CD8A and hematocrit: Our findings show that early EVL initiation in HT patients: (i) supports the increase in the percentage of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, allowing greater degranulation of cytotoxic molecules and higher number of INF-γ-producing cells under activation; (ii) reduces the expression of inhibitory receptors in NK cells, enhancing their activation state and lytic ability; (iii) raises the percentage of Treg cells only 1 month after EVL conversion, the levels being maintained over the long term.