THF-GAMMA-2 STIMULATES CYTOKINE RELEASE BY PERIPHERAL-BLOOD MONONUCLEAR-CELLS OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS-B VIRUS-INFECTION

A recent study indicated that thymic hormones have antiviral effects i n human hepatitis B virus infection and woodchuck hepatitis virus infe ction. These hormones are known to exert immunomodulatory effects on l ymphocyte maturation and function; because these are abnormal in patie nts with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, we have examined the eff ects of a thymic hormone (THF gamma 2) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. THF gam ma 2 (50 or 150 ng/ml) alone was without effect; in the presence of lo w doses of the mitogen phytohaemagglutinin, it had a broad effect in p atients and controls. The effect on interleukin-2 production was great er in patients than controls with a significant increase in production at 150 ng/ml for patients alone (p=0.037). Tumour necrosis factor a p roduction was enhanced in all patients and controls, with a greater ef fect seen at 150 ng/ml THF gamma 2 than 50 ng/ml. There was no effect on interferon gamma production or on the expression of membrane marker s of T-cell activation. THF gamma 2 has substantial immunomodulatory a ctivity in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers and in vivo assessment o f THF gamma 2 in chronic hepatitis B virus is indicated. (C) Journal o f Hepatology.