Hm. Daniels et al., THF-GAMMA-2 STIMULATES CYTOKINE RELEASE BY PERIPHERAL-BLOOD MONONUCLEAR-CELLS OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS-B VIRUS-INFECTION, Journal of hepatology, 20(3), 1994, pp. 370-375
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.