Effect of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy on hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T cell responses in patients who have resolved HBV infection.
Coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a common occurrence in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients and an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality. The CD8(+) T cell response is critical for long-term control of HBV in patients resolving acute infection. Here, we examine the effect of HIV on HBV-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in patients who have resolved HBV infection. A cross-sectional study showed a reduction in HBV-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in HIV-positive, HBV-immune patients, compared with those in HIV-negative, HBV-immune patients. A longitudinal study of a subgroup of patients examined whether this attrition could be reversed by effective antiretroviral therapy. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) resulted in reconstitution of some HBV-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses, in association with restoration of CD4(+) T cell counts. These data provide a mechanism to account for the observed impairment of control of HBV infection in the setting of HIV infection and support the ability of HAART to reconstitute functionally active T cell responses.
Lascar
R Monica
RM
Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United Kingdom.
Lopes
A Ross
AR
Gilson
Richard J
RJ
Dunn
Claire
C
Johnstone
Ruth
R
Copas
Andrew
A
Reignat
Stephanie
S
Webster
George
G
Bertoletti
Antonio
A
Maini
Mala K
MK
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000276:immunology
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000939:Epitopes; D014764:Viral Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma