Lymphocyte T helper-specific reactivity in sustained responders to interferon and ribavirin with negativation (seroreversion) of anti-hepatitis C virus.
BACKGROUND
Seroreversion, negativation of anti-hepatitis C virus previously positive, is sometimes found in some chronic hepatitis C-sustained responders (SRs) to antiviral therapy.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the probability of seroreversion in SR treatment with Interferon and Ribavirin, and lymphocyte T helper (CD4+) reactivity to HCV antigens.


METHODS
Thirty SR were followed on average for 54.8 months. Anti-HCV was tested by third generation test. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from venous blood and cultured to evaluate CD4+ proliferation in response to 2 microg/ml of eight HCV recombinant antigens from core, NS3, NS4, NS5 regions.


RESULTS
Seroreversion was verified in 23% of patients (7/30), appearing at 47.5+/-24.0 months. The probability of anti-HCV loss in this group was 25% at 56 months after ending therapy. In 57% (4/7), anti-HCV returned to positive. These 7 SR patients with seroreversion also showed weaker CD4+ reactivity in 5% of tests (3/56) than the remaining 23 anti-HCV-positive SRs who showed stronger reactivity in 18% of tests (33/184), P=0.036.


CONCLUSIONS
One-quarter of the SR showed seroreversion of anti-HCV and weaker CD4+ specific HCV proliferation than those who remained anti-HCV positive. The data suggest that complete viral eradication is a possible and achievable clinical objective.
Liver Unit, Centre of Gastroenterology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Lisbon, Portugal. rui.marinho@mail.telepac.pt
Rui T
RT
Marinho
Ruth M
RM
Pinto
Maria L
ML
Santos
Miguel Carneiro
MC
de Moura
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin