HBV antiviral immunity: not all CD8 T cells are born equal

In Gut, two compelling papers1 2 provide novel insights into the complexity of HBV-specific T-cell responses through a detailed analysis of whether T-cell immunity targeting different HBV proteins in HBV-infected patients might exhibit distinct features.

CD8 T cells are a major component of antiviral immunity. Through their ability to recognise and target the cells where viral replication occurs, they can block and even terminate the spread of viral infection in the host. Their highly selective recognition is mediated by the T-cell receptor (TCR) which detects HLA-class I/viral peptide complexes on the cell surface. These protein complexes are made by short viral peptides generated by the processing of viral proteins synthesised within the infected cells (called epitopes) non-covalently associated with HLA-class I molecules. The recognition of viral peptide/HLA complexes by the specific TCR activates the CD8 T cells, which can directly lyse the virus-producing cell or secrete cytokines that...

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