Antiviral treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation: association of a strong, multispecific, and long-lasting CD4+ T cell response with HCV-elimination

Publication

Antiviral treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation: association of a strong, multispecific, and long-lasting CD4+ T cell response with HCV-elimination

Journal Paper/Review - Sep 1, 2003

Schirren Carl Albrecht, Pape Gerd Rudolf, Nitschko Hans, Rau Horst-Guenter, Schraut Winfried, Baretton Gustavo, Diepolder Helmut Michael, Gruener Norbert Hubert, Ulsenheimer Axel, Gerlach Tilman, Zachoval Reinhart, Jung Maria-Christina

Units

Gastroenterology/Hepatology

PubMed

12927926

Citation

Schirren C, Pape G, Nitschko H, Rau H, Schraut W, Baretton G, Diepolder H, Gruener N, Ulsenheimer A, Gerlach T, Zachoval R, Jung M. Antiviral treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation: association of a strong, multispecific, and long-lasting CD4+ T cell response with HCV-elimination. Journal of hepatology 2003; 39:397-404.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Journal of hepatology 2003; 39

Publication Date

Sep 1, 2003

Issn Print

0168-8278

Pages

397-404

Brief description/objective

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infection after liver transplantation (OLTx) could develop an early, multispecific, preferentially intrahepatic CD4+ T cell response. We asked now whether there is a correlation between the HCV-specific CD4+ T cell response and treatment outcome in patients who receive interferon (IFN)-alpha/ribavirin. METHODS: Liver- and blood-derived T cell lines of 20 patients were studied in parallel before, under, at the end and after antiviral treatment. Virus-specific IFN-gamma production at a single cell level to HCV-proteins (core, non-structural protein (NS)3/4, NS5) was determined by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. RESULTS: In 6/7 non-responders a weak HCV-specific CD4+ T cell response was detectable. All six sustained responders developed a strong, at NS3/4 and NS5 directed and long-lasting CD4+ T cell response which was mainly detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This reaction was significantly stronger: (1) in the responders than in the non-responders; and (2) within the responders at the end of treatment than before (P<0.03). Seven transient-responders showed a weak and/or transient HCV-specific CD4+ T cell response. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with recurrent HCV-infection after OLTx, who receive antiviral treatment, a strong, at NS3/4 and NS5 directed and long-lasting CD4+ T cell response is associated with HCV-elimination whereas no or a weak/transient response is associated with treatment failure.