Majority of HCV-specific T cells have only limited cross-genotype reactivity

The existence of multiple HCV genotypes characterized by marked sequence differences is a challenge for immune control. The objective of this study is a comparison of the antiviral CD8 T cell response targeting HCV genotype 1 and genotype 3 antigens to determine the extent of cross-genotype reactivity of HCV-specific T cells. We analyze a cohort of patients with past or ongoing intravenous drug use hypothesizing that multiple exposures to different genotypes may occur. Methods: HCV-specific T cells are expanded from PBMC in the presence of peptide pools covering NS3 from genotype 1 or 3. Individual reactive pept…