T cell immunity in hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection: implications for autoimmunity

T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of important liver diseases including both autoimmune liver diseases and viral hepatitis. In addition to playing a crucial role in the control of hepatitis viruses, T cell responses are also responsible for the liver injury during acute and chronic phases of viral hepatitis. In this article, we reviewed current literature on T cell immunity to hepatitis B and C viruses. In addition, antigen presenting cells that are critical for T cell immunity against these viruses are also discussed. This will provide insights to the understanding of T cell immunity in autoimmune liver diseases due to the similar role of T cells in autoimmune liver diseases and viral hepatitis.