Home
Resources
Publications
Interleukin 21 Reinvigorates the Antiviral Activity of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Specific CD8+ T Cells in Chronic HBV Infection

Interleukin 21 Reinvigorates the Antiviral Activity of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Specific CD8+ T Cells in Chronic HBV Infection

Libo Tang, Chengcong Chen, Xueping Gao, Wanyue Zhang, Xin Yan, Yang Zhou, Ling Guo, Xinchun Zheng, Weibin Wang, Fuqiang Yang, Guangze Liu, Jian Sun, Jinlin Hou, Yongyin Li

J Infect Dis. 2019 Feb 15;219(5):750-759.

PMID: 30260401

Abstract:

Background:
Strategies that target functional recovery of exhausted hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8+ T cells are beneficial for viral control, but the potential for interleukin 21 (IL-21) to rescue CD8+ T-cell function is not well understood.
Methods:
We investigated the effect of IL-21 on CD8+ T-cell responses by phenotypic and functional analysis of samples from patients with chronic HBV infection and a mouse model with HBV expression.
Results:
IL-21 promoted the proliferative capacity of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells and down-regulated expression of the inhibitory receptors programmed death 1 and T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3. Additionally, IL-21 boosted the production of interferon-γ, granzyme B, and CD107a in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells and enhanced the cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells against HepG2.2.15 cells. Notably, an HBV mouse model established from IL-21 receptor knockout mice showed significantly decreased frequency of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells and increased levels of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Meanwhile, administration of recombinant mouse IL-21 in an HBV mouse model established from wild-type mice resulted in enhanced functionality of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells and accelerated HBsAg clearance.
Conclusions:
IL-21 enhances the antiviral effect of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, suggesting that it may contribute to viral clearance in chronic HBV infection.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
IAR42413381	Interleukin-21 from mouse			Price

As a specialist in analytical chemical Products, Alfa Chemistry offers consumers a wealth of raw materials and a full range of technologies and services.

QUICK LINKS

HEADQUARTERS

Tel:

Fax:

Email: