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Hepatitis B virus–specific CD4 T cell immunity after liver transplantation for chronic hepatitis B
Author(s) -
Luo Ying,
Lo Chung Mau,
Cheung Cindy K.,
Lau George K.,
Wong John
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
liver transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.814
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1527-6473
pISSN - 1527-6465
DOI - 10.1002/lt.21674
Subject(s) - medicine , hepatitis b virus , immunology , immunity , hepatitis b , liver transplantation , cellular immunity , transplantation , t cell , virology , antigen , virus , immune system
Cellular immunity plays an important role in the long‐term control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We studied the changes in HBV‐specific CD4 T cell immunity after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for chronic hepatitis B under antiviral prophylaxis. T cell proliferation and interferon‐γ production in response to in vitro challenge with HBV‐encoded antigens were tested in 40 OLT recipients without HBV recurrence and in 12 OLT recipients with HBV recurrence more than 1 year after transplantation, and they were compared to 40 subjects with chronic HBV infection and to 23 subjects with self‐limited HBV infection. The frequency and magnitude of the HBV‐specific CD4 T cell response were significantly lower in 40 OLT recipients with HBV clearance, but the T cell reactivity to mitogen (phytohemagglutinin) and recall antigen (tetanus toxoid) was maintained. In the 12 OLT recipients with HBV recurrence, however, the HBV‐specific T cell immunity was enhanced to a level comparable to that of patients with chronic hepatitis B, and the level was dependent on the serum viral load. In conclusion, HBV‐specific CD4 T cell immunity is antigen‐driven and evanesces with viral clearance, hence providing a favorable milieu for reactivation once prophylaxis is withdrawn. The cellular immunity in recipients with recurrence is not significantly different from that of individuals with chronic hepatitis B. Liver Transpl 15:292–299, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.