| Theme |
Liver and Immunity |
| Title |
Pathogenesis of Hepatitis C and Innate Immunity |
| Author |
Naoya Kato |
Unit of Disease Control Genome Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Kaku Goto |
Unit of Disease Control Genome Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Ryosuke Muroyama |
Unit of Disease Control Genome Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo |
| [ Summary ] |
The hepatitis C virus is detected by the innate immune system, especially the RNA virus sensors RIG-I and TLR3. At that time, the anti-viral system, including the interferon system, is triggered to suppress hepatitis C viral replication. Interferon induces more than 350 interferon stimulated genes responsible for limiting viral replication. Although innate immunity is a primary regulatory system to limit viral replication, it is commonly thought that there is an ongoing struggle between the innate immunity system and the hepatitis C virus to defend against or establish a state of permanent infection. Interferon stimulated genes responsible for limiting hepatitis C virus replication are different in terms of their innate status and in relation to interferon treatment. Moreover, polymorphisms in genes related to innate immunity, which may change the quality and the quantity of these genes, are responsible for the individual patientʼs condition when they undergo hepatitis C infection. |