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Hetta HF, Zahran AM, Mansor SG, Abdel-Malek MO, Mekky MA, Abbas WA. Frequency and Implications of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and lymphocyte subsets in Egyptian patients with hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. J Med Virol 2019; 91:1319-1328. [PMID: 30761547 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a pivotal role in tumor immunity and induction of immune tolerance to a variety of antitumor effectors, including T lymphocytes. Herein, we tried to evaluate the frequency and clinical significance of MDSCs and different lymphocyte subsets in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Four groups were enrolled; chronic HCV (CHC; n = 40), HCV-related liver cirrhosis (n = 40), HCV-related HCC (HCV-HCC; n = 75), and healthy control group (n = 20). The percentage of peripheral lymphocytes subsets and total MDSCs with their main two subsets; monocytic (M-MDSCs) and granulocytic (G-MDSCs) was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS The frequency of total MSDCs and M-MDSCs was significantly elevated in HCV-HCC especially patients with advanced stage HCC compared with those with early-stage HCC. The frequency of total MSDCs and M-MDSCs was positively correlated with ALT, AFP, and HCV viral load and negatively correlated with CD8+ T-cell frequency. CD4 + T cells were significantly decreased in HCV-HCC patients. The frequency of CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells was negatively correlated with AFP and AST, but not with albumin or HCV viral load. CONCLUSION Taken together, our data suggest that MDSCs, M-MDSCs, and lymphocyte subsets are associated with the development and progression of HCV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helal F Hetta
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M Zahran
- Department of Clinical Pathology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Shima G Mansor
- Department of Clinical Pathology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed O Abdel-Malek
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Mekky
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Wael A Abbas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Papasavvas E, Azzoni L, Yin X, Liu Q, Joseph J, Mackiewicz A, Ross B, Lynn KM, Jacobson JM, Mounzer K, Kostman JR, Montaner LJ. HCV viraemia associates with NK cell activation and dysfunction in antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV/HCV-co-infected subjects. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:865-876. [PMID: 28419653 PMCID: PMC5589504 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels on immune status in chronically HCV mono-infected when compared to HIV/HCV co-infected on antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains poorly understood. A total of 78 African American subjects HCV viraemic/naïve to HCV treatment (33 HCV genotype 1 mono-infected, 45 ART-treated HIV/HCV genotype 1 co-infected) were studied. Clinical and liver enzyme measurements were performed. Whole blood was analysed for immune subset changes by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were used for same-day constitutive and in vitro Interferon (IFN)-α-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) phosphorylation, K562 target cell lysis and K562 target cell recognition-mediated IFN-γ production. Statistical analysis was performed using R (2.5.1) or JMP Pro 11. While both groups did not differ in the level of liver enzymes, HIV/HCV had higher T-cell activation/exhaustion, and constitutive STAT-1 phosphorylation compared to HCV. In contrast, CD4+ FoxP3+ CD25+ frequency, IFN-αR expression on NK cells, as well as constitutive and IFN-α-induced direct cytotoxicity were lower in HIV/HCV. Linear regression models further supported these results. Finally, increase in HCV viral load and CD4+ T-cell count had an opposite effect between the two groups on NK cell activity and T-cell activation, respectively. HCV viral load in ART-treated HIV/HCV co-infection was associated with greater immune activation/exhaustion and NK dysfunction than HCV viral load alone in HCV mono-infection. The more pronounced immune modulation noted in ART-treated HIV-co-infected/untreated HCV viraemic subjects may impact HCV disease progression and/or response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L. Azzoni
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - X. Yin
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Q. Liu
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J. Joseph
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - B. Ross
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K. M. Lynn
- Presbyterian Hospital-University of Pennsylvania hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J. M. Jacobson
- Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K. Mounzer
- Jonathan Lax Immune Disorders Treatment Center, Philadelphia Field Initiating Group for HIV-1 Trials, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J. R. Kostman
