Publication

Association of hepatitis C virus-specific CD8+ T cells with viral clearance in acute hepatitis C

Journal Paper/Review - May 1, 2000

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Grüner N, Cerny A, Cucchiarini M, Santantonio T, Zachoval R, Hoffmann R, Schraut W, Schirren C, Diepolder H, Jung M, Gerlach T, Pape G. Association of hepatitis C virus-specific CD8+ T cells with viral clearance in acute hepatitis C. The Journal of infectious diseases 2000; 181:1528-36.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
The Journal of infectious diseases 2000; 181
Publication Date
May 1, 2000
Issn Print
0022-1899
Pages
1528-36
Brief description/objective

CD8+ T lymphocytes play a major role in antiviral immune defense. Their significance for acute hepatitis C is unclear. Our aim was to correlate the CD8+ T cell response with the outcome of infection. Eighteen patients with acute hepatitis C and 19 normal donors were studied. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific CD8+ T cells were identified in the enzyme-linked immunospot assay by their interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production after specific stimulation. The highest numbers of IFN-gamma-producing HCV-specific CD8+ T cells were found in patients with acute hepatitis C and a self-limited course of disease during the first 6 months after onset of disease, but these numbers dropped thereafter to undetectable levels. The differences in responsiveness between patients with self-limited disease versus patients with a chronic course were statistically significant (P<.001). Our data show that the number of IFN-gamma-producing HCV-specific CD8+ T cells during the first 6 months after onset of disease is associated with eradication of the HCV infection.