Interestingly, we detected the strongest IFNγ and IL2 responses to HBcAg stimulation in a small pilot group of resolved hepatitis B patients (109 ± 27 and 309 ± 143 pg/ml, n = 3) that we measured for exploratory reasons compared to all other groups, whereas the IL2 response to HBsAg was negligible in contrast to HC (35 ± 4 vs 165 ± 58 pg/ml). Here, IFNG is linked to hepatitis B virus infection.