CD8+T cell responses to a novel class of therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can result in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although antivirals can reduce virus replication, a significant host immune response appears necessary for the elimination of infection. As a potential immunotherapy for the treatment of chronic HBV infection we have designed a new class of vaccine incorporating functional elements of both HBV antigens and a xenotypic (murine) monoclonal antibody (Chimigen(TM) vaccines). In an ex vivo assay using human PBMC-derived dendritic cells and autologous naive T cells, the vaccine induced the production of HBV-specific T cells and a marked increase in the percentage of CD8+ T cells producing the Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma. These results suggest that the Chimigen(TM) vaccine may be useful for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.