Potential role of HBV DNA-induced CD8(high) T cell apoptosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA-induced CD8(high) T cell apoptosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: The activity and HBV seropositivity rates of patients with SLE and RA were determined. The proportions of T cell subgroups were detected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The apoptosis of T cell subgroups was detected after peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with HBV DNA. RESULTS: The HBV infection rate was higher in patients with RA than in patients with SLE. Current or previous HBV infection was more common among patients with inactive SLE than among those with active SLE. Conversely, previous or current HBV infection was more common among patients with active RA than among those with inactive RA. CD4(−)CD8(high) T cell counts were higher among patients with active SLE than in those with inactive SLE. However, CD4(−)CD8(high) T cell counts were lower in patients with active RA patients than in those with inactive RA. HBV DNA increased the apoptosis of CD4(−)CD8(high) T cells. CONCLUSION: HBV DNA-induced CD8(high) T cell apoptosis appears to play different roles in SLE and RA.