PD-1 expression in acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with HCV-specific CD8 exhaustion

S Urbani, B Amadei, D Tola, M Massari… - Journal of …, 2006 - Am Soc Microbiol
S Urbani, B Amadei, D Tola, M Massari, S Schivazappa, G Missale, C Ferrari
Journal of virology, 2006Am Soc Microbiol
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific CD8 cell exhaustion may represent a mechanism of HCV
persistence. The inhibitory receptor PD-1 has been reported to be up-regulated in
exhausted CD8 cells. Therefore, we studied PD-1 expression longitudinally during acute
HCV infection. Most HCV-specific CD8 cells expressed PD-1 at the time of acute illness,
irrespective of the final outcome. PD-1 expression declined with the acquisition of a memory
phenotype and recovery of an efficient CD8 cell function in resolving HCV infections …
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific CD8 cell exhaustion may represent a mechanism of HCV persistence. The inhibitory receptor PD-1 has been reported to be up-regulated in exhausted CD8 cells. Therefore, we studied PD-1 expression longitudinally during acute HCV infection. Most HCV-specific CD8 cells expressed PD-1 at the time of acute illness, irrespective of the final outcome. PD-1 expression declined with the acquisition of a memory phenotype and recovery of an efficient CD8 cell function in resolving HCV infections, whereas high levels were maintained when HCV persisted and HCV-specific CD8 cells remained dysfunctional. Blocking PD-1/PDL-1 interaction with an anti-PDL-1 antibody improved the capacity of expansion of virus-specific CD8 cells.
American Society for Microbiology