Identification of the association of CD28+CD244+ Tc17/IFN‐γ cells with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Issue 12 (6th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Han, Wenzheng; Li, Jiajia; Zhou, Hongchang; Qian, Jing; Tong, Zhaowei; Wang, Weihong; Zhong, Jianfeng; Xue, Tao; Chen, Qing; Yao, Yunliang; Shao, Shengwen
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical virology. Volume 92:Issue 12(2020)
• Page Start: 3534
• Page End: 3544
• Publication Date: 2020-07-06
• Subjects: CD244 -- CD28 -- HCV -- Tc17/IFN‐γ cells; Virology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-6615

Abstract

Abstract: CD8 + T cells play multiple and complex immunological roles including antiviral, regulatory, and exhaustive effects in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. Some CD8 + T‐cell subsets were confirmed to be closely related to HCV infection such as TCM, TEM, TEM RA, Tc17, and CD8 + Treg. Herein, we report a new subset of interleukin (IL)‐17/interferon (IFN)‐γ producing CD8 + T (Tc17/IFN‐γ) cells that markedly correlate with CD28 + CD244 + cells, IL‐17 levels, and HCV RNA in HCV patients. During early treatment with peg‐IFN‐a2a plus ribavirin, the imbalance of these Tc17/IFN‐γ cells could be partially restored, together with normalized serum alanine aminotransferase but not aspartate transaminase. Also, we analyzed the dynamic change of the percentage of this T cells subset in patients with different outcome after 4‐week course of treatment with peg‐IFN‐a2a plus ribavirin and found that the percentage of CD8 + CD28 + CD244 + T cells significantly decreased in recovered patients but not in nonrecovered patients. In vitro, CD28 + CD244 + T cells were the only CD8 + T‐cell group that secreted both IL‐17 and IFN‐γ in this axis and blockade with anti‐CD244 antibodies significantly reduced cytokine production. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the frequency and regulatory functions of CD28 + CD244 + Tc17/IFN‐γ cells may play an important role in persistent HCV infection. Highlights: A new subset of IL‐17/IFN‐γ producing CD8+ T (Tc17/IFN‐γ) cells that markedly correlate with CD28+CD244+ cells, IL‐17 levels, and HCV RNA in HCV patients. The imbalance of these Tc17/IFN‐γ cells could be partially restored afterearly treatment with peg‐IFN‐a2a plus ribavirin, the imbalance of these Tc17/IFN‐γ cells could be partially restored.