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Expression of Hepatitis B Virus X Protein in Hepatocytes Suppresses CD8+ T Cell Activity

  • Lee, Mi Jin (Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Jin, Young-hee (Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Kyongmin (Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Choi, Yangkyu (Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University) ;
  • Kim, Hyoung-Chin (Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology) ;
  • Park, Sun (Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2010.07.07
  • Accepted : 2010.07.23
  • Published : 2010.08.31
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Abstract

Background: $CD8^+$ T cells contribute to the clearance of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and an insufficient $CD8^+$ T cell response may be one of the major factors leading to chronic HBV infection. Since the HBx antigen of HBV can up-regulate cellular expression of several immunomodulatory molecules, we hypothesized that HBx expression in hepatocytes might affect $CD8^+$ T cell activity. Methods: We analyzed the activation and apoptosis of $CD8^+$ T cells co-cultured with primary hepatocytes rendered capable of expressing HBx by recombinant baculovirus infection. Results: Expression of HBx in hepatocytes induced low production of $interferon-{\gamma}$ and apoptosis of CD8+ T cells, with no effect on CD8 T cell proliferation. However, transcriptional levels of H-2K, ICAM-1 and PD-1 ligand did not correlate with HBx expression in hepatocytes. Conclusion: Our results suggest that HBx may inhibit $CD8^+$ T cell response by regulation of $interferon-{\gamma}$ production and apoptosis.

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References

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