FIG 8.

Combination treatment with IL-15 and IFN-α can restore partial CD8 effector function in some patients with chronic hepatitis B. PBMCs from patients with CHB were cultured in IL-2-supplemented medium in the presence/absence of HBV peptide and the indicated cytokines. (A) Cumulative data showing the percentage of CD8 T cells after 10 days of culture. Numbers of live CD8 T cells were measured by using a live/dead staining kit to exclude dead cells. (B) Cumulative data showing the percentage of granzyme B-positive CD8⁺ cells in the presence of IFN-α, IL-15, or both in the absence or presence of HBV peptide stimulation. (C and D) Individual responses of CHB patients, expressed as the percentage of CD8⁺ cells producing granzyme B (C) or IFN-γ (D). Data represent means ± SEM. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001. Viral loads (VL), expressed as log₁₀ IU per milliliter, and ALT levels, expressed as IU per liter, are given below the graphs. n.a., not available; BLQ, below the limit of quantification.