An ELISPOT-Based Assay to Measure HBV-Specific CD8T Cell Responses in Immunocompetent Mice.

Abstract

Despite some important limitations, immunocompetent mouse models of HBV replication remain an essential tool for studying cellular and humoral immunity to the virus. CD8T cells are a critical component of the immune response to HBV due to their ability to both kill virus-infected hepatocytes and produce cytokines such as IFN-γ that non-cytopathically inhibit virus replication. A number of techniques can be used to measure the magnitude, specificity, and functionality of HBV-specific CD8T cells, each having its own unique advantages. We describe here the enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT)-based assay, which, compared to other methods, is sensitive, cost-effective, and rapid and requires relatively little optimization, specialized training, or equipment.