Differential immune transcriptomic profiles between vaccinated and resolved HCV reinfected subjects
Sabrina Mazouz1,2, Eduardo Salinas3,4, Nathalie Bédard1
1Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Plos Pathogens
|November 15, 2022
Summary
Understanding hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection reveals key immune responses. This study highlights the combined roles of antibodies and T cells in clearing successive HCV infections, informing future vaccine strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection offers insights into protective immunity.
- Understanding immune correlates is crucial for developing effective HCV vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize transcriptomic signatures during sequential HCV infections.
- To compare these signatures with those from HCV vaccination.
- To identify immune correlates of spontaneous HCV reinfection resolution.
Main Methods:
- Systems immunology approach analyzing peripheral blood transcriptomics.
- Longitudinal analysis of eight subjects with resolved successive HCV infections.
- Comparison with transcriptomic signatures from an HCV T cell-based vaccine regimen.
Main Results:
- A distinct plasma cell transcriptomic signature was identified during early HCV reinfection.
- Spontaneous resolution correlated with expanded glycoprotein E2-specific memory B cells and increased neutralizing antibodies.
- Breadth and magnitude of HCV-specific T cells increased in most subjects.
Conclusions:
- Both antibodies and T cells play cooperative roles in clearing HCV reinfection.
- Findings support developing next-generation HCV vaccines targeting both arms of the immune system.
