Stem-like CD8+ T cells preserve HBV-specific responses in HBV/HIV co-infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection disproportionately affects people living with HIV, who are often excluded from functional cure studies.

Objective

This study investigates CD8⁺ T cell profiles in HBV mono-infection versus HBV/HIV co-infection, examining the impact of long-term therapy on virus-specific responses to inform therapeutic strategies for immune restoration.

Design

We analysed CD8⁺ T cell responses in 61 participants (HBV n=20, HBV/HIV n=20, HIV n=21), on suppressive antiviral therapy, assessing transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, focusing on exhaustion markers alongside virus-specific functional capabilities.

Results

Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct signatures in co-infection, with upregulation of

SUBMITTER: Preechanukul A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12848322 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature