[Cellular immune reaction in acute and chronic viral hepatitis (author's transl)].

The course of viral hepatitis is markedly influenced by the immunologic response to the infective agent. The immune defense of viral diseases is specially connected to an intact function of T lymphocytes. Investigation of T cell function during acute and chronic viral hepatitis showed an altered immune response, recognizable from the relative number of T lymphocytes, the affinity and ability of lymphocytes to be stimulated by phytohemagglutinin and the demonstration of in vivo activated lymphocytes. Although the interpretation of some of these findings is still difficult, the study of the various cellular immune reactions permits a better understanding of the pathogenesis and course of viral hepatitis.