Characterization and functional modulation of HBV-specific CD4+ T cell responses

Background and aims: CD4+ T cells are central regulators of both humoral and cellular immunity. In the context of chronic HBV-infection, HBV-specific CD4 T cells are reduced in numbers and functionally impaired. Since current therapies fail to offer a cure from chronic HBV-infection, novel therapeutic concepts involving immunotherapy are desperately needed. The functional modification of HBV-specific CD4+ T cells may represent a promising approach to improve immunotherapeutic strategies. Methods: In order to identify and comprehensively characterize HBV-specific CD4 T cells we expanded PBMCs from chronic HBV pat…