HCV Innate Immune Responses
2009
HCV and the Innate Immune Response
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Markus H. Heim
Primary Institution: University Hospital Basel
Hypothesis
How does HCV evade the innate immune system?
Conclusion
HCV has developed multiple mechanisms to interfere with the innate immune response, particularly through the interferon signaling pathways.
Supporting Evidence
- HCV can inhibit the induction of IFNβ by cleaving important proteins in the virus sensory pathways.
- HCV interferes with IFNα signaling through the Jak-STAT pathway.
- HCV proteins target IFN effector systems such as protein kinase R (PKR).
- Chronic HCV infection leads to ongoing induction of a large number of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in the liver.
Takeaway
HCV is a virus that can hide from the body's defenses, making it hard for the body to fight it off. It does this by messing with the signals that help the body respond to infections.
Methodology
The study reviews existing literature and evidence from cell culture experiments regarding HCV's interference with the interferon system.
Limitations
The findings from cell culture may not fully represent the in vivo situation in humans.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website