Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by a number of autoreactive manifestations, such as autoantibody production, cryoglobulinemia and thyroid disorders. We will analyse critically the mechanisms invoked, and partially documented, to explain such manifestations arising in genetically predisposed individuals exposed to HCV. In particular we will examine the available evidence implicating the virus in lowering the B cell activation threshold, in directly infecting lymphocytes and in inducing self-reactivity through a mechanism of molecular mimicry. We will then move to the HCV related clinical immunopathological manifestations, with a specific attention to the effects of antiviral treatment.
Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, immune system dysregulation, molecular mimicry, antiviral therapy
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: HCV and Autoimmunity
Volume: 14 Issue: 17
Author(s): S. Ferri, L. Muratori, M. Lenzi, A. Granito, F. B. Bianchi and D. Vergani
Affiliation:
Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, immune system dysregulation, molecular mimicry, antiviral therapy
Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by a number of autoreactive manifestations, such as autoantibody production, cryoglobulinemia and thyroid disorders. We will analyse critically the mechanisms invoked, and partially documented, to explain such manifestations arising in genetically predisposed individuals exposed to HCV. In particular we will examine the available evidence implicating the virus in lowering the B cell activation threshold, in directly infecting lymphocytes and in inducing self-reactivity through a mechanism of molecular mimicry. We will then move to the HCV related clinical immunopathological manifestations, with a specific attention to the effects of antiviral treatment.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Ferri S., Muratori L., Lenzi M., Granito A., Bianchi B. F. and Vergani D., HCV and Autoimmunity, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2008; 14 (17) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161208784746824
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161208784746824 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Protective Role of Diabetes Mellitus on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Pathogenesis: Myth or Reality?
Current Vascular Pharmacology Cardiovascular Disease Burden and Risk Factors Before and After Kidney Transplant
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets The Expanding Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitors in the Management of Rheumatic Diseases
Medicinal Chemistry Reviews - Online (Discontinued) Pharmacogenetics and Statin Treatment: Reality or Theory?
Current Vascular Pharmacology Pathobiology of Stent Thrombosis after Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation
Current Pharmaceutical Design Novel Approaches to the Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis based on an Understanding of Disease Mechanisms
Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Discontinued) Safety of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Current Drug Safety Virus-Associated Vasculitides: An Update
Current Immunology Reviews (Discontinued) Are Patient Self-Report Questionnaires as "Scientific" as Biomarkers in "Treat-totarget" and Prognosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Current Pharmaceutical Design Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and the Role of Vitamins, and Herbal Extracts in the Reduction of Cardiovascular Risks
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Models to Study Atherosclerosis: A Mechanistic Insight
Current Vascular Pharmacology The Neurovascular Unit: Focus on the Regulation of Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells
Current Neurovascular Research Peptides Derived from Platelet Non-integrin Collagen-receptors or Types I and III Collagen Inhibit Collagen-Platelet Interaction
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Subject Index To Volume 2
Current Rheumatology Reviews Long-Term Extensions of Randomized Vaccination Trials of ACC-001 and QS-21 in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
Current Alzheimer Research PPARγ and Early Human Placental Development
Current Medicinal Chemistry Analytical Methods for the Identification of Pigments in Tattoo Inks and Some of Their Physiological Side Effects: A Review
Current Pharmaceutical Analysis Interrelationships Among Gut Microbiota and Host: Paradigms, Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Future Prospects
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets An Update on the Management of Severe Cutaneous Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Physicochemical and Pharmacokinetic Relationships of Barbiturates – From the Past to the Future
Current Pharmaceutical Design