Activated γδ T cells exhibit cytotoxicity and the capacity for viral clearance in patients with acute hepatitis B

Abstract γδ T cells are a unique population of lymphocytes that have regulatory roles in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB); however, their role in acute hepatitis B (AHB) infection remains unclear. Phenotype and function of γδ T cells were analyzed in 29 AHB patients, 28 CHB patients, and 30 healthy controls (HCs) using immunofunctional assays. Compared with HCs and CHB patients, decreased peripheral and increased hepatic γδ T cells were found in AHB patients. Increased hepatic γδ T cells in AHB patients were attributed to elevated hepatic chemokine levels. Peripheral γδ T cells exhibited highly activated and terminally differentiated memory phenotype in AHB patients. Consistently, peripheral γδ T cells in AHB patients showed increased cytotoxic capacity and enhanced antiviral activity which was further proved in longitudinal study. Activated γδ T cells in AHB patients exhibited increased cytotoxicity and capacity for viral clearance associated with liver injury and the control of infection.