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

Publication

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

Journal Paper/Review - May 1, 2000

Grüner N H, Cerny A, Cucchiarini M, Santantonio T, Zachoval R, Hoffmann R, Schraut W W, Schirren C A, Diepolder H M, Jung M C, Gerlach Tilman, Pape G R

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.