection and that block the host's immune surveillance mechanisms by which virus proliferation is stopped.

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Selected References

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