Hepatitis C and treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
Hepatitis C is a hepatotropic RNA virus with a propensity to cause chronic infection, causing a worldwide burden of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Both viral elimination and hepatocellular damage are thought to be immune mediated with T-helper and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes central to these events. A delay in the onset of adaptive immunity following infection indicates that a defect in the innate immune response may lead to viral persistence with a combination of other mechanisms subsequently contributing. Antiviral therapy based on interferon-alpha leads to resolution of disease in approximately 50% of patients. Specific anti-hepatitis C anti-viral drugs are being developed.
Gotto
James
J
Royal Free and University College School of Medicine, Centre for Hepatology, Upper 3rd Floor, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2PF, UK. jgotto@doctors.org.uk
Dusheiko
Geoffrey M
GM
D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000502:physiology
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a