CD7 and CD57 are related to the differentiation and functional stages of CD8^{+} T cells. However, the role of their combined presence in CD8^{+} T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, especially those with end-stage liver disease, remains unclear. Blood samples from healthy volunteers and patients with chronic hepatitis B were analyzed via Luminex assay and ELISA to measure plasma cytokine levels. Further, recombinant IL-22 was used to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers, and the frequency of CD3^{+} CD4^{-} CD7^{+} CD57^{-} T cells and apoptosis rates were investigated via flow cytometry. Patients with end-stage liver disease, particularly those with acute to chronic liver failure, showed decreased CD3^{+} CD4^{-} CD7^{+} CD57^{-} T cell frequency. Furthermore, the prevalence of CD3^{+} CD4^{-} CD7^{+} CD57^{-} T cells was negatively correlated with disease severity, prognosis, and complications (ascites). We also observed that IL-22 promoted apoptosis and brought about a decrease in the number of CD3^{+} CD4^{-} CD7^{+} CD57^{-} T cells in a dose-dependent manner. CD3^{+} CD4^{-} CD7^{+} CD57^{-} T cells displayed a B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA)^{high} CD25^{high} CD127^{high} immunosuppressive phenotype and showed low interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, granzyme A, and perforin expression levels. The present findings will elucidate the pathogenesis of HBV-related end-stage liver disease and aid the identification of novel drug targets.
【저자키워드】 Hepatitis B virus, Acute-on-chronic liver failure, CD57, CD7, CD8+T cells.,