CD4+ T cell exhaustion revealed by high PD-1 and LAG-3 expression and the loss of helper T cell function in chronic hepatitis B

Background Immune inhibitory receptors play an important role in chronic infections. However, little is known about their role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Here, we analyzed the relationship between programmed death-1 (PD-1) and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) expression on CD4(+) T cells and HBV disease progression. Results PD-1 and LAG-3 expression was significantly higher on CD4(+) T cells from HBV patients than on those from the HCs. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between the PD-1 and LAG-3 expression levels and the ALT(alanine aminotransferase) level. CD4(+) T cell function was inhibited by high PD-1 and LAG-3 levels, and CD4(+) T cells with high PD-1 and LAG-3 expression lost the ability to secrete IFN-gamma, IL-2 and TNF-alpha. Furthermore, blockade of the PD-1 and LAG-3 pathways reversed the damage to CD4(+) T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. Conclusions CD4(+) T cell exhaustion during chronic HBV had high PD-1 and LAG-3 expression and the absence of helper T cell cytokines, including IFN-gamma, IL-2 and TNF-alpha. After blocking PD-L1 and LAG-3, CD4(+) T cell function in chronic hepatitis B patients was partially restored.