CD58 expression of liver tissue in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Background Several kinds of intercellular adhesion molecules closely relate to hepatitis B. The complex of CD2 and CD58 plays an important role in enhancing the adhesion of T lymphocytes to target cells, hyperplasia and activation of T lymphocytes. In this study, we explored the relationship between the expression of CD58 in liver tissue and chronic hepatitus B infection. Methods We determined the expression of the CD58 molecule on the surface of hepatoc~es by using immunohistochemistry and the levels of serum HBV DNA from patients with HBV infection and from normal controls. The biochemical parameters of hepatic function were analyzed as well. Results CD58 expression in hepatocytes significantly increased with the severity progression of chronic HBV infection. The IOD levels （log10） of CD58 in the control, mild, moderate, and severe chronic HBV infection groups were 0, （7.20±4.64）×10^3, （25.63±7.41）×10^3 and （37.47±11.17）×10^3 respectively （P〈O.05 compared with the control group, respectively） Conclusion CD58 probably increases cell mediated immunity to eliminate hepatitis B virus and leads to damage of hepatocytes.