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Impaired function of CD4+/CD25+ T regulatory lymphocytes characterizes the self‐limited hepatitis A virus infection
Author(s) -
Perrella Alessandro,
Vitiello Laura,
Atripaldi Luigi,
Sbreglia Costanza,
Grattacaso Stella,
Bellopede Pasquale,
Patarino Tommaso,
Morelli Giuseppe,
Altamura Simona,
Racioppi Luigi,
Perrella Oreste
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2007.05008.x
Subject(s) - medicine , il 2 receptor , seroconversion , flow cytometry , immunology , immune system , hepatitis a virus , virus , virology , t cell
Background and Aim: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes a transient illness leaving permanent protection against reinfection. Few data are available on the regulatory mechanisms involved in the CD4+ T helper activation. We aimed to investigate the frequency and function of CD3+/CD4+/CD25+ T cells with regulatory function (Tregs) during acute HAV infection. Methods: We enrolled 35 consecutive patients and 15 healthy donors, enumerated Tregs by flow cytometry assay and evaluated, after immunomagnetical sorting with magnetic beads, their ability to inhibit the proliferation of CD4+/CD25– T lymphocytes at different ratios (1:1, 1:10, 1:20). Results: All patients had the usual course of infection. Our immunological analysis showed Tregs frequency in these patients (6.5% [range, 5–8.8%]; 36 [range, 10–87] cells) did not have any statistical difference compared with healthy donors (6% [range, 5–8%]; 48 (range, 23–71) cells), while their ability to suppress CD4+/CD25– was drastically reduced at different ratios (Mann–Whitney U ‐test; ratio 1:1, 93% vs 72%, z = −3.34, P < 0.0001; ratio 1:10, 86% vs 51%, z = −4.04, P < 0.001; ratio 1:20, 56% vs 30%, z = −3.43, P < 0.0001). After the seroconversion, CD4+/CD25+ frequency and function in HAV‐infected patients did not differ from healthy individuals. Conclusion: CD4+/CD25+ T cells seem to be impaired in their function during the HAV acute infection. This evidence might help to determine an optimal T helper cell immune network that is a predisposing factor for a self‐limiting disease.