Interleukin-21 inhibits HBV replication in vitro.

Authors :: Li HJ
Kang FB
Li BS
Yang XY
Zhang YG
Sun DX
Source :: Antiviral therapy [Antivir Ther] 2015; Vol. 20 (6), pp. 583-90. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Mar 16.
Publication Year :: 2015
Abstract: Background: Cytokines are crucial factors in the non-cytolytic antiviral process to inhibit HBV gene expression and replication. Interleukin (IL)-21 has been suggested to play an important role in HBV infection, but it remains unknown whether IL-21 can inhibit HBV replication or how it inhibits HBV replication.<br />Methods: In this study, we investigated the influence of IL-21 on HBV replication based on human hepatoma Huh7.93 cells co-cultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the possible correlation among IL-21, interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor-α and IL-10.<br />Results: We demonstrated that the decrease of IL-21 expression and the increase of IL-10 expression in PBMCs could promote HBV replication in vitro. We further revealed that IL-21 is not only able to effectively suppress HBV replication directly but also reduce HBV replication by inhibition of IL-10 secretion.<br />Conclusions: Our results provide important evidence for the non-cytolytic antiviral mechanism mediated by cytokines and their interactions in chronic hepatitis B.