Immune responses and associated mecanisms in hepatitis C virus infections

The relationship between hepatitis C virus and its host are sufficiently complex to lead, in most cases, to the development of a chronic carrier state. Although the host-induced immune responses do play some role (as illustrated by the fact that most chronic infections will remain asymptotic for years), they are globally unable to eradicate the virus. Anti-HCV immune responses are both humoral and cell-mediated (CD4(+) and CD8(+)) and virtually directed at all viral antigens. Recent data indicate that neutralizing antibodies exist (targeted at the E-2 glycoprotein) and that proliferative responses could play the principal role in the viral eradication, whether natural or therapeutic. current vaccine studies can generate similar responses as those described in the natural infection although they appear yet too weak and transient. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.