Abstract
The balance between T helper (h)1 and Th2 responsiveness seems to represent a key event in the evolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In particular, Th1 cytokines [interleukin (IL-2) and interferon (IFN-γ)] have been demonstrated to mediate the antiviral immune response. Serum levels of Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) as well as of Th2 products (IL-4 and IL-10) were determined in a group of HCV-positive patients before and after treatment with IFN-α and Ribavirin (RIB). Results indicate that responder patients exhibited increased levels of IFN-γ and IL-10, while this enhancement was not observed in non-responder patients. In this respect, the major effect exerted by the combined therapy with IFN-α / RIB could be represented by the attainment of a re-equilibrium between inflammatory (Th1) and antiinflammatory (Th2) mechanisms. In this framework, according to current literature, novel therapeutical approaches to treat HCV infection are represented by administration of recombinant IL-2 and IL-10.
Keywords: ifn, ribavirin, responsiveness, gamma, interleukin, recombinant interleukin
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: Modifications of the Immune Responsiveness in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection following Treatment with IFN-α / Ribavirin
Volume: 8 Issue: 11
Author(s): L. Amati, L. Caradonna, T. Magrone, M. L. Mastronardi, R. Cuppone, R. Cozzolongo, O. G. Manghisi, D. Caccavo, A. Amoroso and E. Jirillo
Affiliation:
Keywords: ifn, ribavirin, responsiveness, gamma, interleukin, recombinant interleukin
Abstract: The balance between T helper (h)1 and Th2 responsiveness seems to represent a key event in the evolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In particular, Th1 cytokines [interleukin (IL-2) and interferon (IFN-γ)] have been demonstrated to mediate the antiviral immune response. Serum levels of Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) as well as of Th2 products (IL-4 and IL-10) were determined in a group of HCV-positive patients before and after treatment with IFN-α and Ribavirin (RIB). Results indicate that responder patients exhibited increased levels of IFN-γ and IL-10, while this enhancement was not observed in non-responder patients. In this respect, the major effect exerted by the combined therapy with IFN-α / RIB could be represented by the attainment of a re-equilibrium between inflammatory (Th1) and antiinflammatory (Th2) mechanisms. In this framework, according to current literature, novel therapeutical approaches to treat HCV infection are represented by administration of recombinant IL-2 and IL-10.
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Amati L., Caradonna L., Magrone T., Mastronardi L. M., Cuppone R., Cozzolongo R., Manghisi G. O., Caccavo D., Amoroso A. and Jirillo E., Modifications of the Immune Responsiveness in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection following Treatment with IFN-α / Ribavirin, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2002; 8 (11) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612024607036
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612024607036 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
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