The T cell receptor (TCR) is a heterodimeric molecule expressed on the surface of T cells and recognizes foreign peptides presented by the major histocompatibility complex on the surface of antigen-presenting cells or virus-infected cells. Analysis of TCR usage by T cells which recognize hepatitis B virus (HBV) provides further insight into the participation of T cell populations during the course of disease, In this study, we examined the T-cell-proliferative response and the TCR V beta gene usage of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 3 patients with clinical evidence typical of chronic hepatitis B. All 3 patients had significant T-cell proliferative responses against HBV core antigen (HBcAg) during the remission stage, while no responses were detected during the acute exacerbation stage. In addition, the TCR V-beta 7 gene was utilized more frequently in T cells recognizing HBcAg during remission, while TCR V-beta 1 and V-beta 2 were utilized at a higher percentage during acute exacerbation. On the contrary, the T cell proliferative response against HBV surface antigen was undetectable and no specific V beta gene was utilized more frequently by all 3 patients, regardless of disease state. Our longitudinal studies, although based on a small sample of patients, demonstrate that the population of HBcAg-activated T cells alters during the course of disease in chronic hepatitis B patients.
