Protection or damage: a dual role for the virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response in hepatitis B and C infection?
During infection with hepatitis B or C viruses, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have been implicated as both the mediators of protection and the principal effectors of liver pathology. Recent studies have allowed an investigation of the relationship between virus-specific CTL responses, liver damage and viral replication. In the presence of an efficient virus-specific CTL response, a scenario is emerging where inhibition of viral replication can be independent of liver pathology. We discuss the possibility that an inadequate CTL response--unable to control viral replication - may contribute to liver pathology not only directly but also via the recruitment of non-virus-specific T cells.
Bertoletti
A
A
Institute of Hepatology, University College London Medical School, London, WC1E 6HX, UK. a.bertoletti@ucl.ac.uk
Maini
M K
MK
D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000293:injuries / Q000821:virology; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology