Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

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
The correlation between hepatitis B virus infection and IL-27
Hong-Liang Wang1, Hai-Yan Zhang, Zhong-Liang Zhai
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huangshi Central Hospital, Huangshi, China. jy69970@163.com
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is linked to increased levels of the cytokine interleukin 27 (IL-27). This finding suggests IL-27 may be a new target for managing HBV infection and developing therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health challenge.
- Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is a cytokine with known immunomodulatory functions.
- The precise role of IL-27 in the context of HBV infection requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between HBV infection and serum levels of interleukin 27 (IL-27).
- To explore the regulation of IL-27 by HBV in vitro.
- To assess the potential of IL-27 as a biomarker or therapeutic target in HBV infection.
Main Methods:
- Serum IL-27 levels were quantified using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in HBV-infected patients and healthy controls.
- In vitro studies employed Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and ELISA to analyze IL-27 regulation by HBV.
- HBV e antigen influence on IL-27 expression was examined.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated serum IL-27 levels were observed in HBV-infected patients compared to healthy individuals (P<0.001).
- Higher IL-27 levels were found in patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma compared to those with acute or chronic hepatitis B (P<0.05).
- In vitro studies confirmed that HBV stimulation led to increased IL-27 mRNA and protein expression.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is significantly upregulated during Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- IL-27 levels correlate with HBV disease severity, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- IL-27 emerges as a potential novel cytokine for the clinical management and therapeutic development in HBV-infected patients.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
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...

