title: Update on hepatitis C virus-specific immunity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study is to review key recent findings related to the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, especially in regards to T lymphocytes. It aims to complement other reviews in this issue on the roles of host genetics (IL-28B), acute HCV infection (when disease outcome is determined) and other factors that may influence fibrosis progression (microbial translocation). The main focus is on specific immunity and T cells in the context of success and failure to control viral infection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This review focuses on two areas of intense interest in the recent literature: the relationship between the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), class I-restricted T-cell responses and the evolution of the virus and the role of inhibitory markers on T cells in the immunopathogenesis of HCV. When appropriate, we compare findings from studies of HIV-specific immunity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  From examining the virus and the mutational changes associated with T-cell responses and from analyzing the markers on T cells, there have been numerous advances in the understanding of immune evasion mechanisms employed by HCV.
authors: Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
authors: Donatella
authors: D
authors: Ciuffreda
authors: Arthur Y
authors: AY
authors: Kim
mesh_terms: D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D006680:HLA Antigens; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens