title: T-regulatory lymphocytes and chronic viral hepatitis.
abstract: Both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause persistent viral infection in humans. Chronic infection is associated with a risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The cause of chronic infection is unknown. A large body of evidence suggests that a failure of the adaptive immune response is critical in the establishment of chronic infection. Recently a new group of T cells (T-regulatory cells), that express CD4(+)CD25(+) and Foxp3, which can inhibit the cellular (CD4(+)/CD8(+)) immune response have been described. In this review the authors explore the thoughts regarding immune responses to HBV and HCV infections and the role of these T-regulatory cells in relation to the pathogenesis of chronic HBV and HCV infection and the potential for therapeutic intervention.
authors.affiliation: University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Box 157, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK.
authors.forename: Simon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Rushbrook
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hoare
authors.forename: Graeme J M
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000276:immunology*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*