Dynamic changes of T cell receptor repertoires in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

Background and aims T cell-mediated immune injury plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). Given the high short-term mortality and crucial role of T cells in the disease progression, it is necessary to investigate the dynamics of T cell clones during HBV-ACLF. The aim of this study was to longitudinally investigate dynamic changes in the composition and perturbation of T cell receptor β (TCRβ) chain repertoires and to determine whether TCR repertoire characteristics were associated with HBV-ACLF patient outcomes.