In vitro cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to HCV core antigen stimulation during interferon-β treatment and its relevance to sCD8 and sCD30

We investigated the responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to hepatitis C virus core protein in ten patients with chronic hepatitis C during interferon (IFN)-β treatment to determine if the modulation of the immune reaction to hepatitis C virus by IFN treatment is associated with the viral clearance. Interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interleukin-10, and interferon-γ in the supernatant of the patients' PBMC co-cultured with the HCV core antigen-presenting autologous PBMCs were measured by ELISA. Serum levels of soluble CD (sCD) 8 and sCD30 in these patients were also measured by ELISA. The production of interleukin-2 and interferon-γ by PBMCs of sustained responders (SRs) increased after IFN-treatment, although it did not reach a significant level. Interleukin-10 was detected only in non-responders (NRs) at 0 and 4 weeks after the start of IFN treatment. Serum sCD8 level increased significantly in SR with IFN treatment. A close correlation between the serum sCD8 levels and interferon-γ levels in the supernatant at week 8 was observed in SR. These results suggest that IFN treatment potentiates the cellular immune reaction against HCV core protein more efficiently in SR than in NR. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.