Classical CD8 T cells are implicated for protective and pathogenic roles in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Recently, a subset of CD8 T cells expressing C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) and exhibiting features of TFH cells has been identified during chronic viral infections. However, in CHB, knowledge of their roles is limited.

We characterized circulating CD8+CXCR5+/− cells and investigated their association with clinical and viral factors. We found that CHB infection did not influence the overall frequencies of CD8+CXCR5+ cells whereas CD8+CXCR5− cells were increased. However, among CHB, CD8+CXCR5+ cells were higher in patients with low HBsAg and HBV-DNA levels, patients who were HBeAg negative and had high fibrosis scores, and these cells exhibited a significant association with HBsAg and HBV-DNA reduction. Contrarily, CD8+CXCR5− cells were expanded and positively correlated with patients having high HBsAg, HBV-DNA, and alanine aminotransferase levels. CD8+CXCR5+ cells express costimulatory molecules ICOS, OX40, CD40 ligand, inhibitory molecule programmed death 1, transcription factors B-cell lymphoma (BCL)-2, BCL-6, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and are enriched in effector and central memory phenotype. Moreover, these cells are heterogeneous in nature given that they constitute different subsets of cytotoxic follicular T cells (TCF), including TCF1, TCF2, TCF17, and TCF22. Despite expressing high PD-1, CD8+CXCR5+ cells are activated, proliferating, secreting more IFN-γ, IL-21, and IL-22, and have better cytolytic potential than CD8+CXCR5− cells, which were inhibited after PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. CD8+CXCR5+ cells are efficient in helping B cells in terms of plasmablasts and plasma cell generation.

In conclusion, CD8+CXCR5+ cells are enriched in effector phenotypes, produce HBV-specific cytokines despite increased PD-1, and are associated with HBsAg and HBV-DNA reduction. These cells competently support B-cell function, required for viral clearance, which may serve as potential therapeutic targets for CHB.