Aim: Quantitative determination ofCXCR3+, CCR5+ and CCR6+ cells in major lymphocyte populations: T-helpers (Th), cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL), natural killers (NK) and T-natural killer cells (TNK), B-lymphocytes in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C (CVHC).
Materials and methods: Content of lymphocyte populations carrying chemokine receptor CXCR3 was studied, chemokine receptors CCR5 and CCR6 were evaluated on T-lymphocytes, in peripheral blood of 19 CVHC patients and 32 conditionally healthy donors. Cell populations were determined by flow cytofluorometry by using various combinations of monoclonal antibodies: for evaluation of Th and CTL (CD3/CD4/CD8/CXCR3/CCR5/CCR6); NK and TNK (CDl6/CD56/CD3/ CXCR3); B-cells (CD 19/CD45/CXCR3).
Results: In patients with CVHV compared with healthy donors a significant increase of quantity of CXCR3-positive Th was detected, however the content of CXCR3-positive CTL did not differ in the groups compared; CXCR3+ NK cell content was lower with equal content of CXCR3+ TNK. Analysis of quantity of CXCR3+ B-cells showed an increase of more than 3.5 times in CVHC patients. Significant differences in relative content of Th and CTL carrying CCR5 and CCR6 were not detected despite a non-significant increase of quantity of CCR5+ and CCR6+ Th.
Conclusion: Content of major lymphocyte populations carrying chemokine receptor CXCR3 changed significantly compared with conditionally healthy donors in peripheral blood of CVHC patients. The increase of quantity of CXCR3-positive B-cells may be associated with infection of these cells by HCV or development of extra-liver manifestations of HVHC.