[Enhancement of antiviral immunity in HBV mouse model by blocking PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway].

Objective: To establish a mouse model for human chronic HBV infection, and to investigate the role of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway in antiviral immunity.
Methods: A mouse model was established by hydrodynamic injection of the plasmid pAAV/HBV1.2-GFP into the tail vein of C57BL/6 mice, HBV markers were assayed at different time points after injection. After intraperitoneal injection of anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, the serum ALT, and HBV DNA in the serum, liver and kidney were assayed.
Results: The chronic HBV infection mouse model were established successfully, serum HBsAg and high load of HBV DNA were detectable 90 days after plasmid injection. After blocking of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, the serum ALT level of mice were significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the HBV DNA load in serum (P < 0.01), liver (P < 0.05) and kidney (P < 0.05) were decreased significantly.
Conclusion: Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway can enhance antiviral response in mice with chronic HBV infection.