Immune Netw.  2016 Dec;16(6):330-336. 10.4110/in.2016.16.6.330.

Regulatory T Cells in Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections

• Jung MK
• Shin EC

• KMID: 2362797
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4110/in.2016.16.6.330

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are hepatotropic viruses that establish chronic persistent infection by effectively escaping the host immune response and can cause immune-mediated liver injury. It has recently become apparent that regulatory T (Treg) cells, specifically CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg cells, modulate viral diseases by suppressing antiviral immune responses and regulating inflammatory host injury. The roles of Treg cells in HBV and HCV infections range from suppressing antiviral T cell responses to protecting the liver from immune-mediated damage. This review describes Treg cells and subpopulations and focuses on the roles of these cells in HBV and HCV infections.

Keyword

Regulatory T cell; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus

MeSH Terms

Hepacivirus
Hepatitis B virus
Hepatitis B*
Hepatitis*
Liver
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory*
United Nations
Virus Diseases