Neoexpression of sialyl oligomeric Lewis X by Kupffer cells in chronic hepatitis.

Abstract

The expression of a carbohydrate antigen, sialyl oligomeric Lewis X (SOLex), by Kupffer cells was examined in liver biopsy specimens from patients with chronic hepatitis. The antigen was expressed by Kupffer cells from these patients but not by those from normal controls. Expression of the antigen did not correlate with the histological type of chronic hepatitis, nor with SOLex expression in liver cells, which did correlate with severity of hepatic necrosis and inflammation. Treatment of patients with interferon-alpha increased SOLex expression by Kupffer cells, but not by liver cells, which suggests different means of regulation of SOLex expression in these two cell types. SOLex and HLA class II antigens were expressed simultaneously by Kupffer cells. Expression of SOLex by Kupffer cells (HLA class II antigen-positive) and liver cells (HLA class I antigen-positive) suggests a possible autoimmune response against this carbohydrate antigen in chronic hepatitis.