Role of T follicular helper cells and their associated molecules in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

  • Authors:
    • Tongjing Xing
    • Hongtao Xu
    • Wenqing Yu
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  • Published online on: December 19, 2012     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2012.864
  • Pages: 885-889
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Abstract

In this study, we investigated the roles of T follicular helper (TFH) cells and related molecules in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The levels of circulating TFH cells and their surface CD40 ligand (CD40L), as well as CD19+ B cells and their surface CD40 expression were detected by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood plasma interleukin (IL)-21 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb)- and HBsAb+ healthy controls, the percentage of TFH cells and their surface CD40L expression significantly increased in patients with chronic HBV infection, particularly those with chronic hepatitis B (P<0.05). The percentage of CD19+ B cells significantly increased in chronic hepatitis B patients and CD40 expression levels on the CD19+ B cell surface in chronic HBV infection decreased compared with those in the healthy controls (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy controls, the plasma IL-21 level in chronic hepatitis B patients was significantly increased in chronic HBV carriers and decreased in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers (P<0.05). The TFH cell percentage, B cell percentage and IL-21 expression did not significantly differ between the hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)- and HBeAg+ chronic hepatitis B groups (P>0.05). The abnormal expression of TFH cells and IL-21 is related to the dysfunction of immune response during chronic HBV infection. The interaction of CD19+ B cells with TFH cells via their CD40 and CD40L molecules may also play an important role in this process.
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March 2013
Volume 5 Issue 3

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

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Spandidos Publications style
Xing T, Xu H and Yu W: Role of T follicular helper cells and their associated molecules in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Exp Ther Med 5: 885-889, 2013
APA
Xing, T., Xu, H., & Yu, W. (2013). Role of T follicular helper cells and their associated molecules in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 5, 885-889. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2012.864
MLA
Xing, T., Xu, H., Yu, W."Role of T follicular helper cells and their associated molecules in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B virus infection". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 5.3 (2013): 885-889.
Chicago
Xing, T., Xu, H., Yu, W."Role of T follicular helper cells and their associated molecules in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B virus infection". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 5, no. 3 (2013): 885-889. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2012.864