慢性乙型肝炎患者外周血淋巴细胞凋亡的检测及临床意义

目的探讨乙型肝炎患者外周血淋巴细胞（ｐｅｒｉｐｈｅｒａｌ　ｂｌｏｏｄ　ｌｙｍｐｈｏｃｙｔｅｓ,ＰＢＬ）凋亡在乙型肝炎病毒（ＨＢＶ）持续感染中的作用。方法分离１５例慢性乙型肝炎患者ＰＢＬ,体外单独或与金黄色葡萄球菌肠毒素Ｂ（ＳＥＢ）域重组ＨＢｃＡｇ（ｒＨＢｃＡ）共培养,用荧光素ＹＯＰＲＯ－１和Ｈｏｅｃｈｓｔ３３３４２对ＰＢＬ染色,观察ＰＢＬ中凋亡细胞比例。结果慢性乙型肝炎患者ＰＢＬ体外培养４８小时后,无论自发性还是由ＳＥＢ或＜ｒＨＢｃＡｇ诱导的ＰＢＬ凋亡率均明显高于正常对照组,Ｐ＜０．０１。其中ｒＨＢｃＡｇ诱导的ＰＢＬ凋亡率最高,达２４．６％。血清ＨＢｅＡｓ阳性组患者ＰＢＬ凋亡率明显高于ＨＢｅＡｇ阴性组患者。慢性轻度和中度肝炎ＰＢＬ凋亡率又高于慢性重度或慢性重型肝炎患者。结论　慢性乙型肝炎ＰＢＬ凋亡可能是ＨＢＶ持续感染的重要因素之一。     

慢性乙型肝炎病人血清及外周血单个核细胞培养上清液白细胞介？…

目的 探讨慢性乙型肝炎（ＣＨＢ）病人血清及外周血单个核细胞（ＰＢＭＣ）培养上清液白细胞介素－１０（ＩＬ－１０）检测的临床意义。方法 分离１５例ＣＨＢ病人及６名正常人血清及ＰＢＭＣ。ＰＢＭＣ体外单独或与金黄色葡萄球菌肠毒素Ｂ（ＳＥＢ）或重组ＨＢｃＡｇ（ｒＨＢｃＡｇ）共培养４８小时后。用双抗体夹心ＥＬＩＳＡ方法检测血清及ＰＢＭＣ培养上清液ＩＬ－Ｈ１０水平。结果 ＣＨＢ病人血清ＩＬ－１０水平为（１２３．     

慢性乙型肝炎病人血清及外周血单个核细胞培养上清液白细胞介素-10的检测及其临床意义

目的探讨慢性乙型肝炎（ＣＨＢ）病人血清及外周血单个核细胞（ＰＢＭＣ）培养上清液白细胞介素一１０（ＩＬ－１０）检测的临床意义。方法分离１５例ＣＨＢ病人及６名正常人血清及ＰＢＭＣ。ＰＢＭＣ体外单独或与金黄色葡萄球菌场毒素Ｂ（ＳＥ）或重组ＨＢｃＡｇ（ｒＨＢｃＡ）共培养４８小时后,用双抗体夹心ＥＬＩＳＡ方法检测血清及ＰＢＭＣ培养上清液ＩＬ－１０水平。结果ＣＨＢ病人血清ＩＬ－１０水平为（１２３．１１±１３．８９）ｎｇ／Ｌ,正常对照组平均为（９５．９７±１１．６８）ｎｇ／Ｌ,两者之间差异有非常显著性,Ｐ＜０．０１。ＰＢＭＣ体外培养４８小时,培养上清液中ＩＬ－１０水平均明显高于正常对照组,Ｐ＜０．０１。其中ｒＨＢＣＡｄｅ导病人ＰＢＭＣ产生的ＩＬ－１０水平最高,达（３６９．５±３０．５２）ｎｇ／Ｌ。ＨＢＶＤＮＡ阳性病人血清及ＰＢＭＣ培养上清液ＩＬ－１０水平均明显高于ＨＢＶＤＮＡ阴性组病人。慢性轻度和中度肝炎病人血清及ＰＢＭＣ培养上清液ＩＬ－１０水平又高于慢性重度或慢性重型肝炎病人。结论ＣＨＢ病人血清及ＰＢＭＣ培养上清液ＩＬ－１０水平升高可能与ＨＢＶ持续感染有关。     

