T cell subsets in autoimmune and HBV-induced chronic liver disease, HBs antigen carriers with normal histology and primary biliary cirrhosis: a review of the abnormalities and the effects of treatment.

Review of the limited data currently available on the ratios of helper (OKT4+) to suppressor (OKT8+) T cells in autoimmune liver disease (primary biliary cirrhosis and chronic active lupoid hepatitis) and virally induced liver disease indicates that this OKT4+:OKT8+ ratio is elevated in autoimmune liver disease manifesting hyperglobulinemia. This ratio was decreased in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection during the HBe antigen-positive phase of viral replication but reverts to normal in the majority of patients in whom HBV replication has ceased (HBe antibody-positive) and these individuals exhibit normal liver histology. Patients with HBV infection who continue to show elevated ratios after the appearance of HBe antibody also continue to exhibit signs of active hepatitis. The implications of these findings for further research in the management of these disorders is discussed.