Lymphocyte T helper‐specific reactivity in sustained responders to interferon and ribavirin with negativation (seroreversion) of anti‐hepatitis C virus

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Abstract: Background:Seroreversion, negativation of anti‐hepatitis C virus previously positive, is sometimes found in some chronic hepatitis C‐sustained responders (SRs) to antiviral therapy.Aims:To determine the probability of seroreversion in SR treatment with Interferon and Ribavirin, and lymphocyte T helper (CD4+) reactivity to HCV antigens.Methods:Thirty SR were followed on average for 54.8 months. Anti‐HCV was tested by third generation test. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from venous blood and cultured to evaluate CD4+ proliferation in response to 2 μg/ml of eight HCV recombinant antigens from core, NS3, NS4, NS5 regions.Results:Seroreversion was verified in 23% of patients (7/30), appearing at 47.5±24.0 months. The probability of anti‐HCV loss in this group was 25% at 56 months after ending therapy. In 57% (4/7), anti‐HCV returned to positive. These 7 SR patients with seroreversion also showed weaker CD4+ reactivity in 5% of tests (3/56) than the remaining 23 anti‐HCV‐positive SRs who showed stronger reactivity in 18% of tests (33/184),P=0.036.Conclusions:One‐quarter of the SR showed seroreversion of anti‐HCV and weaker CD4+ specific HCV proliferation than those who remained anti‐HCV positive. The data suggest that complete viral eradication is a possible and achievable clinical objective.