- John Bell Health Center, Philadelphia Field Initiating Group for HIV-1 Trials, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Ellwanger JH, Kaminski VDL, Valverde-Villegas JM, Simon D, Lunge VR, Chies JAB. Immunogenetic studies of the hepatitis C virus infection in an era of pan-genotype antiviral therapies - Effective treatment is coming. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 66:376-391. [PMID: 28811194 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
What are the factors that influence human hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, hepatitis status establishment, and disease progression? Firstly, one has to consider the genetic background of the host and HCV genotypes. The immunogenetic host profile will reflect how each infected individual deals with infection. Secondly, there are environmental factors that drive susceptibility or resistance to certain viral strains. These will dictate (I) the susceptibility to infection; (II) whether or not an infected person will promote viral clearance; (III) the immune response and the response profile to therapy; and (IV) whether and how long it would take to the development of HCV-associated diseases, as well as their severity. Looking at this scenario, this review addresses clinical aspects of HCV infection, following by an update of molecular and cellular features of the immune response against the virus. The evasion mechanisms used by HCV are presented, considering the potential role of exosomes in infection. Genetic factors influencing HCV infection and pathogenesis are the main topics of the article. Shortly, HLAs, MBLs, TLRs, ILs, and IFNLs genes have relevant roles in the susceptibility to HCV infection. In addition, ILs, IFNLs, as well as TLRs genes are important modulators of HCV-associated diseases. The viral aspects that influence HCV infection are presented, followed by a discussion about evolutionary aspects of host and HCV interaction. HCV and HIV infections are close related. Thus, we also present a discussion about HIV/HCV co-infection, focusing on cellular and molecular aspects of this interaction. Pharmacogenetics and treatment of HCV infection are the last topics of this review. The understanding of how the host genetics interacts with viral and environmental factors is crucial for the development of new strategies to prevent HCV infection, even in an era of potential development of pan-genotypic antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Henrique Ellwanger
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Valéria de Lima Kaminski
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline María Valverde-Villegas
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Daniel Simon
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular Humana, Universidade Luterana do Brasil (ULBRA), Canoas, Brazil
| | - Vagner Ricardo Lunge
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico Molecular, Universidade Luterana do Brasil (ULBRA), Canoas, Brazil
| | - José Artur Bogo Chies
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Stephanie M, Susufi YG, Krisnuhoni E, Gani RA, Yunihastuti E, Lee S, Tanaskovic S, Price P. Short Communication: Few Liver-Infiltrating Cells Express CXCR3 in HIV/HCV Patients Commencing Antiretroviral Therapy. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2016; 32:1202-1204. [PMID: 27250905 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2016.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coinfections with Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus accelerate the progression of both conditions and hamper effective treatment. Here we describe expression of CXCR3 on liver-infiltrating cells and peripheral T cells from coinfected patients commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Indonesia. CXCR3 was expressed by small number of intrahepatic inflammatory cells, mostly in the portal areas. The number of cells did not change on ART and was markedly lower than the number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the liver. Data suggest that CXCR3 may contribute to liver infiltration but demonstrate a dynamic situation, changing as the immune system recovers on ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marini Stephanie
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yosephine G. Susufi
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ening Krisnuhoni
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rino A. Gani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Evy Yunihastuti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Silvia Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sara Tanaskovic
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Patricia Price
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- School of Biomedical Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute-Biosciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
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5
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Lei AH, Yang Q, Cai WP, Liu YF, Lan Y, Qin AP, Hu FY, Zhou J. Clinical Significance of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1/ Hepatitis C Virus-coinfected Patients. Scand J Immunol 2016; 83:438-44. [PMID: 26972443 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. H. Lei
