Degree of cross-genotype reactivity of hepatitis C virus–specific CD8+ T cells directed against NS3 #

• DOI: 10.1002/hep.23096
• Publication Date: 2009-05-29T19:50:11Z
• Authors: Silvia Giugliano; Filiz Oezkan; Mathias Bedrejowski; Markus Kudla; Markus Reiser; Sergei Viazov; Norbert Scherbaum; Michael Roggendorf; Joerg Timm
• Keywords: Viremia

Abstract The inherent sequence diversity of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) with existence multiple genotypes that differ up to 20% at amino acid level represents one major obstacles for immune control. Accordingly, control a heterologous challenge, particularly across genotypes, is difficult achieve; however, overall role genotype-specific differences has not yet been defined epitope level. aim this study was determine CD8+ T cell response against HCV. We analyzed cohort anti-HCV–positive injection drug users infected HCV genotype 1 (n = 17) or 3 22) undetectable HCV-RNA 14) overlapping peptides covering consensus sequences NS3 from both genotypes. Importantly, majority HCV-specific CD8 cells were specific only indicating between are relevant Interestingly, active significantly more frequent in HCV-RNA–negative subjects. Of note, we identified five subjects viremia and coexistence two populations—one each genotype—suggesting different Conclusion: systematically degree cross-genotype reactivity have shown responses targeting can be primed same individual such potentially characterize subgroup among being protected chronic infection. (Hepatology 2009.)