PD-L1 expression exhibits a similar dynamic pattern in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The expression of PD-L1 on circulating CD11c + mDCs increased during the initial phase of liver inflammation (T1) and reached peak levels in parallel with up-regulation of the frequency of PD1 expression on circulating CD8+ T cells in the T2 period. This evidence concerns the gene ITGAX and chronic hepatitis B virus infection.