- Institute of Human Virology; Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Q. Yang
- Institute of Human Virology; Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - W. P. Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases; The Affiliated Guangzhou No. 8 People's Hospital; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - Y. F. Liu
- Institute of Human Virology; Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Y. Lan
- Department of Infectious Diseases; The Affiliated Guangzhou No. 8 People's Hospital; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - A. P. Qin
- Institute of Human Virology; Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - F. Y. Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases; The Affiliated Guangzhou No. 8 People's Hospital; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - J. Zhou
- Institute of Human Virology; Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control; Chinese Ministry of Education; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
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Association of chronic hepatitis C infection with T-cell phenotypes in HIV-negative and HIV-positive women. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 67:295-303. [PMID: 25314250 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia is thought to have broad systemic effects on the cellular immune system that go beyond its impact on just those T cells that are HCV specific. However, previous studies of chronic HCV and circulating T-cell subsets (activation and differentiation phenotypes) in HIV negatives used general population controls, rather than a risk-appropriate comparison group. Studies in HIV positives did not address overall immune status (total CD4⁺ count). METHODS We used fresh blood from HIV-positive and at-risk HIV-negative women, with and without chronic HCV, to measure percentages of activated CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, Tregs, and T-cell differentiation phenotypes (naive, central memory, effector memory (EM), and terminally differentiated effector). This included 158 HIV negatives and 464 HIV positives, of whom 18 and 63, respectively, were HCV viremic. RESULTS In multivariate models of HIV negatives, HCV viremia was associated with 25% fewer naive CD4⁺ (P = 0.03), 33% more EM CD4⁺ (P = 0.0002), and 37% fewer central memory CD8⁺ (P = 0.02) T cells. Among HIV positives, we observed only 1 of these 3 relationships: higher percentage of EM CD4⁺ among HCV viremic women. Furthermore, the association with EM CD4⁺ among HIV positives was limited to individuals with diminished immune status (total CD4⁺ count ≤500 cells/μL), as were associations of HCV viremia with higher percentages of activated CD4⁺ and Tregs. Among HIV positives with high CD4⁺ count, no significant associations were observed. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that HCV viremia in HIV negatives is associated with accelerated T-cell differentiation, but among HIV positives, the impact of HCV viremia is less straightforward and varies by total CD4v count.
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Influence of hepatitis C virus coinfection on CD4⁺ T cells of HIV-infected patients receiving HAART. AIDS 2014; 28:2381-8. [PMID: 25111083 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The effects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection on immune homeostasis and immune restoration in treated HIV infection are not well understood. METHODS We studied 79 HIV-infected patients who had been receiving HAART for more than 2 years and who had HIV viral load below 50 copies/ml. Four patient groups were studied: HIV/HCV, CD4⁺ cells above 350/μl; HIV/HCV, CD4 cells below 350/μl; HIV/HCV, CD4 cells above 350/μl; HIV/HCV, CD4⁺ cells below 350/μl. Controls comprised 20 healthy volunteers. Naive, central memory, effector memory, and terminal effector CD4⁺ T cells were enumerated. Naive CD4CD31 T cells were counted as recent thymic emigrants (RTEs). Activation state and ex-vivo apoptosis of CD4⁺ T cells, levels of liver enzymes, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index were evaluated. RESULTS CD4⁺ T-cell counts and the numbers of all circulating CD4 T-cell maturation subsets were diminished in HIV infection; CD4⁺ T-cell activation and apoptosis were increased in HIV infection, but none of these indices was affected by HCV coinfection. RTE numbers were diminished in HIV infection, were inversely related to age, and were increased in women and lower in HIV/HCV patients than in singly HIV-infected patients. In coinfected patients, RTE numbers were inversely related to levels of liver enzymes, but not to HCV viral load. CONCLUSION Whereas we could find no relationship between HCV infection and most indices of CD4⁺ T-cell homeostasis or activation, CD4⁺ RTEs are diminished in the circulation of HCV coinfected persons and appear to be related to indices of ongoing hepatic damage or inflammation.
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8
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Hartling HJ, Gaardbo JC, Ronit A, Salem M, Laye M, Clausen MR, Skogstrand K, Gerstoft J, Ullum H, Nielsen SD. Impaired Thymic Output in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Scand J Immunol 2013; 78:378-86. [DOI: 10.1111/sji.12096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - M. Salem
- Viro-Immunology Research Unit; Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen; Denmark
| | - M. Laye
- Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen; Denmark
| | - M. R. Clausen
- Department of Hepatology, Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen; Denmark
| | - K. Skogstrand
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology; Statens Serum Institute; Copenhagen; Denmark
| | - J. Gerstoft
- Viro-Immunology Research Unit; Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen; Denmark
| | - H. Ullum
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen; Denmark
| | - S. D. Nielsen
- Viro-Immunology Research Unit; Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen; Denmark
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9
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Expression of inhibitory markers is increased on effector memory T cells during hepatitis C virus/HIV coinfection as compared to hepatitis C virus or HIV monoinfection. AIDS 2013; 27:2191-200. [PMID: 23820090 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e32836285e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV coinfection is associated with rapid progression of hepatic fibrosis and liver disease. T-cell response has been implicated in the pathophysiological outcome of the disease. DESIGN This study sought to evaluate the role of memory T-cell exhaustion in enhancing immune dysfunction during coinfection. METHODS Sixty-four patients were included in the study; HCV monoinfected (n = 21), HIV monoinfected (n = 23), HCV/HIV coinfected (n = 20), and healthy controls (n = 20). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated; immunophenotyped and functional assays were performed. RESULTS A significant increase in the naive T cells and central memory T cells and a marked reduction in effector memory T cells (TEM) were observed with coinfection as compared to monoinfection. Inhibitory markers programmed death 1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing molecule 3 (TIM3) were highly upregulated on TEM in coinfection and functionally, these TEM cells displayed lowered proliferation. Increased expression of PD-1 and TIM3 correlated with decreased levels of CD8+CD107a+ TEM cells in coinfection. Pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ and interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion by TEM cells were also reduced during chronic viral infection. Secretion of IL-10, a human cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor, was significantly upregulated in CD4 TEM with HCV/HIV coinfection in comparison to HCV monoinfection. CONCLUSION TEM cells play an important role during viral infection and enhanced expression of inhibitory markers is associated with decreased proliferation and cytotoxicity and increased IL-10 production, which was pronounced in HCV/HIV coinfection. Thus, decreased TEM functionality contributes to diminished host immune responses during HCV/HIV coinfection as compared to HCV or HIV monoinfection.
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Feuth T, Arends JE, Fransen JH, Nanlohy NM, van Erpecum KJ, Siersema PD, Hoepelman AIM, van Baarle D. Complementary role of HCV and HIV in T-cell activation and exhaustion in HIV/HCV coinfection. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59302. [PMID: 23555014 PMCID: PMC3598709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate whether T-cell activation and exhaustion is linked to HCV- and HIV disease parameters in HIV/HCV infected individuals, we studied T-cell characteristics in HIV/HCV coinfected patients and controls. Methods 14 HIV/HCV coinfected, 19 HCV monoinfected, 10 HIV monoinfected patients and 15 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Differences in expression of activation and exhaustion markers (HLA-DR, CD38, PD-1, Tim-3 and Fas) and phenotypic markers on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were analysed by flow cytometry and were related to HCV disease parameters (HCV-viremia, ALT and liver fibrosis). Results Frequencies of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were higher in HIV/HCV-coinfected compared to healthy controls and HCV or HIV mono-infected individuals. Coinfected patients also showed high expression of the exhaustion marker PD-1 and death receptor Fas. In contrast, the exhaustion marker Tim-3 was only elevated in HIV-monoinfected patients. T-cell activation and exhaustion were correlated with HCV-RNA, suggesting that viral antigen influences T-cell activation and exhaustion. Interestingly, increased percentages of effector CD8+ T-cells were found in patients with severe (F3–F4) liver fibrosis compared to those with no to minimal fibrosis (F0–F2). Conclusions HIV/HCV coinfected patients display a high level of T-cell activation and exhaustion in the peripheral blood. Our data suggest that T-cell activation and exhaustion are influenced by the level of HCV viremia. Furthermore, high percentages of cytotoxic/effector CD8+ T-cells are associated with liver fibrosis in both HCV monoinfected and HIV/HCV coinfected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Feuth
