Cellular Immune Response (CD8+CD38+) in Relation to Hepatitis B Virus DNA Level and HBsAg Quantification in Hepatitis B Patients

Introduction: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a global public health concern. The immune response in HBV represents a key factor in patient outcome. However, the relationship between viral replication and host immune reactivity remains a matter of investigation. Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate whether the cellular immune response of recently diagnosed and treatment naive chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients may be influenced by the replicative status of HBV. Towards this aim, the correlation between HBV viral load, HBsAg quantification and peripheral T-cell subpopulations CD8+CD38+. Methods: Proportions and absolute counts of CD8 CD38 T cells were determined using three-color flow cytometry in chronic hepatitis B patients (n=50) and healthy controls (n=35). Chronic hepatitis B patients were regularly followed for 48 weeks, during which period the T cell subsets, serum viral load and HBsAg quantitation were measured every 24 months. Results: There was a high level of CD8+CD38+% during the pretreatment stage (Mean 32.4514, standard deviation (SD) 16.8007) compared to the control group (Mean 19.4628, SD 9.75555), p=0.000. Significant decreases in CD8 count were detected 12 months after treatment initiation of HBV therapy (Mean 1359.44, SD 724.362) compared to the control group (Mean 1944.13, SD 948.931), p=0.001. There is a significant correlation between CD8+CD38+ count and serum HBV DNA. A Positive correlation was found between CD8+CD38+ count and HBsAg quantitation. Conclusion: There was a positive correlation between CD8+CD38+ T cells and HBsAg quantitation. The combined use of CD8+CD38+ T cells, HBsAg quantitation and HBV DNA assessment in patients with CHB may guide the clinicians as they guage the likelihood of treatment response.