Impact of hepatitis C virus heterogeneity on interferon sensitivity: An overview

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. HCV is able to evade host defense mechanisms, including both innate and acquired immune responses, to establish persistent infection, which results in a broad spectrum of pathogenicity, such as lipid and glucose metabolism disorders and hepatocellular carcinoma development. The HCV genome is characterized by a high degree of genetic diversity, which can be associated with viral sensitivity or resistance (reflected by different virological responses) to interferon (IFN)-based therapy. In this regard, it is of importance to note that polymorphisms in certain HCV genomic regions have shown a close correlation with treatment outcome. In particular, among the HCV proteins, the core and nonstructural proteins (NS) 5A have been extensively studied for their correlation with responses to IFN-based treatment. This review aims to cover updated information on the impact of major HCV genetic factors, including HCV genotype, mutations in amino acids 70 and 91 of the core protein and sequence heterogeneity in the IFN sensitivity-determining region and IFN/ribavirin resistance-determining region of NS5A, on virological responses to IFN-based therapy.

A method for rapid detection and genotype identification of hepatitis C virus 1–6 by one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification

“…For example, HCV genotypes 1b 361 and 3 are reportedly associated with more severe liver diseases, 362 while the HCV response to antiviral therapies may also vary by 363 genotype. [34][35][36][37][38] This highlights the therapeutic implications of 364 genotype as a critical factor when implementing individualized …”

Oxidative stress modulation in hepatitis C virus infected cells

“…It is estimated that up to 3% of the global population (approximately 150-170 million persons) is infected with chronic hepatitis C. HCV has been demonstrated to be the leading cause of chronic liver disease [4] , cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and is the underlying cause of over 475000 annual deaths, worldwide [6] . There is still no anti-HCV vaccine available and until recently, the only approved treatment, based on a combination of pegylated interferon (PEG-INF) and ribavirin (RBV), was partially effective in treated patients and also had considerable side effects in most of the patients [7] . Recently, after several years of research, new therapies that specifically block the virus have been developed.…”

Tumefactive multiple sclerosis and hepatitis C virus 2a/2C infection: Dual benefit of long-term interferon beta-1a therapy?

“…Two HCV genotypes were identified in our patient -2a and 2c. HCV genotypes differ in terms of their geographical distribution, pathogenicity, and interferon sensitivity [20]. HCV genotype 1 is prevalent in North America and Japan, genotype 3 in the Indian subcontinent, and genotype 4 in Africa and the Middle East; genotype 5 is found in South Africa and genotype 6 in Southeast Asia [21].…”