Direct role of antibody‐secreting B cells in the severity of chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B involves different immune cells. The direct role of antibody-secreting B cells in the severity of chronic hepatitis B unclear. In this study, the number of plaque forming cells [PFC-(IgG, IgM, anti-HBc IgG, and anti-HBc IgM)], liver function tests (LFT) [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total serum bilirubin (TSB)], the levels of IL-10 in sera and in lymphocyte cultures, the number of CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells were measured in the peripheral blood of patients and in the controls. In addition, the hepatocytotoxic effect of anti-HBc and anti-HBe in vitro was studied. The largest number of PFCs was observed in the peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B. This was concomitant with a decrease in CD4(+) /CD8(+) ratio versus this ratio in asymptomatic HBV carriers and in healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). An increase in immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) levels, anti-HBc IgG, and anti-HBc IgM levels and LFTs in peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B was seen. Anti-HBc induced hepatocytotoxicity in vitro. The expression of mRNA and protein for IL-10 production was observed at a significant level in culture of lymphocytes isolated from patients with chronic hepatitis B. In addition, a high level of IL-10 was found only in the sera of patients with chronic hepatitis B. It is concluded that the antibody-secreting B cells and the antibodies, which are produced, play an important role in the severity of chronic hepatitis B, which was related negatively with CD4(+) /CD8(+) ratio and positively with IL-10 expression.

HBcAg‐induced upregulated 4‐1BB ligand on B cells contributes to B‐cell hyperactivation during chronic hepatitis B infection

“…We also found that the serological IgG levels were significantly higher in patients with CHB than that in healthy subjects. The result was comparable to the previous reports in which the high levels of antibody‐secreting B cells and the antibodies play an important role in the severity of CHB . However, it has been reported that in patients with CHB, the neutralizing antibodies (anti‐HBs) are important for virus control and disease resolution, while HBsAg‐specific IgG‐secreting B cells are limited .…”

Serum hepatitis B core antibody as a biomarker of hepatic inflammation in chronic hepatitis B patients with normal alanine aminotransferase

“…During a cellular immune response, the T lymphocytes subgroups such as CD4 + and CD8 + cells respond to this virus and can directly cause the persistent inflammation of chronic hepatitis B 1 . However, the role of B-lymphocytes in the severity of chronic hepatitis B is unclear 22 . A recent study reported that high prevalence of activated B cells plays a crucial role in the progression of CHB infection by B lymphocytes-mediated immune response to HBV 23 .…”

“…A recent study reported that high prevalence of activated B cells plays a crucial role in the progression of CHB infection by B lymphocytes-mediated immune response to HBV 23 . Hepatitis B core protein (HBcAg) is the most immunogenic HBV antigen, and its antibody, anti-HBc secreted via the activated antibody-secreting B cells directly play an important role in the severity of chronic hepatitis B by hepatocytotoxic response 22 . Furthermore, Li et al .…”

Expression of programmed cell death1 in T follicular helper cells is regulated by prostaglandin E2 secreted by HBV-infected HepG2.2.1.5 cells

“…Chronic HBV infection is a major risk factor for the development of HCC, which accounts for ~50% of all HCC cases. The pathogenesis of HBV virus-induced HCC has been previously reported to be primarily regulated by the chronic liver inflammation during the HBV infection, particularly the dysfunction of B and T cells (28,29). B cells are a major part of the lymphocyte-mediated humoral immunity and are associated with antibody production, directly contributing to the clearance of HBV.…”

“…Clearance of hepatitis B infection is directly performed by B cells by secretion of specific antibodies, this function is primarily mediated by T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. The dysfunction of Tfh and B cells has been associated with the pathogenic process of various autoimmune diseases and tumors (5)(6)(7).…”