Hepatitis B Virus Infection triggers AP–1 dependent CD95Ligand expression in HepG2 cells

An acute Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-infection is characterized by a vigorous, polyclonal and multi-specific CD8+ T cell response. CD8+ T cells are the main effector cells responsible for viral clearance and disease pathogenesis during an acute HBV-infection. CD95 Ligand (CD95L) expression is generally restricted to a few cell types, e.g. T cells, macrophages and NK cells. We have previously shown that an intact CD95 signalling pathway is required for elimination of HBV-infected hepatocytes. Furthermore, we have identified an AP–1 element in the CD95L promoter which is essential for the transactivation of the CD95L…