B7-H1 expression is upregulated in peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, which correlates with higher serum IL-10 levels

Chronicity in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is maintained by increased type 2 T-helper cell response, possibly because of increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) productions. B7-H1 can negatively regulate T-cell responses via its receptor, programmed death 1. Ligation of B7-H1 to T-cells can result in the preferential secretion of IL-10. In this study, we investigated whether there was an upregulated expression of B7-H1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients chronically infected by HBV and further explored the correlation between B7-H1 expression and serum interleukin 2, interferon-gamma, IL-10, HBeAg, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and viral load. Fifty-five patients with chronic HBV infection and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the present study. The results showed that in patients with chronic hepatitis B CD14+ monocytes but not CD3+ and CD19+ cells had a significantly increased expression of B7-H1 compared with HCs, which positively correlates with serum IL-10 levels and the presence of HBeAg and negatively correlates with serum ALT levels. In conclusion, chronic HBV patients harbour an increased B7-H1 expression in CD14+ monocytes compared with controls, which may be responsible for the increased serum IL-10 levels. This might be an important way by which HBV evades an adequate immune response, leading to viral persistence and disease chronicity.     

HBV特异性抗原对HBV携带者T淋巴细胞免疫功能的影响

目的 通过分析不同类型HBV携带者外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)的细胞免疫功能,分析HBV抗原对其的影响,探索HBV慢性感染的机制并寻求可能的免疫治疗方法.方法 用不同的抗原和(或)细胞因子刺激培养的无症状HBV携带者PBMCs,酶联免疫吸附法检测细胞培养上清液中不同细胞因子的水平;流式细胞术检测PBMCs的细胞表型.对数据进行t检验分析和相关性分析.结果 HBsAg刺激无症状HBV携带者PBMCs后产生的干扰素(IFN)γ为(48.3±19.8)Pg/ml,较健康对照人群低[(196.2±104.3)Pg/ml(t=3.023,P＜0.05)].HBsAg和HBcAg刺激HBeAg阳性患者PBMCs分泌的IFN y水平分别为(50.4±51.6)Pg/ml和(63.2±36.9)pg/ml,明显低于HBeAg阴性组[(86.2±42.3)Pg/ml和(101.4±32.5)pg/ml],t值分别为2.468和3.184,P值均＜0.05;HBeAg阳性患者组分泌白细胞介素(IL)-12 P70明显低于HBeAg阴性组(P＜0.05);补偿外源性IL-12可明显促进HBV携带者PBMCs分泌IFN γ(P＜0.01),IL-12协同HBV抗原可激活CD8+CD45RA+CCR7及CD8+CD45RA CD62L+细胞.结论 HBeAg阳性患者PBMCs分泌IL-12减少,这可能是HBV携带者持续感染的重要原因;外源性IL-12可促进HBV携带者PBMCs中的中枢记忆性T淋巴细胞的免疫功能.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the effect of HBV antigens and pathological mechanism of chronic HBV infection by analyzing the cellular immune function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HBsAg carriers. Methods PBMCs were prepared from individuals with chronic asymptomatic HBV infection and cultured in the presence of different antigens and/or cytokines. The levels of cytokines in culture supernatants were detected by ELISA method. The phenotype of the cells was detected by FACS.Results The levels of IFN γ secreted by PBMCs from HBsAg carriers were (48.3 ± 19.8) pg/ml, significantly lower than that from healthy controls (t = 3.023, P ＜ 0.05＝; The IFN γ produced by PBMCs from HBeAg positive patients due to HBsAg and HBcAg stimulation were (50.4±51.6) pg/ml and (63.2 ± 36.9)pg/ml, significantly lower than that of HBeAg negative patients (t = 2.468 and 3.184, P ＜ 0.05, respectively＝.The IL-12p70 secreted by PBMCs from HBeAg positive patients was also significantly lower than that of HBeAg negative patients (P ＜ 0.05＝; Exogenous IL-12 promoted significantly PBMCs to secrete IFN γ (P ＜0.01＝ and IL-12 combined with HBV antigens activated CD8+CD45RA+CCR7+ and CD8+CD45RA-CD62L+cells. Conclusion IL-12 secreted by PBMCs decreased in HBeAg positive patients, which may be the crucial reason of viral persistence in chronic HBV carriers. Exogenous IL-12 combined with specific HBV antigen could promote the central memory CD8+ T cells to produce IFN γ.     

