Enhanced B-cell differentiation and reduced proliferative capacity in chronic hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis B virus infections
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Chronic microbial infections are frequently associated with B-cell
activation and polyclonal proliferation, potentially leading to autoimmunity and
lymphoproliferative disorders. We assessed B-cell phenotype and function in chronic
hepatitis B (HBV) and chronic hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection. METHODS: We studied 70
patients with chronic HCV infection, 34 with chronic HBV infection and 54 healthy controls. B-
cell phenotype was assessed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies specific for …
activation and polyclonal proliferation, potentially leading to autoimmunity and
lymphoproliferative disorders. We assessed B-cell phenotype and function in chronic
hepatitis B (HBV) and chronic hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection. METHODS: We studied 70
patients with chronic HCV infection, 34 with chronic HBV infection and 54 healthy controls. B-
cell phenotype was assessed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies specific for …