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joop E. Arends
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Justin H. Fransen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nening M. Nanlohy
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karel J. van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter D. Siersema
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andy I. M. Hoepelman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Debbie van Baarle
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Hartling HJ, Gaardbo JC, Ronit A, Knudsen LS, Ullum H, Vainer B, Clausen MR, Skogstrand K, Gerstoft J, Nielsen SD. CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are elevated and display an active phenotype in patients with chronic HCV mono-infection and HIV/HCV co-infection. Scand J Immunol 2012; 76:294-305. [PMID: 22671952 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2012.02725.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood and liver tissue in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infection and in patients with HIV/HCV co-infection. In a cross-sectional study were included 51 patients with chronic HCV infection, 24 patients with HIV/HCV co-infection and 24 healthy individuals. CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ Tregs were determined using flow cytometry. Fibrosis was examined by transient elastography. Inflammation, fibrosis and Tregs were determined in liver biopsies from 12 patients. Increased frequency of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ Tregs was found in HIV/HCV co-infected patients [median: 6.4% (IQR: 5.7-6.9) and 1.0% (0.7-1.2), respectively] compared to HCV mono-infected patients [5.6% (4.2-6.3), P = 0.01 and 0.5% (0.3-0.7), P < 0.001, respectively]. Furthermore, HCV mono-infected patients had increased frequencies of Tregs compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05). However, no associations between the frequency of Tregs and fibrosis were found. Furthermore, characterization of CD4⁺ Tregs using CD45RA demonstrated a higher frequency of activated Tregs in both HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected patients compared with healthy controls. Finally, number of intrahepatic Tregs was associated with both peripheral CD8⁺ Tregs and intrahepatic inflammation. In conclusion, HCV mono-infected patients and particularly HIV/HCV co-infected patients have increased the frequency of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ Tregs compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, CD4⁺ Tregs in infected patients displayed an active phenotype. Tregs were not associated with fibrosis, but a positive correlation between intrahepatic Tregs and inflammation was found. Taken together, these results suggest a role for Tregs in the pathogenesis of chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Hartling
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Zhuang Y, Wei X, Li Y, Zhao K, Zhang J, Kang W, Sun Y. HCV coinfection does not alter the frequency of regulatory T cells or CD8+ T cell immune activation in chronically infected HIV+ Chinese subjects. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2012; 28:1044-51. [PMID: 22214236 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2011.0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cell (Treg) is a subset of CD4(+) T cells that play a critical role in regulating the immune responses. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with T cell abnormalities and alters effector T cell function. There are a large number of patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here, we evaluated the proportion of CD4(+) Treg cells expressing CD25 and FOXP3, and the status of immune activation of CD8(+) T cells in 60 Chinese patients chronically infected with HIV and/or HCV. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the level of Treg cells and immune activated CD8(+) T cells. We observed that the Treg level was upregulated in HIV infection and HCV infection could not enhance this kind of upregulation significantly. The level of Treg cells was negatively correlated with CD4(+) T cell counts and positively correlated with HIV viral loads. We observed considerably elevated CD38 and HLA-DR expression in CD8(+) T cells in HIV-infected subjects but not in HCV-infected patients in comparison to that in healthy controls. There is no significant difference concerning the proportion of CD8(+) T cells expressing CD38 or HLA-DR between HIV-1-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. After 12-week HAART, the proportion of Treg cells dropped, but still more than the level in healthy controls. HAART could reverse the abnormal immune activation of CD8(+) T cells. The decrease of Tregs did not alter the downregulation of HIV-1-specific CTL responses in these HIV-infected patients after HAART therapy. The level of HIV virus might be the key point for the decline of CTL responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhuang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital Affiliated with the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Wei
- Institute of Neurosciences, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital Affiliated with the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital Affiliated with the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiucong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital Affiliated with the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzhen Kang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital Affiliated with the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongtao Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital Affiliated with the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
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13
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Kimball P, McDougan F, Stirling R. CXCR3 Expression Elevated on Peripheral CD8+ Lymphocytes from HIV/HCV Coinfected Individuals. Viral Immunol 2011; 24:441-8. [DOI: 10.1089/vim.2011.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pam Kimball
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Felecia McDougan
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Richard Stirling
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems, Richmond, Virginia
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14
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Lee S, Hammond T, Watson MW, Flexman JP, Cheng W, Fernandez S, Price P. Could a loss of memory T cells limit responses to hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigens in blood leucocytes from patients chronically infected with HCV before and during pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy? Clin Exp Immunol 2010; 161:118-26. [PMID: 20408862 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04141.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The proportions and activation status of T cells may influence responses to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and treatment outcome in patients receiving pegylated interferon (IFN)-alpha/ribavirin therapy. We confirmed that IFN-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) responses to HCV are poor in HCV patients and showed that responses to HCV and cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens decrease during therapy. This was most apparent in patients with sustained virological response (SVR). Baseline frequencies of CD4+ effector memory (TEM) T cells were lower in SVR than non-SVR. Proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ TEM and terminally differentiated effector memory (TEMRA) T cells declined on therapy in SVR, as did proportions of Fas+ CD8+ TEMRA T cells. Baseline frequencies of programmed death (PD)-1-expressing CD4+ TEM and TEMRA T-cells were higher in SVR. Therapy increased percentages of PD-1+ CD4+ central memory (TCM) T cells and PD-1+ CD8+ TEM and TEMRA T cells in SVR. We conclude that successful therapy depletes circulating antigen-specific CD4+ T cell responses. This paralleled decreases in proportions of effector memory T cells and higher percentages of CD4+ TCM T cells expressing PD-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Centre for Clinical Immunology and Biomedical Statistics, Royal Perth Hospital, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia.
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15
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Shen T, Chen X, Xu Q, Lu F, Liu S. Distributional characteristics of CD25 and CD127 on CD4+ T cell subsets in chronic HCV infection. Arch Virol 2010; 155:627-34. [PMID: 20204427 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-010-0626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2009] [Accepted: 02/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Attenuated CD4+ T-cell-mediated immune responses are involved in persistence of HCV infection, but the mechanism remains undefined. In this study, the proportions of CD4+ T cell subsets, naïve, central memory, effector memory and effector cells, along with CD25 (IL-2R alpha) and CD127 (IL-7R alpha) expression on different CD4+ T cell subsets, were measured by polychromatic flow cytometry in 24 chronic HCV-infected individuals and 21 healthy controls. A significant decrease in naïve CD4+ T cells and an increase of central memory and effector memory CD4+ T cells were found in HCV-infected patients compared with healthy controls. HCV-infected patients showed a lower level of CD127 expression in all CD4+ T cells subsets, especially in central memory and effector CD4+ T cells. In terms of total CD4+ T cells, an increase in CD25+ regular T cells (CD4+ CD25+ CD127lo) was found in HCV-infected patients. Interestingly, naïve CD4+ T cells showed increased CD25 expression, while effector memory and effector CD4+ T cells had lower CD25 expression. These data indicated that variations in different fractions of CD4+ T cells, including the phenotypic profile and expression level of CD25 and CD127, may be associated with low efficiency of immune response in chronic HCV infection. These results will strengthen the understanding of pathogenesis and dysfunction of CD4+ T cell immunity during long-term HCV persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Shen
- Department of Microbiology, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China.
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