Intracellular levels of hepatitis B virus DNA and pregenomic RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chronically infected patients

Summary.  It remains uncertain whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) can be detected in the serum or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. We examined HBV cccDNA and pgRNA in the serum and PBMC, and investigated the effect of lamivudine therapy on the viral loads in the PBMC of CHB patients. Paired serum and PBMC samples from 50 treatment-naïve CHB patients [25 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive and 25 HBeAg negative] were quantified for total HBV DNA, cccDNA and pgRNA by real time polymerase chain reaction. HBV cccDNA and pgRNA were below the lower detection limit in all serum samples, and in 84% of PBMC. HBV DNA ( r  = 0.889, P  <   0.001) and pgRNA ( r  = 0.696, P  <   0.001) in PBMC correlated with the HBV DNA in serum. In the longitudinal study, 30 patients treated with lamivudine therapy for a median duration of 34 weeks (range 12–48 weeks) were examined. The median HBV DNA reduction in PBMC before and after treatment was 1.318 (range −0.471 to 3.846) log units, which was significantly lower than serum HBV DNA reduction [3.371 (range −0.883 to 9.454) log units, P  <   0.05]. HBV cccDNA and pgRNA were undetectable in the serum of CHB patients. HBV viral loads in PBMC correlated with serum HBV DNA. Lamivudine therapy had less effect on the HBV viral loads in PBMC compared with the serum viral loads.     

Biological properties of interleukin-12 and its therapeutic use in persistent hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection

Summary. Interleukin (IL)-12 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by antigen-presenting cells in response to diverse stimuli. IL-12 is a key molecule in the regulation of host's immune responses. In particular, IL-12 influences the balance between the T-helper cells type 1 (TH₁) and type 2 (TH₂); it modulates macrophage responses through the control of interferon-gamma synthesis by TH₁ cells; and, suppresses IgE class antibody production (has a suppressive effect on allergic reactions) and promotes a shift in the IgG subclasses. IL-12 enhances resistance to several infectious diseases, is a powerful antitumor agent in vivo , and acts as a vaccine adjuvant. The biological properties of IL-12 point to the potential therapeutic use in persistent hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection.     

Inhibitory effects of hepatitis B virus antigen on induction of lymphokine-activated killer cell activity

We investigated the inhibitory effects of purified recombinant hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (rHBsAg) and core antigen (rHBcAg) on lymphokine-activated killer cell (LAK) activity. Either peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or CD16+ CD3- LAK precursors, both of which were pre-incubated with interleukin-2 (IL-2) and rHBsAg or rHBcAg for 72 h, showed a significant decrease in LAK cytotoxicity against Daudi cells, in comparison to the results recorded in the presence of IL-2 alone, or IL-2 and E. coli extracts. This inhibitory effect was dose-dependent and was observed to be time-dependent from 24 to 72-h-cultures with these HBV antigens. This influence was not mediated with either adherent cells or other accessory cells. The proliferative reaction of either PBMCs or the LAK precursors after being cultured with IL-2 and rHBsAg or rHBcAg for 72 h was significantly diminished compared with the levels of reaction of those cells after a 72-h culture with IL-2 alone or with IL-2 and E. coli extracts. The levels of IL-2-driven IL-2 receptor (p55) expression of either PBMCs or the LAK precursors in the presence of rHBsAg or rHBcAg were higher than the levels seen in the absence of these HBV antigens. These results suggest that HBsAg and HBcAg may inhibit the induction of LAK activity by interfering with the proliferative reaction of the LAK precursors to IL-2 without inhibiting the IL-2 receptor expression of the cells. Cytofluorographic analysis of PBMCs, cultured with rIL-2, showed lower percentages of CD3+ and CD16+ cells in the presence of these HBV antigens than those in the absence of antigens.     

Quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen and E antigen: correlation between Elecsys and Architect assays

Quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and their change model during treatment are emerging as a useful tool for assessing the outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and predicting the efficacy of antiviral therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the Elecsys and Architect assays for HBsAg and HBeAg quantification. Quantification of HBsAg and HBeAg, determined by these two assays, were assessed in 1292 sera from patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB). HBeAg quantification in serum was performed by calibrating the results through HBeAg Paul‐Ehrlich international (PEI) reference standard. The HBV genotype was determined by direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Of 1292 samples, the distribution of genotype was 514 (39.78%) genotype B, 776 (60.06%) genotype C, 2 (0.16%) genotype D. The results of HBsAg and HBeAg quantification between the Architect and Elecsys assays were significantly correlated (HBsAg: r = 0.939; HBeAg: r = 0.987), independent of HBV genotype and treatment phase. The mean differences between the two methods (the log₁₀ [Elecsys] ‐ the log₁₀ [Architect]) were 0.075 log₁₀ IU/mL and ?0.149 log₁₀PE IU/mL in quantifying HBsAg and HBeAg, respectively. This study demonstrates a high correlation between the Elecsys and the Architect assays in quantifying HBsAg and HBeAg, regardless of HBV genotype. Both the two assays can be used to monitor the HBsAg and HBeAg levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B.     

p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase impairment of innate immune cells is a characteristic feature of HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B

The mitogen‐activated protein kinase p38 (MAPK) is implicated in the induction of immune responses by regulating the differentiation of T lymphocytes and production of cytokines. Our aim was to investigate p38MAPK phosphorylation in different stages of the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated by Ficoll‐Hypaque density‐based centrifugation from 10 patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B [HBeAg(?) CHB;HBV‐DNA>2000IU/mL], eight patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic HBV infection [HBeAg(?) CI;undetectable HBV‐DNA] and 8 healthy controls (HCs). p38MAPK phosphorylation was assessed by phospho‐specific flow cytometry in PBMCs and cell subsets (CD3+,CD3?,CD56+,CD56?) after stimulation with cytokines (IL‐12+IL‐2 and IL‐12+IL‐18) or nonspecific stimuli [arsenite, phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) and ionomycin] at 0,30,60,120 and 240 minutes using p38 phospho‐specific conjugated antibodies. ΙFN‐γ was determined by ELISA in PBMCs culture supernatants after stimulation with rhIL‐2, rhIL‐12 and rhIL‐18, with and without pre‐treatment with the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580. HBeAg(?) CI patients showed the highest expression of phosphor‐p38 MAPK in total PBMCs and subpopulations compared to HBeAg(?) CHB and HCs. A striking impairment in p38 phosphorylation was noted in CD56+ cells and in especially in NK cells (CD3‐CD56+). SB203580‐induced inhibition of p38MAPK phosphorylation was associated with suppression of IFN‐γ production in all groups. The universal lack of p38 MAPK activation in CD56+ and in particular in NK cells from HBeAg(?) CHB patients during viremia suggests a potential cell‐dependent implication of this pathway in the natural history of HBV infection.     

Oral prostaglandin (PGE2) therapy for chronic viral hepatitis B and C

The cytoprotective effects of prostaglandins have been utilized in the prevention of hepatitis B virus reactivation after liver transplantation. This pilot study evaluated the effects of oral prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in chronic viral hepatitis B and C. Twenty patients with chronic hepatitis B and 20 patients with chronic hepatitis C received 4mgday^–1 PGE₂ for 6 months. The lymphocyte antiviral enzyme 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (2',5'-OAS) and peripheral blood monocyte procoagulant activity (PCA) were measured before, during and after the treatment. Three of 20 hepatitis B and five of 20 hepatitis C patients withdrew from the study. Eight of 17 hepatitis B patients responded: in seven of these eight patients, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels normalized; loss of viral replication was sustained in all eight patients; and seroconversion from hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) to hepatitis Be antibody (HBeAb) positivity occurred in seven patients over the 48-week duration of this study. In 14 of the 15 hepatitis C patients, hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA remained detectable and the serum ALT levels remained elevated. 2',5'-OAS levels and PCA values did not correlate with other markers of response to PGE₂ therapy in either chronic hepatitis B or C. In summary, PGE₂ was associated with sustained loss of viral replication in 47% of chronic hepatitis B patients; no beneficial effects were apparent in chronic hepatitis C.     

