Immunomodulation Induced During Interferon-α Therapy Impairs the Anti-HBV Immune Response Through CD24+CD38hi B Cells

Type I interferon is widely used for antiviral therapy, yet has yielded disappointing results toward chronic HBV infection. Here we identify that PEG-IFN alpha-2b therapy toward persistent infection in humans is a double-edged sword of both immunostimulation and immunomodulation. Our studies of this randomised trial showed persistent PEG-IFN alpha-2b therapy induced large number of CD24(+)CD38(hi) B cells and launched a CD24(+)CD38(hi) B cells centered immunosuppressive response, including downregulating functions of T cells and NK cells. Patients with low induced CD24(+)CD38(hi) B cells have achieved an improved therapeutic effect. Specifically, using the anti-CD24 antibody to deplete CD24(+)CD38(hi) B cells without harming other B cell subsets suggest a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic effects. Our findings show that PEG-IFN alpha-2b therapy toward persistent infection constitutes an immunomodulation effect, and strategies to identifying the molecular basis for the antiviral versus immunomodulatory effects of PEG-IFN alpha-2b to selectively manipulate these opposing activities provide an opportunity to ameliorate anti-virus immunity and control viral infection.