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Hepatitis C virus-specific reactivity of CD4+-lymphocytes in children born from HCV-infected women.

Authors :
Della Bella S
Riva A
Tanzi E
Nicola S
Amendola A
Vecchi L
Nebbia G
Longhi R
Zanetti AR
Villa ML
Source :
Journal of hepatology [J Hepatol] 2005 Sep; Vol. 43 (3), pp. 394-402.
Publication Year :
2005

Abstract

Background/aims: T-lymphocyte reactivity against viral antigens may represent the only immunological marker of host contact with a virus. Aim of the present study was to investigate whether vertical exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV) could activate HCV-specific T-cell responses that may represent a biomarker of previous contact with the virus, and possibly contribute to the low rate of vertical HCV transmission.<br />Methods: We studied 28 children born from chronically HCV-infected mothers. HCV-specific activation and proliferation of CD4+-lymphocytes and cytokine production were evaluated in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated in vitro with HCV-peptides.<br />Results: HCV-specific CD4+-cell reactivity was observed in 20 out of the 28 children (71%). The proliferation of HCV-specific CD4+-cells was more frequent and vigorous in children than in their mothers. In children, but not in the mothers, activation of CD4+-cells upon stimulation with HCV-peptides was directly correlated with proliferation. Early upon stimulation with HCV-peptides, lymphocytes from children produced lower levels of IL-10 than lymphocytes from the mothers.<br />Conclusions: Vertical exposure to HCV induces the development of viral-specific CD4+-cell-mediated immune responses, possibly endowed with protective function against infection, which may contribute to the low rate of vertical HCV transmission.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0168-8278
Volume :
43
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of hepatology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
16023248
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2005.03.022