The core-specific precursor T cell response is directed to the N-terminal and central parts of the protein and positively correlates to the viral load in chronically HCV-infected patients.
The cellular immune response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) plays a critical role in determining the clearance or persistence of HCV. Moreover, in chronic HCV infection, these responses that are insufficient to eradicate virus completely may cause liver injury. In this study, the memory T cells responses specific to the core protein were measured by interferon-gamma Elispot assay after in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes from chronically infected subjects. Ten out of the 22 patients studied (45%) present a core-specific response with a preferential recognition of the N-terminal and central parts. There was no relationship between T cell responses and the parameters of disease evolution as determined by ALT (serum alanine transaminase levels), and histologic hepatic damage (Metavir score A and F), but there was a positive relationship between the presence of a core-specific T cell responses and the viraemia.
Janvier
Geneviève
G
Unité Postulante d'Immunopathologie Virale, URA CNRS 1930, Institut Pasteur, Bat. Lwoff, Paris.
Chaix
Marie Laure
ML
Fontaine
Hélène
H
Bresson
Jean Louis
JL
Pol
Stanislas
S
Riviere
Yves
Y
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D019562:Viral Load; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000276:immunology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D014758:Viral Core Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins