Abstract
Background & Aims: The effect of IFN-α therapy on HBV-specific T-cell responses in HBeAg-negative, genotype D, chronic hepatitis B is largely undefined. Understanding to what extent IFN-α can modulate HBV-specific T-cells is important to define strategies to optimize IFN efficacy and to identify immunological parameters to predict response to therapy. Methods: HBV-specific T-cell responses were analyzed longitudinally ex vivo and after expansion in vitro in 15 patients with genotype D, HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B treated with peginterferon-α-2a. HBV proteins and synthetic peptides were used to stimulate T-cell responses. Analysis of the CD4 and CD8 T-cell functions was performed by ELISPOT, intracellular cytokine and tetramer staining. The effect of anti-PD-L1 on T-cell functions was also analyzed. Results: Ex vivo IFN-γ production by total HBV-specific T-cells was significantly greater before therapy in patients who showed HBV DNA
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1239-1246 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Hepatology |
Volume | 56 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2012 |
Keywords
- Adaptive immunity
- Antiviral therapy
- Cytokines
- PD-1
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hepatology