[Changes of humoral and cellular immunity in chronic hepatitis C patients of different staging].

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence produced by viral proteins in the hepatic cells and RNA of hepatitis C virus (HCV) on the indices of T- and B-cell response in 52 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). A relative count of peripheral-blood lymphocytes (PBL), expressing antigens CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, CD20+ and CD95+ was estimated. The repertoire of antibodies to HCV proteins was specified.

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies and epitope mapping of the NS4 protein of hepatitis C virus.

Recombinant DNA containing sequences of HCV NS4 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli cells. Six hybridoma clones producing monoclonal antibodies (MAB) to recombinant NS4 protein (rNS4), aa 1677-1756, were developed. Mapping with a panel of 33 peptides and reciprocal competitive EIA have shown that MAB obtained revealed five antigen determinants, not described earlier: MAB 3F11 and 3F12-one genotype-independent epitope of NS4A (aa 1700-1707) common for genotypes 1, 2 and 3; MAB 1D11-genotype-independent epitope (aa 1713-1728) and MAB 1D3-genotype (subtype 1b)-specific epitope of NS4B (aa 1711-1731); MAB 6B11 and C1-two conformation-dependent determinants in 5-1-1 region.

[Hepatitis C virus RNA in patients with chronic hepatitis C].

Reviews recent data on the detection of genome and replicative HCV RNA in patients with chronic hepatitis C by PCR and in situ hybridization. Discusses the results of HCV RNA detection in the liver, lymphocytes, serum, and other organs and tissues and notes the relationship between the incidence of RNA and activity of the pathological process. Analyzes the results of HCV RNA detection after IFN treatment.

[The role of hepatitis C virus RNA detection in various substrates of patients with chronic hepatitis C].

Puncture biopsy of the liver and blood count were made in 72 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Morphological alterations in the liver were assessed by Knodell index. The blood serum, lymphocytes and hepatic tissue were examined for a genome form of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, blood lymphocytes and hepatic tissue--for a relevant replication form.