Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C Virus: Evading the Intracellular Innate Immunity

“…Although the available treatments have shown to be quite effective, elimination of this disease may not be accomplished through treatment alone. However, the development of an effective vaccine remains a challenge due to the high genetic variability of the virus [1,8]. Upon infection of the host cells, viruses immediately trigger the intracellular innate immune defense signaling, expressing different pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize essential compounds of the viral structure, named pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) [9].…”

“…Moreover, quasispecies can led to different treatment outcomes: a correlation between quasispecies and resistance to IFN and DAAs treatment was recently reported [19]. Upon attachment to cellular receptors, HCV is internalized by endocytosis (1). Uncoating is then triggered and the viral genome is released into the cytoplasm (2).…”

“…Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is still one of the most worldwide prevalent infectious agents, being responsible for an increasing level of liver-related morbidity and mortality and representing a global public health burden. Although the current therapeutic strategies can treat more than 95% of the diagnosed HCV-infected patients, the access to medical care and treatment is scarce and there is no efficient vaccine to prevent new infections [1][2][3]. Moreover, acute infection is typically asymptomatic and 70% of the patients may develop a chronic infection which can lead to chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and may even evolve to hepatocellular carcinoma [3].…”

“…HCV belongs to the Hepacivirus genus from the Flaviviridae family and is sub-divided into eight genotypes that differ according to geographic distribution, specific symptoms, and treatment response [1,4,5]. Until recently, the most common treatment method was based on the combined therapy of pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFN-α) and ribavirin.…”

“…Although the available treatments have shown to be quite effective, elimination of this disease may not be accomplished through treatment alone. However, the development of an effective vaccine remains a challenge due to the high genetic variability of the virus [1,8].…”