T‐cell mediated responses against alpha‐foetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma: Relationship with hepatitis C virus infection, tumour phenotype and patients’ survival

Background Alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) is a potential immunotherapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, T-cell response (TR) to AFP suppressed HCC due immune evasion. It unknown whether HCV infection may pre-condition TR against AFP, or influence the clinical course of HCC. Methods We prospectively enrolled 18 HCV+ treatment-naïve patients with cirrhosis (CC), cases and 17 HCV- cases. was quantified by ELISPOT using assays specific interleukin (IL) 2, IL10 granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on ex-vivo peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated vitro peptides. Cytokine ratios were compared between groups clinicopathological features HCC, including overall survival (OS). Results The proportion AFP-specific responses not different across studied for any assayed cytokines. IL-2 increased larger (P = .02), multifocal tumours .01) correlated advanced disease .01). TRs did correlate other factors predict OS. Conclusion Tumour stage but related emergence anti-AFP TRs. These data enable formulation rationale further development immunotherapy facilitating optimal patient selection future studies.