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Changes of cytokine levels and T cell surface molecules in patients with chronic hepatitis B and the association with functional cure
Author(s) -
Xu Zhen,
Lin Jizong,
Zeng Yingfu,
Yang Xiaohua,
Wu Zhebin,
Hu Zhaoxia,
Zhao Qiyi,
Liu Jing,
Gao Zhiliang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.27041
Subject(s) - hbsag , seroconversion , medicine , cytokine , immunology , interferon , gee , titer , chronic hepatitis , generalized estimating equation , gastroenterology , hepatitis b virus , antibody , virus , statistics , mathematics
This study aimed to examine changes in levels of cytokine and T cell surface molecules in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving sequential interferon therapy following 1‐year nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) treatment. Cytokine levels were measured in 30 patients, and T cell surface molecule expression was measured in 48 patients receiving sequential interferon therapy and 24 patients only receiving NA mono‐therapy. An HBsAg titer of <0.05 IU/ml was defined as a “functional cure.” In the cured group (HBsAg < 0.05 IU/ml), a decreasing probability was observed in IFN‐γ (after Week 0), and IL‐22 and IP‐10 (after Week 12). In the non‐cured group (HBsAg ≥ 0.05 IU/ml), a probability of slightly decreasing was observed for IFN‐γ (after Week 12), and a probability of increasing IP‐10 concentration (after Week 0) was observed. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses showed significant differences in the levels of IL‐10, IL‐23, CCL‐3, IL‐1β, IL‐2, and IL‐12P70 between the two groups. In GEE analysis, there were significant differences in expressions of CD45RO + between the cured group and the non‐cured group. The frequencies of T cells expressing Tim‐3, CD62L, and CD152 were significantly lower in the sequential interferon therapy group than in the NA mono‐therapy group. Changes in cytokine levels (IFN‐γ, IP‐10, IL‐10, IL‐23, CCL‐3, IL‐1β, IL‐2, and IL‐12P70) and T cell surface molecules (CD45RO + ) may predict HBsAg seroconversion in CHB patients receiving sequential interferon therapy. The period from Weeks 12 to 24 during sequential interferon therapy may be a critical time of immune status change.