Die Rolle der virusspezifischen T-Zellantwort bei der akuten und chronischen Hepatitis-B- und -C-Virusinfektion

Zusammenfassung

Infektionen mit dem Hepatitis-B- (HBV) und Hepatitis-C-Virus (HCV) gehören weltweit zu den häufigsten Ursachen der chronischen Hepatitis mit dem Risiko der Entwicklung einer Leberzirrhose und des hepatozellulären Karzinoms. Die grundlegenden Mechanismen, die für die Viruselimination oder -persistenz verantwortlich sind, sind noch weit gehend ungeklärt. Die Immunpathogenese der HBV- und HCV-Infektion wird wesentlich durch die virusspezifische T-Zell-Antwort bestimmt. Während der akuten Phase findet man eine starke und multispezifische, d. h. gegen verschiedene Epitope des Virus gerichtete T-Zellantwort, die zur Elimination des Virus führen kann. Gelingt es dem Organismus nicht, das Virus zu eliminieren, können die T-Zellen in der chronischen Phase der Erkrankung wesentlich zur Entstehung der entzündlichen Lebererkrankung beitragen. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die aktuellen Konzepte über die Rolle der virusspezifischen T-Zellantwort bei der akuten und chronischen Hepatitis-B- und -C-Virusinfektion zusammenfassend dargestellt.

Abstract

Infections with hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are worldwide one of the most frequent causes for chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The mechanisms responsible for the elimination or the persistence of the virus are not well understood. The immunopathogenesis of HBV and HCV infection is primarily mediated by virus specific CD4+- and CD8+-T-cells. During acute infection a strong and multispecific T-cell response against different viral epitopes can be detected and is associated with the clearance of the virus. In case of viral persistence virus specific T-cells contribute to liver inflammation. In this article we summarize the current concepts about the role of the virus specific T-cell response in acute and chronic HBV and HCV infection.

Schlüsselwörter

Hepatitis B - Hepatitis C - Immunologie - T-Zellen

Key words

Hepatitis B - Hepatitis C - immunology - T cells

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