Early high levels of regulatory T cells and T helper 1 may predict the progression of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation.
(2019) Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology — Vol. 43, n° 3, p. 273-281 (2019)
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- BACKGROUND: Immune response failure against hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been associated with an increased regulatory T cell (Treg) activity. After liver transplantation (LT), 80% of patients experience an accelerated progression of hepatitis C recurrence. The aim of this work was to assess the involvement of Tregs, T helper (Th) 1, 2 and 17 cells in recurrent hepatitis C. METHODS: Peripheral blood cells obtained before and one month after LT from 22 recipients were analysed. Forty-four key molecules related to Treg, Th1, 2 and 17 responses, were evaluated using qRT-PCR. Liver recipients were classified in two groups according to graft fibrosis evaluated by the METAVIR score on the biopsy performed one year after LT (mild: F ≤ 1, n = 13; severe: F > 1, n = 9). Patients developing a severe recurrence were compared with patients with a mild recurrence. RESULTS: mRNA levels of Treg markers obtained one month after LT were significantly increased in patients with a severe disease course when compared to patients with a mild recurrence. Markers of the Th1 response were elevated in the same group. No differences in the markers determined before LT were observed. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Treg, induced by a multifactorial process, which could include a strong Th1 response itself, may play a role in suppressing the early antiviral response, leading to a severe recurrence of hepatitis C.
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Ghazal, K., Morales, O., Barjon, C., Dahlqvist, G., Aoudjehane, L., Ouaguia, L., Delhem, N., & Conti, F. (2019). Early high levels of regulatory T cells and T helper 1 may predict the progression of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology, 43(3), 273-281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinre.2018.10.005 (Original work published 2019)