BTLA contributes to acute-on-chronic liver failure infection and mortality through CD4+ T-cell exhaustion
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ABSTRACT: B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) levels are increased in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). This condition is characterized by susceptibility to infection and T-cell immune exhaustion. However, whether BTLA can induce T-cell immune exhaustion and increase the risk of infection remains unclear. Here, we report that BTLA levels are significantly increased in the circulating and intrahepatic CD4+ T cells from patients with HBV-ACLF, and are positively correlated with disease severity, prognosis, and infection complications. BTLA levels are upregulated by the IL-6 and TNF signaling pathways, and are abolished or partially weakened by IL-6 and TNF inhibitors. Antibody crosslinking of BTLA activated the PI3K-Akt pathway to inhibit the activation, proliferation, and cytokine production of CD4+ T cells while promoting their apoptosis. In contrast, BTLA knockdown promoted their activation and proliferation. BTLA-/- ACLF mice exhibited increased cytokine secretion, and reduced mortality and bacterial burden. The administration of a neutralizing anti-BTLA antibody reduced Klebsiella pneumoniae load and mortality in ACLF mice. These data help elucidate HBV-ACLF pathogenesis and aid in identifying novel drug targets.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE248217 | GEO | 2023/12/21
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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