Hepatitis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Hepatitis, including details on hepatitis a, b, c, causes, symptoms.

T-regulatory lymphocytes and chronic viral hepatitis.

Rushbrook SM, Hoare M, Alexander GJ

University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Box 157, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK.

Both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause persistent viral infection in humans. Chronic infection is associated with a risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The cause of chronic infection is unknown. A large body of evidence suggests that a failure of the adaptive immune response is critical in the establishment of chronic infection. Recently a new group of T cells (T-regulatory cells), that express CD4(+)CD25(+) and Foxp3, which can inhibit the cellular (CD4(+)/CD8(+)) immune response have been described. In this review the authors explore the thoughts regarding immune responses to HBV and HCV infections and the role of these T-regulatory cells in relation to the pathogenesis of chronic HBV and HCV infection and the potential for therapeutic intervention.

Published 26 October 2007 in Expert Opin Biol Ther, 7(11): 1689-703.
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