Prognostic and therapeutic potential of imbalance between PD-1+CD8 and ICOS+Treg cells in advanced HBV-HCC.

ABSTRACT: Over 50% of patients with hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which is characterized by immune imbalance between CD8+ T cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells that accelerates disease progression. However, there is no imbalance indicator to predict clinical outcomes. Here, we show that the proportion of CD8+ T cells decreases and Treg cells increases in advanced HBV-HCC patients. During this stage, CD8+ T cells and Treg cells expressed the coinhibitory molecule PD-1 and the costimulatory molecule ICOS, respectively. Additionally, the ratio between PD-1+CD8 and ICOS+Tregs showed significant changes. Patients were further divided into high- and low-ratio groups: PD-1+CD8 and ICOS+Tregs high- (PD-1/ICOS^hi) and low-ratio (

SUBMITTER: Yan F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11309941 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature