title: HCV and autoimmunity.
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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Liver Studies, King's College School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ferri
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Muratori
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lenzi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Granito
authors.forename: F B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Bianchi
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vergani
mesh_terms: D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens