Marinho RT, Pinto RM, Santos ML, de Moura MC. Lymphocyte T helper-specific reactivity in sustained responders to interferon and ribavirin with negativation (seroreversion) of anti-hepatitis C virus.
Liver Int 2004;
24:413-8. [PMID:
15482336 DOI:
10.1111/j.1478-3231.2004.0947.x]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Seroreversion, negativation of anti-hepatitis C virus previously positive, is sometimes found in some chronic hepatitis C-sustained responders (SRs) to antiviral therapy.
AIMS
To determine the probability of seroreversion in SR treatment with Interferon and Ribavirin, and lymphocyte T helper (CD4+) reactivity to HCV antigens.
METHODS
Thirty SR were followed on average for 54.8 months. Anti-HCV was tested by third generation test. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from venous blood and cultured to evaluate CD4+ proliferation in response to 2 microg/ml of eight HCV recombinant antigens from core, NS3, NS4, NS5 regions.
RESULTS
Seroreversion was verified in 23% of patients (7/30), appearing at 47.5+/-24.0 months. The probability of anti-HCV loss in this group was 25% at 56 months after ending therapy. In 57% (4/7), anti-HCV returned to positive. These 7 SR patients with seroreversion also showed weaker CD4+ reactivity in 5% of tests (3/56) than the remaining 23 anti-HCV-positive SRs who showed stronger reactivity in 18% of tests (33/184), P=0.036.
CONCLUSIONS
One-quarter of the SR showed seroreversion of anti-HCV and weaker CD4+ specific HCV proliferation than those who remained anti-HCV positive. The data suggest that complete viral eradication is a possible and achievable clinical objective.
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