Activation of Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells by non-peptidic antigens induces the inhibition of subgenomic HCV replication

Int Immunol. 2006 Jan;18(1):11-8. doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxh337. Epub 2005 Dec 16.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has evolved complex strategies to evade host immune responses and establish chronic infection. Since human Vgamma9Vdelta2 T lymphocytes play a critical role in the immune response against viruses, we analyzed their antiviral functions on Huh7 hepatoma cells carrying the subgenomic HCV replicon (Rep60 cells). In a transwell culture system, Rep60 cells were co-cultured with either PBMCs or highly purified gammadelta T cells stimulated by non-peptidic antigens. Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cell activation was associated with a dramatic reduction of HCV RNA levels. Neutralizing antibodies targeting IFN-gamma revealed a critical role for this cytokine in the inhibition of HCV replication. Interestingly, drugs already in clinical use, such as Phosphostim and Zoledronate, known to activate gammadelta T cells, were shown to induce the inhibition of HCV replication mediated by Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells of HCV patients. Our data suggest that the therapeutic activation of Vgamma9Vdelta2 T lymphocytes may represent an additional strategy to inhibit HCV replication and to restore a Th1-oriented immune response in HCV-infected patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens / immunology
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Line
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis C / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • RNA, Viral / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Virus Replication / drug effects
  • Virus Replication / immunology*
  • Zoledronic Acid

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Imidazoles
  • RNA, Viral
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
  • Zoledronic Acid
  • Interferon-gamma