Local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction: a measure of T-cell function in asymptomatic HBsAg carriers.

The local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction was used as a bioassay to assess T lymphocyte function in 31 asymptomatic HBsAg carriers and 40 healthy controls. Positive local gvh reaction was found in all normal subjects and in only 12 of the carriers tested. Analysis of persistence of HBsAg positivity demonstrated that patients with protracted carrier state (1-5.5 years) mostly exhibited negative local gvh reaction. Controversely, patients with a short duration of carrier state (6-12 months) showed positive local gvh reaction, similar to the range of the healthy subjects. Also, no correlation was observed between the magnitude of local gvh reaction and T-rosette percentage.