Electron microscopic study of hepatitis B virus-associated antigens on the infected liver cell membrane in relation to analysis of immune target antigens in chronic hepatitis B
We report on the binding of biotin, and hence of biotinylated antibodies and lectins, to ground glass hepatocytes and liver cell membranes in chronic hepatitis B viral infection. This binding is of low affinity, and was proved to be directed at the hepatitis B surface antigen, presumably at its disulfide bonds. To avoid false-positive results, this affinity should be considered in the interpretation of immunohistochemical stainings of hepatitis B virus-infected liver tissue with biotinylated reagents.
Binding of biotin to hepatitis B surface antigen: a possible pitfall in immunohistochemistry.