Activated circulating T follicular helper 17 cells positively correlated with anti-HBV humoral immunity in chronic hepatitis B patients.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Dysfunction of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific B cells and lack of antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are associated with failure to achieve functional cure in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are essential for B-cell differentiation into plasma cells and comprise three subsets: Tfh1, Tfh2, and Tfh17 cells. Our previous studies suggested dysregulated Tfh responses in CHB patients. However, the functions of Tfh cell subsets in CHB progression and treatment remain incompletely characterized.

Methods

To explore the role of Tfh subgroups in HBV infection, we analyzed the frequencies of total and HBsAg-specific Tfh cell subsets and their surface markers using flow cytometry.

Results

Compared with healthy individua

SUBMITTER: Gu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835811 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature