[Detection of HBcAg-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes and their association with clinical status in patients with hepatitis B].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the difference of host immune response specific to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections between acute self-limited and chronic persistent hepatitis by quantitative analysis of HLA-A * 2402-restricted HBcAg-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte cells (CTL) cells.

METHODS:

The frequency of HBV-specific CTL cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 20 patients infected with HBV were quantified by ELISPOT assays and flow cytometry using one HLA-A * 2402-HBV, 7 with acute HB and 13 with chronic HB, peptide tetrameric complex.

RESULTS:

High frequencies of circulating HBcAg-specific CTL cells were detected in most individuals with acute HBV infection while the number of these cells was significantly reduced at the convalescent stage. HBcAg-specific CTL cells were not detected in the PBMC from individuals with chronic HBV infection except for one patient with an acute infection exacerbation.

CONCLUSION:

HBcAg-specific CTL cells may play a crucial role in complete clearance of HBV from patients with acute HBV hepatitis.

• Authors: Zhen-ping Fan, Fu-sheng Wang, Dong-Ping Xu, Fu-liang Chu, Ming Shi, Yu Zhou, Ling-xia Zhang
• Journal: Zhonghua yi xue za zhi (Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi) Vol. 84 Issue 24 Pg. 2073-6 (Dec 17 2004) ISSN: 0376-2491 [Print] China
• PMID: 15730619 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• HLA-A Antigens
• Hepatitis B Core Antigens

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Female
• HLA-A Antigens (immunology)
• Hepatitis B (immunology)
• Hepatitis B Core Antigens (immunology)
• Hepatitis B, Chronic (immunology)
• Humans
• Male
• T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic (immunology)