The role of IDO in the HBV-related liver diseases.

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Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that is ubiquitously distributed in mammalian tissues and cells, converts tryptophan (Trp) to L-kynurenine (L-Kyn), and it is noted as a relevant molecule in promoting tolerance and suppressing adaptive immunity. In this study, we revealed the role of IDO in the induction of HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and acute hepatitis induced by HBV-specific CTL. IDO impaired the induction of HBV-specific CTL after immunization with HBsAg and alpha-GalCer. In acute hepatitis model, the inhibition of IDO expression improved the liver injury induced by HBV-specific CTL. These results demonstrated that IDO is critical in the induction of HBV-specific CTL and acute hepatitis. The control of IDO activity leads to a new therapy for diseases caused by HBV infection.