Relationship of clinical and virological factors with hepatitis activity in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients

To investigate the factors associated with active disease among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive/hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection we studied chronic HBV infected patients who had undetectable HBeAg at the first visit. HBV DNA was determined by the cross-linking assay (NAXCOR) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mutations in the core promoter and precore regions and viral genotypes were studied. Clinical outcome of these patients were followed and categorized as: (i) relapse (ALT > 200 IU/L or three times the previous levels); (ii) active hepatitis (elevated ALT < 200 IU/L with concomitant detectable HBV DNA); or (iii) remission. A total of eighty-five patients were followed up for 5.5 ± 1.0 years. At first visit, 31 (36.5%) patients had elevated ALT levels, 12 (14.1%) had measurable HBV DNA by the cross-linking assay and 26 (30.6%) by PCR. Sixteen (18.8%) patients had hepatitis relapse, 13 (15.3%) had active hepatitis, and 56 (65.9%) remained in remission. Core promoter and precore stop codon mutants were found in 27 and 12 patients, respectively. Eleven and 20 had genotype B and C HBV, respectively. Initial elevated ALT and detectable HBV DNA were associated with active liver disease. Patient demographics, viral mutants or genotypes failed to predict disease activity. Hence, serum ALT and HBV DNA levels offer the best prediction of natural course of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection.     

HBcAg-pulsed dendritic cell vaccine induces Th1 polarization and production of hepatitis B virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Aim:  Dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with HBsAg efficiently reverse the immune tolerance to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and induce HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses in transgenic mice and healthy volunteers. However, it is not clear whether HBV core antigen (HBcAg)-pulsed DCs can effectively induce CD4⁺ helper T cells polarization into Th1, which contribute to the induction and maintenance of HBV-specific CD8⁺ T cells in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. To address this issue, we conducted this study and investigated whether HBcAg-pulsed DCs could polarize Th1 cells and induce an HBcAg-specific CTL response.
Methods:  HBcAg-pulsed DCs were generated from 21 CHB patients. The capacity of the HBcAg-pulsed DC vaccine to stimulate CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells to produce IFN-γ and IL-4 was estimated by intercellular cytokine staining, and the HBcAg-pulsed DCs derived from 10 humam leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A2⁺ CHB patients were tested for the induction of HBV-specific CTLs from autologous T cells by pentamer staining. The cytotoxicity of these CTLs was evaluated in vitro by flow cytometry.
Results:  The HBcAg-pulsed DCs derived from CHB patients exhibited a stronger capacity to stimulate autologous CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells to release IFN-γ rather than IL-4, which could induce HBV core 18-27 specific CTLs, suggesting a specific cytotoxicity against T2 cells that had been loaded with the HBV core 18-27 peptide in vitro .
Conclusion:  HBcAg-pulsed DC vaccine derived from CHB patients efficiently induced autologous T cell polarization to Th1 and generation of HBV core 18-27 specific CTLs.     

