Suppression of hepatitis B virus replication mediated by hepatitis A-induced cytokine production.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection can cause severe hepatitis especially in patients with underlying chronic liver disease. In patients with pre-existing chronic hepatitis B (HBV) acute HAV infection can suppress HBV replication. The exact mechanism of HBV suppression during acute HAV infection is still a subject of debate. One mechanism may be the production of HAV infection-induced cytokines leading to suppression of HBV replication and viral clearance.

AIM:

To evaluate cytokine production and HBV-specific lympho-proliferative responses (LPR) during acute HAV infection in a patient with chronic HBV infection-clearing markers of active HBV replication.

DESIGN:

Early detection of a case of acute HAV infection in an HBeAg-positive, HBV DNA-positive chronic HBV patient treated with lamivudine.

RESULTS:

At the time of HAV infection a sharp peak in the gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) level occurred just before the rise in serum transaminase activity. This was subsequently followed by a decrease in HBV DNA and HBeAg below the limit of detection of the assay. However the HBV-specific T-cell response was not modified. After resolution of the acute HAV infection and withdrawal of antiviral therapy HBV replication relapsed.

CONCLUSION:

The sharp rise in IFN-gamma production mediated by the acute HAV infection may be pivotal in the suppression of HBV replication in chronic hepatitis B.

• Authors: A B van Nunen, O Pontesilli, F Uytdehaag, A D Osterhaus, R A de Man
• Journal: Liver (Liver) Vol. 21 Issue 1 Pg. 45-9 (Feb 2001) ISSN: 0106-9543 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 11169072 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• DNA, Viral
• Hepatitis B Core Antigens
• Lamivudine
• Interferon-gamma

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cells, Cultured
• DNA, Viral (analysis)
• Hepatitis A (blood, immunology)
• Hepatitis B Core Antigens (blood)
• Hepatitis B virus (genetics, growth & development, immunology, isolation & purification)
• Hepatitis B, Chronic (drug therapy, immunology)
• Hepatovirus (immunology, isolation & purification)
• Humans
• Interferon-gamma (biosynthesis)
• Lamivudine (therapeutic use)
• Lymphocyte Activation (immunology)
• Male
• Superinfection (immunology)
• Viral Interference (immunology)
• Virus Replication