Comprehensive longitudinal analysis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cell responses during acute HCV infection in the presence of existing HIV-1 infection

J Viral Hepat. 2009 Apr;16(4):239-48. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2009.01076.x. Epub 2009 Feb 12.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to study the development of HCV-specific T cell immunity during acute HCV infection in the presence of an existing HIV-1 infection in four HIV-1 infected men having sex with men. A comprehensive analysis of HCV-specific T cell responses was performed at two time points during acute HCV infection using a T cell expansion assay with overlapping peptide pools spanning the entire HCV genome Three patients with (near) normal CD4+ T cell counts (range 400-970 x 10(6)/L) either resolved (n=1) or temporary suppressed HCV RNA. In contrast, one patient with low CD4+ T cell counts (330 x 10(6)/L), had sustained high HCV RNA levels. All four patients had low HCV-specific CD8+ T cell responses, and similar magnitudes of CD4+ T cell responses. Interestingly, individuals with resolved infection or temporary suppression of HCV-RNA had HCV-specific CD4+ T cell responses predominantly against nonstructural (NS) proteins. While the individual with high HCV RNA plasma concentrations had CD4+ T cell responses predominantly directed against Core. Our data show that an acute HCV infection in an HIV-1 infected person can be suppressed in the presence of HCV-specific CD4+ T cell response targeting non-structural proteins. However further research is needed in a larger group of patients to evaluate the role of HIV-1 on HCV-specific T cell responses in relation to outcome of acute HCV infection.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1 / isolation & purification
  • Hepacivirus / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies / blood
  • Homosexuality
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • Viral Load
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / immunology

Substances

  • Hepatitis C Antibodies
  • RNA, Viral
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins