Resistance to hepatitis C virus: potential genetic and immunological determinants

dc.contributor.authorMina, M.
dc.contributor.authorLuciani, F.
dc.contributor.authorCameron, B.
dc.contributor.authorBull, R.
dc.contributor.authorBeard, M.
dc.contributor.authorBooth, D.
dc.contributor.authorLloyd, A.
dc.date.issued2015
dc.descriptionReview
dc.description.abstractStudies of individuals who were highly exposed but seronegative (HESN) for HIV infection led to the discovery that homozygosity for the Δ32 deletion mutation in the CCR5 gene prevents viral entry into target cells, and is associated with resistance to infection. Additionally, evidence for protective immunity has been noted in some HESN groups, such as sex workers in The Gambia. Population studies of individuals at high risk for hepatitis C virus infection suggest that an HESN phenotype exists. The body of evidence, which suggests that protective immunity allows clearance of hepatitis C virus without seroconversion is growing. Furthermore, proof-of-principle evidence from in-vitro studies shows that genetic polymorphisms can confer resistance to establishment of infection. This Review discusses the possibility that genetic mutations confer resistance against hepatitis C virus, and also explores evidence for protective immunity, including via genetically programmed variations in host responses. The data generally strengthens the notion that investigations of naturally arising polymorphisms within the hepatitis C virus interactome, and genetic association studies of well characterised HESN individuals, could identify potential targets for vaccine design and inform novel therapies.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityMichael M Mina, Fabio Luciani, Barbara Cameron, Rowena A Bull, Michael R Beard, David Booth, Andrew R Lloyd
dc.identifier.citationThe Lancet Infectious Diseases, 2015; 15(4):451-460
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/S1473-3099(14)70965-X
dc.identifier.issn1473-3099
dc.identifier.issn1474-4457
dc.identifier.orcidBeard, M. [0000-0002-4106-1016]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/95867
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier
dc.rights© 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/s1473-3099(14)70965-x
dc.subjectHepacivirus
dc.subjectHepatitis C
dc.subjectPolymorphism, Genetic
dc.subjectHost-Pathogen Interactions
dc.subjectGenetic Association Studies
dc.subjectDisease Resistance
dc.titleResistance to hepatitis C virus: potential genetic and immunological determinants
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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