Role of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells in HBeAg seroconversion during interferon antiviral

Objective To investigate the role of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) serological conversion during anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment using interferon.Methods Fifty-six HBeAg-positive chronic HBV patients were administered interferon-alpha 2b (5 000 000 U) intramuscularly every other day for one year.CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells were detected by flow cytometry before treatment and 48 weeks after treatment initiation.Results The level of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells was significantly reduced by interferon-alpha 2b treatment in patients with HBeAg conversion (before: 11.99%±3.25% vs 48 weeks: 9.12%±2.45%;P<0.05) .However, no decrease in the level of T regulatory cells was observed in the group without HBeAg conversion.Conclusion In chronic HBV, interferon treatment decreases the level of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells in patients with HBeAg seroconversion, but not in patients without HBeAg seroconversion.