Lack of in vivo activation of the interferon system in HBsAg-positive chronic active hepatitis.

The in vivo activation state of the interferon system was biochemically evaluated in patients with HBsAg-positive liver disease by assaying the interferon-induced enzyme, 2'5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All patients with chronic active hepatitis had normal levels of enzyme activity. Increased values were found in 77% of patients with acute hepatitis, 50% of those with chronic persistent hepatitis and 54% chronic healthy carriers. These results provide evidence for lack of activation of the interferon system in HBsAg-positive chronic active hepatitis and support the hypothesis that an in vivo defective interferon response may aid in development of chronic active hepatitis.