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Exploration of potential mechanisms of hepatitis C virus resistance in exposed uninfected intravenous drug users
Author(s) -
Shawa I. T.,
Felmlee D. J.,
Hegazy D.,
Sheridan D. A.,
Cramp M. E.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of viral hepatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1365-2893
pISSN - 1352-0504
DOI - 10.1111/jvh.12720
Subject(s) - hepatitis c virus , population , virology , immunology , biology , virus , drug resistance , immunity , innate immune system , hepatitis c , medicine , immune system , genetics , environmental health
Summary A rare outcome following exposure to hepatitis C virus ( HCV ) is a lack of observable infection as clinically measured by HCV RNA ‐ or HCV ‐recognizing antibodies. The population who exhibit this trait is termed exposed uninfected ( EU ). Increasing evidence has refined characterization of these individuals, distinct from those who become infected but spontaneously clear HCV . Study of the EU population is highly pertinent for the discovery of antiviral mechanisms of resistance that can reveal antiviral therapeutic strategies. This review provides an overview of similarities and differences of the EU population relative to spontaneous resolvers and the majority whom develop chronic HCV infection, and focusses on possible mechanisms of resistance including innate and adaptive immunity, genetics and lipid interactions.