Altered blood microbiome in patients with HCV-related Child-Pugh class B cirrhosis.

Background: Altered bacterial translocation is associated with changes in hepatic function and the progression from compensated to decompensated cirrhosis. Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score is an essential indicator of liver severity. Thus, we aimed to study differences in the blood microbiome together with metabolome profile between HCV-infected patients with CTP class B (CTP-B, significant functional compromise) and patients with CTP class A (CTP-A, well-compensated cirrhosis).

Therapeutic potential of co-signaling receptor modulation in hepatitis B.

Reversing CD8 T cell dysfunction is crucial in treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, yet specific molecular targets remain unclear. Our study analyzed co-signaling receptors during hepatocellular priming and traced the trajectory and fate of dysfunctional HBV-specific CD8 T cells. Early on, these cells upregulate PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, OX40, 4-1BB, and ICOS.

Preclinical evaluation of therapeutic vaccines for chronic hepatitis B that stimulate antiviral activities of T cells and NKT cells.

Background & Aims: Liver diseases resulting from chronic HBV infection are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Vaccines that elicit T-cell responses capable of controlling the virus represent a treatment strategy with potential for long-term effects. Here, we evaluated vaccines that induce the activity of type I natural killer T (NKT) cells to limit viral replication and license stimulation of conventional antiviral T-cells.

Antibody-independent protection against heterologous SARS-CoV-2 challenge conferred by prior infection or vaccination.

Vaccines have reduced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) morbidity and mortality, yet emerging variants challenge their effectiveness. The prevailing approach to updating vaccines targets the antibody response, operating under the presumption that it is the primary defense mechanism following vaccination or infection. This perspective, however, can overlook the role of T cells, particularly when antibody levels are low or absent.