Fig. 1

HBV core-specific CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^dim/− regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and asymptomatic HBV carriers (ASC). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from all enrolled HLA-A2 restricted chronic HBV infected patients (including 23 of CHB and 21 of ASC), and were stimulated with HBc 18–27 peptide for 12 h. Cells were then stained with anti-CD4, −CD25, −CD127, and -interleukin (IL)-17 for flow cytometry analysis. a Gating strategy and representative flow dots for CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^dim/− Tregs and CD4⁺IL-17⁺ Th17 cells in both CHB and ASC were shown. b HBV core-specific CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^dim/− Tregs percentage was comparable between CHB and ASC. c HBV core-specific CD4⁺IL-17⁺ Th17 cells percentage was significantly down-regulated in ASC when compared with CHB. d Ratio of Tregs/Th17 was notably increased in ASC when compared with CHB. Individual level for each subject was presented, and comparisons were made using Student t tests