乙型肝炎患者血清白细胞介素-32、白细胞介素-6水平变化及临床意义

目的探讨乙型肝炎患者血清白细胞介素（IL）-32和IL-6的变化及其临床意义。方法对92例乙型肝炎患者和30例健康者用ELISA法检测外周血清IL-32和IL-6水平变化。结果 （1）乙型肝炎组与对照组血清IL-32水平比较差异有统计学意义（F=108.494,P〈0.001）,急性乙型肝炎（AHB）组血清IL-32水平最高,慢性乙型肝炎（CHB）组随轻、中、重分型逐渐升高;乙型肝炎组与对照组血清IL-6水平比较差异有统计学意义（F=139.256,P〈0.001）,依AHB、CHB轻、中、重度逐渐升高。（2）HBV DNA阳性组IL-32、IL-6水平较阴性组为高,差异无统计学意义;高、中、低病毒载量组之间血清IL-32、IL-6水平比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。（3）血清IL-32水平与IL-6水平呈正相关（r=0.70,P〈0.05）。结论 （1）乙型肝炎患者外周血IL-32、IL-6水平升高,且随炎症程度加重呈上升趋势,推测IL-32、IL-6可能在炎症反应中发挥重要作用,IL-32、IL-6参与了乙型肝炎患者肝组织损伤及病情发展的过程。（2）血清IL-32、IL-6水平变化与HBV复制水平无关。     

Thymosin alpha1 treatment of chronic hepatitis B: results of a phase III multicentre, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study

Previous clinical trials have suggested that thymosin α₁ (Tα₁), an immunomodulatory peptide, may be effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Tα₁ in a multicentre, placebo-controlled and double-blind study of 97 patients with serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA- and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB. Patients who had been hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive for at least 12 months entered a 3-month screening period prior to randomization. Forty-nine patients received Tα₁ (1.6 mg) and 48 patients received placebo, twice weekly for 6 months, and were followed-up for an additional 6 months. At inclusion, both groups were comparable for age, gender, histological grading, and aminotransferase and HBV DNA levels. A complete response to treatment, defined as a sustained serum HBV DNA-negative status (two negative results at least 3 months apart) during the 12-month study, with negative HBV DNA and HBeAg values at month 12, was seen in seven (14%) patients given Tα₁ and in two (4%) patients treated with placebo ( P = 0.084). Five (10%) patients given Tα₁ and four (8%) patients given placebo exhibited a delayed response (defined as sustained serum HBV DNA negativity achieved after the 12-month study period with negative HBV DNA and HBeAg values at the last assessment). A total of 12 (25%) patients given Tα₁ and six (13%) patients given placebo showed a sustained loss of HBV DNA with a negative HBeAg value during or following the 12-month study period ( P < 0.11). These results do not confirm observations of treatment efficacy reported in other clinical studies.     

Sequential analysis of hepatitis B virus core promoter and precore regions in cancer survivor patients with chronic hepatitis B before,during and after interferon treatment

We analysed the hepatitis B virus (HBV) core-promoter (CP) and precore (PC) regions before, during and after interferon treatment in young Caucasian cancer survivors who had acquired HBV infection during chemotherapy for malignancies. Fourteen patients with chronic hepatitis B [hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) /HBV-DNA positive] received α-2a interferon (IFN), 5  M U/m² t.i.w. for 12 months. HBV CP and PC region sequences were analysed following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Sera from responders were studied at: T₀ (before starting IFN), T₁ [at alanine aminotransferase (ALT) peak preceding HBeAg seroconversion], T₂ (at ALT normalization), T₃ (at end of IFN) and T₄ (at one year after IFN) and in nonresponders at time points T₀, T₃ and T₄. Amplified HBV-DNA was cloned and sequenced automatically. Six of 14 patients (43%) responded to IFN treatment. Five of the six (83%) responders displayed the double CP mutation A1762T/G1764A always in association with a T1753C change. None of the nonresponders showed these mutations at any time point. The G1896A change creating the PC stop codon mutation was never detected in any of the patients. In our cancer survivors, IFN-induced HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion appeared to correlate with CP mutations and was not influenced by previous chemotherapy. These mutations in addition to low HBV DNA levels and elevated ALT can be considered favourable factors of response to IFN-induced anti-HBe seroconversion.     

