Antigens of Hepatitis B Virus: Failure to Detect HBeAg on the Surfaces of HBsAg Forms

Abstract

The particulate forms of HBsAg [hepatitis B surface antigen] were analyzed for the presence of HBeAg [hepatitis B e antigen] on their surfaces. By immunodiffusion analysis, anti-HBe did not form precipitin bands with the purified forms of HBsAg and hyperimmune guinea pig antisera to these forms did not react with HBeAg. Lines of non-identity were observed between the HBeAg determinants (e1 and e2) and the Dane particles and filaments isolated from an HBeAg-positive serum. Finally, anti-HBe failed to precipitate the polymerase-positive subpopulation of Dane particles, indicating that anti-HBe has no direct role in virus neutralization.