ELISPOT analysis of hepatitis C virus protein-specific IFN-gamma-producingperipheral blood lymphocytes in infected humans with and without cirrhosis

An improved ability to monitor hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cell immu nity in infected patients may provide novel information regarding the patho genesis and prognosis of this infection. We used an ELISPOT assay to analyz e a cross-section of HCV-infected humans. HCV-infected patients without cir rhosis, those with cirrhosis, and controls with other liver diseases were t ested for recall responses to HCV Core and NS3 proteins. Peripheral blood l ymphocytes (PBLs) from HCV-infected patients without cirrhosis responded to NS3 and Core proteins, producing predominantly IFN-gamma, with little IL-4 or IL-5, In contrast, PBLs from HCV-infected patients with cirrhosis respo nded to NS3, but not to the Core protein, suggesting a selectively altered immune state during cirrhosis. Our data provide support for the notion that HCV-specific IFN-gamma -producing immunity is important in the pathogenesi s of progressing HCV-related disease. (C) 2001 Academic Press.