%0 Journal Article
%T Anti-HBc mirrors the activation of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell immune response and exhibits a direct effect on HBV control.
%A Ye G
%A Chen C
%A Zhou Y
%A Tang L
%A Cai J
%A Huang Y
%A Yang J
%A Feng Y
%A Chen L
%A Wang Y
%A Ma Y
%A Lin G
%A Wu Y
%A Jiang X
%A Hou J
%A Li Y
%J Antiviral Res
%V 230
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 31
%M 39089333
%F 10.103
%R 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105975
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) is commonly present in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and serves as a marker of humoral immunity. Herein, we aim to investigate the correlation between anti-HBc and antiviral immune response and its putative role in HBV control.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Quantitative anti-HBc and levels of anti-HBc subtypes were measured in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The effects of anti-HBc on immune cells and HBV replication were evaluated using the HBV mouse models and human hepatoma cell lines.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Baseline levels of IgG1 and IgG3 anti-HBc were elevated in CHB patients with favorable treatment response, and correlated with the virological response observed at week 52. Additionally, increased levels of IgM and IgG1 anti-HBc were observed exclusively in CHB patients with liver inflammation. Notably, significant correlations were identified between quantitative levels of anti-HBc and the frequencies of HBcAg-specific CD8+ T cells. Intriguingly, HBcAg efficiently activates T cells aided by B cells in vitro experiments. Moreover, anti-HBc inhibits HBV replication either by a direct effect or through complement-mediated cytotoxicity in HBV-producing cell lines.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Anti-HBc reflects the activation of an HBV-specific CD8+ T cell immune response and may have anti-HBV activity.