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CD8+ T cells are the main effector lymphocytes in the control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, limitations of model systems, such as low infection rates, restrict mechanistic studies of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. Here, we established a novel immunological cell culture model based on HBV-infected HepG2hNTCP cells that endogenously processed viral antigens and presented them to HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. This induced cytolytic and noncytolytic CD8+ T-cell effector functions and reduction of viral loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the main causes of chronic liver diseases that may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Host immune responses are important factors that determine whether HBV infection is cleared or persists. Natural killer (NK) cells represent the main effector population of the innate immune system and are abundant in the human liver. Recently, it has been demonstrated that NK cells not only exhibit antiviral functions but may also regulate adaptive immune responses by deletion of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. It is well-established that HBV-specific CD8+ T cells con-tribute to virus elimination. However, the mechanisms contributing to CD8+ T cell failure in chronic HBV infection are not well-understood. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge about NK cells and CD8+ T cells and illustrate their contribution to viral clearance and persistence in HBV infection. Moreover, novel immunological in vitro model systems and techniques to analyze HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, which are barely detectable using current multimer staining methods, will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD8(+) T cells are the main effector lymphocytes in the control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, limitations of model systems, such as low infection rates, restrict mechanistic studies of HBV-specific CD8(+) T cells. Here, we established a novel immunological cell culture model based on HBV-infected HepG2(hNTCP) cells that endogenously processed viral antigens and presented them to HBV-specific CD8(+) T cells. This induced cytolytic and noncytolytic CD8(+) T-cell effector functions and reduction of viral loads., (Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.)