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In Vitro Replication of HCV RNA in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Isolated from Patients Undergoing Treatment for Hepatitis C Virus Infection. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.108070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Although the liver is the main site for the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) replication, there is still an essential debate about extrahepatic HCV reservoirs. Objectives: It has been proposed that Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) could be the possible virus replication sites. Therefore, PBMCs may be candidates for recurrent HCV infection after achieving Sustained Virologic Response (SVR). In this study, we designed a lymphocyte culture to explore more about virus replication in PBMCs collected from patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: Plasma and PBMC samples were collected from 16 randomly selected seropositive patients for the anti-HCV antibody. Four out of 16 (25%) patients received combination therapy with alpha interferon and ribavirin. PBMCs were isolated from whole blood. Between 106-107 cells were cultured with optimized concentrations of IL-2 (10 mg/ml) and phytohemagglutinin A (5 mg/ml). Total RNA was extracted from the first collected sera and harvested lymphocytes. Constructed plasmids containing the NCR coding region were used to plot the standard curve for the relative quantification of SYBR green real-time PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of the detection were established by using plasmids containing cDNA. Results: With this plasmid containing the NCR coding region, the Limit of Detection (LOD) of in-house-developed real-time RT-PCR sensitivity was 2×101 copies. Using primers for the NCR region, 10 out of 16 (62.5 %) PBMCs were positive for negative-strand HCV RNA. Among the four samples collected from patients with SVR, negative-strand HCV RNA was found in two patient samples. Conclusions: Our results indicated that cultured lymphoid cells from patients with chronic hepatitis, even with SVR, in the presence of IL-2 and PHA, markedly enhanced the detection of HCV RNA replica-tive strands. Therefore, PBMCs may be reservoirs for recurrent hepatitis infection after SVR and antiviral treatment. However, more clinical samples and control groups (lymphocyte culture without mitogen) should be examined to support the data presented in this study.
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An T, Dean M, Flower R, Tatzenko T, Chan HT, Kiely P, Faddy HM. Understanding occult hepatitis C infection. Transfusion 2020; 60:2144-2152. [PMID: 33460181 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis C infection (OCI) is a type of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, defined as the presence of HCV RNA in hepatocytes or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the absence of HCV RNA in serum. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A literature review was conducted to identify articles that characterized OCI as a disease, including its epidemiology, mode of transmission, pattern of infection, progression, and treatment. RESULTS OCI patients experience a milder degree of inflammatory and cirrhotic changes than patients with chronic hepatitis C. OCI is transmissible parenterally both in vivo and in vitro, however the duration and outcome of OCI remains unclear. OCI is most consistently found in patients with previous hepatitis C disease and hemodialysis patients. Beyond the at-risk populations, OCI has also been demonstrated among healthy individuals and blood donors. CONCLUSIONS This review summarises our current understanding of OCI and suggests areas for further research to improve our understanding of this phenomenon, including a better understanding of its epidemiology and full clinical course. The current understanding of OCI and its clinical implications remain limited. Further standardized detection methods, ongoing surveillance, and investigation of its potential transmissions are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy An
- Research and Development, Australia Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melinda Dean
- Research and Development, Australia Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,School of Health and Sports Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert Flower
- Research and Development, Australia Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tayla Tatzenko
- Research and Development, Australia Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hiu Tat Chan
- Australia Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip Kiely
- Australia Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen M Faddy
- Research and Development, Australia Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Health and Sports Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Wang Y, Rao H, Chi X, Li B, Liu H, Wu L, Zhang H, Liu S, Zhou G, Li N, Niu J, Wei L, Zhao J. