Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Analysis of HBV-Specific CD4 T-cell Responses and Identification of HLA-DR-Restricted CD4 T-Cell Epitopes Based on a Peptide Matrix
10:37

Analysis of HBV-Specific CD4 T-cell Responses and Identification of HLA-DR-Restricted CD4 T-Cell Epitopes Based on a Peptide Matrix

Published on: October 20, 2021

Selective impairments in dendritic cell-associated function distinguish hepatitis C virus and HIV infection

Donald D Anthony1, Nicole L Yonkers, Anthony B Post

  • 1Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Center for AIDS Research, and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. dda3@po.cewru.edu

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|April 7, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections differentially impair immature dendritic cell (DC) functions, affecting innate and adaptive immunity. Coinfection with HCV and HIV leads to more severe DC dysfunction and reduced T cell responses to HCV.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Impaired antigen-presenting cell (APC) functions are implicated in the chronicity of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections.
  • Dendritic cells (DCs), crucial for initiating immune responses, include myeloid-derived DCs (MDCs) and plasmacytoid-derived DCs (PDCs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distinct and combined effects of chronic HCV and HIV infections on MDC and PDC frequencies and functions.
  • To assess the relationship between innate immune function (DC responses) and adaptive immunity (HCV-specific T cell responses).

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated MDC and PDC frequencies and Toll-like receptor ligand-induced IFN-alpha and IL-12 production in healthy controls and subjects with chronic HCV, HIV, or HCV-HIV coinfection.
  • Measured HCV-specific IFN-gamma-producing T cell frequency to assess adaptive immunity.

Main Results:

  • MDC frequencies were reduced in HIV, while PDC frequencies were minimally reduced in HCV. Significant reductions in IFN-alpha production were observed in HIV (non-PDC) and HCV (PDC) infections.
  • Both MDC and PDC functions were impaired in HCV-HIV coinfection. MDC-associated IL-12 production was markedly reduced in both HCV and HIV infections.
  • Functional defects were attenuated in slowly progressive HIV infection. HCV-specific T cell responses were reduced in coinfected subjects, with a positive association between MDC IL-12 production and HCV-specific T cells in HCV-infected individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Immature DC function is differentially dysregulated in HIV and HCV infections, impacting innate and adaptive immunity.
  • These DC functional impairments are exacerbated in HCV-HIV coinfection, potentially contributing to reduced adaptive immune responses to HCV.
  • The severity of DC dysfunction is influenced by the progression rate of HIV infection.

More Related Videos

Assessing the Innate Sensing of HIV-1 Infected CD4+ T Cells by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Using an Ex vivo Co-culture System.08:11

Assessing the Innate Sensing of HIV-1 Infected CD4+ T Cells by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Using an Ex vivo Co-culture System.

Published on: September 1, 2015

Generation of Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells from Whole Blood07:35

Generation of Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells from Whole Blood

Published on: December 24, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly01:19

Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly

As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...