Adaptive immune responses in acute and chronic hepatitis C virus infection

DG Bowen, CM Walker - Nature, 2005 - nature.com
Nature, 2005nature.com
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) persists in the majority of infected individuals and is a significant
cause of human illness and death globally. Recent studies have yielded important insights
into immunity to HCV, in particular revealing the central role of T cells in viral control and
clearance. Other key features of adaptive immune responses remain obscure, including
mechanisms by which T cells control HCV replication, the role of antibodies in conferring
protection and how cellular and humoral immunity are subverted in persistent infection.
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) persists in the majority of infected individuals and is a significant cause of human illness and death globally. Recent studies have yielded important insights into immunity to HCV, in particular revealing the central role of T cells in viral control and clearance. Other key features of adaptive immune responses remain obscure, including mechanisms by which T cells control HCV replication, the role of antibodies in conferring protection and how cellular and humoral immunity are subverted in persistent infection.
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