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Expansion of hepatitis C–specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells after viral clearance: A mechanism to limit collateral damage?
- Source :
- Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology; May2008, Vol. 121 Issue 5, p1277-1284, 8p
- Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- Background: Data from rodent models suggest that a subpopulation of CD4<superscript>+</superscript> T cells, characterized by the constitutive expression of CD25, play a key role in regulating many immune responses. Human CD4<superscript>+</superscript>CD25<superscript>+</superscript> T cells also appear to possess a regulatory function, but their role in infections is not fully defined. Objectives: We sought to explore the possibility of a role for CD4<superscript>+</superscript>CD25<superscript>+</superscript> T cells in controlling immunity to hepatitis C virus (HCV). We hypothesized that CD4<superscript>+</superscript>CD25<superscript>+</superscript> T cells might account for the paucity of immune responses measurable in chronically viremic patients by suppressing the immune responses to HCV antigens. Methods: We compared the responses of PBMCs to 3 different recombinant HCV antigens before and after depletion of CD25<superscript>+</superscript> cells in 15 chronically viremic patients, 14 nonviremic HCV antibody–positive subjects, and 14 healthy control subjects. We also tested the ability of CD4<superscript>+</superscript>CD25<superscript>+</superscript> T cells purified from HLA-matched viremic or nonviremic blood to suppress the responses of HCV epitope–specific T-cell clones. Results: To our surprise, depletion of peripheral blood CD25<superscript>+</superscript> cells led to a pronounced increase in proliferation of and IFN-γ production by PBMCs only in nonviremic patients. Furthermore, the CD4<superscript>+</superscript>CD25<superscript>+</superscript> T cells purified from HLA-matched nonviremic blood (in contrast to CD4<superscript>+</superscript>CD25<superscript>+</superscript> T cells isolated from chronically viremic blood) inhibited the responses of HCV epitope–specific T-cell clones. Conclusion: HCV-specific CD4<superscript>+</superscript>CD25<superscript>+</superscript> regulatory T cells appear to accompany successful viral clearance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- HEPATITIS
INFLAMMATION
LIVER diseases
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00916749
- Volume :
- 121
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 32048977
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2008.01.070