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Presence of functional dendritic cells in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus.

TitlePresence of functional dendritic cells in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsLongman RS, Talal AH, Jacobson IM, Albert ML, Rice CM
JournalBlood
Volume103
Issue3
Pagination1026-9
Date Published2004 Feb 1
ISSN0006-4971
KeywordsAdult, Aged, Case-Control Studies, CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Dendritic Cells, Female, Hepacivirus, Hepatitis C, Chronic, Humans, Immune Tolerance, Immunologic Memory, Lymphocyte Activation, Male, Middle Aged
Abstract

The absence of expanded numbers of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-reactive CD8(+) T lymphocytes (CTLs) in patients chronically infected with HCV has led to the investigation of dendritic cell (DC) function in this population as a potential cause for this defect. Several studies have shown evidence for impaired monocyte-derived DCs in chronically infected patients. As it is difficult to reconcile these data with the fact that patients with chronic HCV are immune competent, we re-evaluated this finding, carefully assessing phenotypic markers and functional activity of patient DCs as compared with noninfected controls. In contrast to these prior studies, DCs from 13 of 13 chronic HCV patients expressed typical maturation markers. These mature DCs were capable of priming allogeneic T lymphocytes, as well as stimulating influenza-specific memory T cells. This finding is consistent with clinical and immunologic data that the deficit in the patient's immune repertoire is HCV-specific and suggests that refined models are required for understanding the role of DCs in HCV pathogenesis.

DOI10.1182/blood-2003-04-1339
Alternate JournalBlood
PubMed ID14525790
Grant List5F32CA88568 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
AI40034 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States
CA57973 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
GM07739 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
M01-RR00102 / RR / NCRR NIH HHS / United States