CD4+CXCR5+ T cells in chronic HCV infection produce less IL-21, yet are efficient at supporting B cell responses

Michelle Spaan, Kim Kreefft, Gretchen N. De Graav, Willem P. Brouwer, Robert J. De Knegt, Fibo J W Ten Kate, Carla C. Baan, Thomas Vanwolleghem, Harry L A Janssen, Andre Boonstra*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background & Aims: During chronic HCV infection, T cell dependent virus-specific antibodies are produced. However, the role of B-T cell interaction in chronic HCV is largely unknown. CD4+CXCR5+ T follicular helper (TFH)-cells activate B cells and are important for clearance of various chronic viral infections. We investigated the function of TFH cells and B cells in liver and in peripheral blood of chronic HCV patients. Methods: T cells from chronic HCV patients and healthy individuals were analysed for expression of CXCR5, PD-1, ICOS, and IL-21 and IFN-c production by flow cytometry. CD19+ B cell subpopulations were identified on the basis of CD27 and IgD expression. In order to assess the frequency and function of T cells and B cells in liver follicles, immunohistochemistry was performed for CD3, CXCR5, Bcl6, IL-21, CD20, IgD, IgM, and IgG. Results: The frequency of IL-21-producing CXCR5+CD4+ T cells in blood was lower in HCV patients compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.002), which was reflected by lower serum IL-21 levels (p

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)303-310
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Hepatology
Volume62
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chronic hepatitis C
  • IL-21
  • Immunology
  • Intrahepatic
  • T follicular helper cells

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