[The effect of entecavir treatment on HBV-specific immunity in patient with chronic hepatitis B and its relationship to HBeAg sero-conversion].

Objective To investigate the effect of Entecavir treatment on HBV-specific immunity in patient with chronic hepatitis B and its relationship to HBeAg sero-conversion. Methods Serum aminotransferase ( ALT), HBV DNA and HBeAg were monitored before the after entecavir treatment. At the same time point, HBV-specific T cell proliferation was determined by [3 H] T-dR incorporation assay, while HBV-specific IFN-γ secretion was measured by ELISA. Result The level of HBV DNA and ALT was significantly decreased after entecavir treatment. Same is the titer of HBeAg. In addition, HBeAg sero-conversion was observed in some of them, in whom the HBV-specific T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production were significantly increased. Conclusion Entecavir treatment resulted in increased HBV-specific immunity along with the inhibition of HBV replication. Key words: Entecavir;  Hepatitis B virus; Immunity, cellular