title: [Hepatitis B virus and the inflammatory/immunologic response (II): a new opportunity for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and a suggestion for the treatment of other persistent viral diseases].
abstract: With the immunologic rationale exposed in the first part of this paper, the authors analyze a new experimental treatment which includes the combination of an antiviral (ribavirin) and an immunomodulator (AM3) in a model of hepatotoxic viral-infection in mice. Rationale for this associated treatment is based on the ability of AM3 to restore the natural immunity through the induction of IL-12 and IFN-gamma. Furthermore, the treatment with AM3 decreases factor C3 of the complement system which appears to be implied in IL-12 downregulation. Experimental and clinical results showed herein suggest a new approach to the treatment of viral hepatitis which combines the use of antivirals in combination with immunomodulators able to restore the "immunologic chaos" induced by some viruses.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Macarena, Sevilla.
authors.forename: V G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Villarrubia
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Herrerías
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alvarez-Mon
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Chirigos
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D006524:Hepatitis, Viral, Animal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000998:Antiviral Agents