Expression of co-stimulatory molecules by Kupffer cells in chronic hepatitis of hepatitis C virus etiology

Hepatology. 1998 Jun;27(6):1600-6. doi: 10.1002/hep.510270620.

Abstract

In this paper we show that in viral hepatitis most Kupffer cells (KCs) are activated and express high levels of CD80, CD40, and class-II MHC molecules, thus acquiring the phenotype of professional antigen presenting cells (APCs). Activated KCs display a close contact with CD4+ T lymphocytes and form KCs-T lymphocyte clusters. Clusters are found within the sinusoids, across the sinusoid wall, and within the liver parenchyma as well, as a consequence of transendothelial migration (TEM). The positivity of activated KCs for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigens, which likely reflects phagocytosis of infected hepatocytes, suggests that KCs-T cell clusters represent the morphological expression of the functional interaction between KCs acting as professional APCs and antigen-experienced CD4+ T lymphocytes within the liver. These phenotypic and morphological changes are distinct features of livers in chronic hepatitis patients compared with controls.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigen Presentation
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • B7-1 Antigen / biosynthesis*
  • B7-1 Antigen / immunology
  • CD40 Antigens / biosynthesis*
  • CD40 Antigens / immunology
  • Hepacivirus / immunology
  • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / pathology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / biosynthesis*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
  • Humans
  • Kupffer Cells / immunology*
  • Kupffer Cells / pathology
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • B7-1 Antigen
  • CD40 Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II