T cell immunity in hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection: implications for autoimmunity

Autoimmun Rev. 2005 Feb;4(2):82-95. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2004.12.003. Epub 2005 Jan 12.

Abstract

T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of important liver diseases including both autoimmune liver diseases and viral hepatitis. In addition to playing a crucial role in the control of hepatitis viruses, T cell responses are also responsible for the liver injury during acute and chronic phases of viral hepatitis. In this article, we reviewed current literature on T cell immunity to hepatitis B and C viruses. In addition, antigen presenting cells that are critical for T cell immunity against these viruses are also discussed. This will provide insights to the understanding of T cell immunity in autoimmune liver diseases due to the similar role of T cells in autoimmune liver diseases and viral hepatitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Autoimmunity*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Hepatitis B / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B / pathology
  • Hepatitis C / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C / pathology
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Liver / immunology
  • Liver / pathology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology