Table 1.
The potential functions of B cells in chronic HBV infection.
| Potential function | Mediators | Mechanism | Outcome | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigen presentation | MHC-I molecular | Cross-present HBcAg on MHC-I to specific CD8+ T cells and induce CTL cytotoxicity | Increase apoptosis of HBcAg-involved cells | (13) |
| Cross-present HBsAg on MHC-I to specific CD8+ T cells and induce CTL cytotoxcity | Increase apoptosis of HBsAg-involved cells | (14) | ||
| MHC-II molecular | Present HBcAg on MHC-II to specific CD4+ T cells | Promote anti-HBc CD4+ T cell response | (15) | |
| Antibody production | Self-antibodies | Induce an auto-reaction via self-antibodies | Impair liver tissue | (16) |
| Anti-HBc antibodies | Prime immune complex formation, complement activation via classic pathway and mediate CDC | Increase HBV-infected hepatocyte lysis | (17–19) | |
| Anti-HBs antibodies | Produce anti-HBs antibodies to bind HBsAg, and block HBV entry and replication | Reduce HBV spread | (20, 21) | |
| Initiate immune complex formation, further recruit NK cells, and mediate ADCC | Increase apoptosis of HBV-infected hepatocytes | (17, 22) | ||
| Initiate immune complex formation, further recruit Kupffer cells, and mediate ADCP | Promote HBV clearance | (23) | ||
| Participate in immune complex formation and DC binding | Induce T cell priming | (24) | ||
| Immune regulation | IL-10 | Inhibit effector T cells and enhance regulatory T cell function | Promote immune tolerance | (25, 26) |
| IL-35 | Inhibit the proliferation of effector T cells | Interfere with cellular immune responses | (27, 28) | |
| IL-6 | 1. Hinder HBV entry into hepatocytes and promote cccDNA decay to play a non-cytolytic antiviral activity 2. Support effector CD4+ T cell response |
1. Reduce HBV infection and decrease HBV persistence 2. Increase effector CD4+ T cell responses |
(29–31) (32, 33) |
|
| IFN-γ, TNF-α | 1. Induce cccDNA decay and then play a non-cytolytic antiviral activity 2. Influence the development and responses of CD4+ T cells |
1. Decrease HBV persistence 2. Promote effector CD4+ T cell responses |
(34) (32, 33) |
ADCC, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity; ADCP, antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis; CDC, compliment-dependent cytotoxicity; MHC-I, major histocompatibility complex class I; MHC-II, major histocompatibility complex class II; DCs, dendritic cells.