急性乙型肝炎HBcAg特异性CTL克隆建立及初步分析

目的建立急性乙型肝炎（乙肝）患者的HBcAg特异性CD8^＋T细胞克隆。方法一例急性乙肝患者经用序列特异引物聚合酶链反应分型技术,测得其人类白细胞抗原（human leukocyte antigen,HLA）-A基因型为1101,其外周血单个核细胞采用重组HHBcAg和合成的HLA—A＊1101限制性表位肽（HBV croe88—96）刺激,并以有限稀释法对活化的T细胞进行克隆化,建立HBcAg特异性的CD8^＋T细胞克隆。用免疫荧光染色、流式细胞术以及乳酸脱氢酶释放实验鉴定所获克隆。结果获得13株HBcAg＋特异性CD8^＋咖胞克隆（6侏为Tc1,3株为Tc2,4株为Tc0）。其中12株具有明显的特异性细胞毒沂陛（37．5％-85．5％,效／靶比为2．5：1）,1株（A10株,Tc0）细胞毒活性仅为10．2％。结论应用HLA—A＊1101限制性表位肽（HBV croe88—96）刺激急性乙肝患者的外周血单个核细胞,建立了13株肽表位特异性的CD8^＋T细胞克隆,为进一步研究打下基础。     

Studies of interleukin-12 in chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Summary. Interleukin-12 is produced by antigen-presenting cells and regulates the balance between TH₁/TH₂ lymphocyte subsets, promoting cell-mediated immune reactions. Amongst patients with chronic hepatitis B undergoing interferon-alpha treatment, only those who clear hepatitis B virus show a substantial increase in the production of biologically active IL-12 and an inverse ratio between serum levels of IL-12p40 subunit and IL-12. The peak of serum IL-12 occurs after the hepatitis flare and precedes or coincides with the time of HBe seroconversion. These data indicate that IL-12 is an important element for establishing the host immune control on hepatitis B virus replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.     

Expression of IL-23 and IL-17 and effect of IL-23 on IL-17 production in ankylosing spondylitis

The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of IL-23 and IL-17 and the influence of IL-23 on IL-17 production in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. IL-23 and IL-17 levels in the serum and supernatants of cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined by ELISA. IL-23p19 mRNA expression in PBMCs were analyzed using RT-PCR. The patients with AS at active stage showed elevated levels of IL-23 and IL-17 in the serum and supernatants of cultured PBMCs. A higher expression of IL-23p19 mRNA in PBMCs of AS patients was also observed. A significantly enhanced production of IL-17 in the supernatants of cultured PBMCs was found in the presence of recombinant IL-23 and this effect was more significant in patients with AS. The results suggest that IL-23 and IL-17 may play critical roles in the pathogenesis of AS and IL-23-stimulated production of IL-17 by PBMCs may be responsible for the development of AS.     

替比夫定治疗慢性乙肝血清Th1/Th2亚群细胞因子的水平变化

目的探讨慢性乙肝患者接受替比夫定抗病毒治疗后血清T淋巴细胞亚群Th1/Th2细胞因子水平的变化及与肝功能ALT恢复、HBVDNA含量变化及血清HBeAg转换的关系。方法64例HBeAg（＋）慢性乙肝患者接受替比夫定抗病毒治疗,ELISA法检测治疗前及治疗24W后Th1细胞因子IL-2、IL-12及Th2细胞因子IL-4、IL-10的血清浓度变化,并同时检测肝功能ALT、HBVDNA含量的变化及HBeAg血清转换率。结果64例HBeAg（＋）慢性乙肝患者接受替比夫定治疗24W后,有55例患者ALT恢复正常,占85.9%,有34例HBVDNA〈5×10^2copies/ml,HBeAg（-）,占53.1%,治疗52W,有15例发生HBeAg血清学转换,比例为23.4%。治疗组患者血清Th1细胞因子水平低于对照组,Th2细胞因子水平高于对照组,替比夫定治疗后,HBeAg阴转及血清转换患者血清Th1细胞因子浓度比治疗前升高,Th2细胞因子浓度比治疗前降低均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,ALT恢复正常,HB-VDNA含量下降显著（P〈0.01）。结论T细胞亚群Th1/Th2细胞因子与慢性乙肝替比夫定抗病毒治疗后血清ALT复常,HBVDNA含量下降及HBeAg阴转及血清学转换相关,Th1/Th2亚群细胞因子平衡是促进肝功能ALT恢复、HBVDNA含量下降的重要因素之一,HBeAg高阴转及血清学转换率可能与替比夫定能上调Th1细胞因子水平有关。