HBsAg is a potent suppressor of Toll-like receptor mediated innate and adaptive immune responses in liver cells and PBMC

Aims: We have previously shown that HBV can suppress the innate immune system of the murine liver. However, it is not clear whether HBV may also interfere with human innate immunity and the adaptive immune system. Methods: Murine hepatocytes and NPC (Kupffer cells, KC and sinusoidal endothelial cells, LSEC) were stimulated by TLR3 and -4 ligands in the presence or absence of HBsAg. Total RNA was isolated 6h after stimulation and the expression of TLR3 or TLR4 was analyzed by quantitative rt-PCR. Mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) were performed to assess T cell activation induced by TLR-stimulated NPC with or with…