Upregulation of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase in hepatocyte during acute hepatitis caused by hepatitis B virus‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes <i>in vivo</i>

Abstract

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes transduction results in the upregulation of IDO, which might downregulate T-cell responsiveness. Our findings provide evidence that hepatocyte itself expresses IDO and increases levels of l-Kyn in the blood in acute lethal hepatitis of mice. These data indicate that HBV infection facilitates the induction of IDO in response to proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IFN-gamma.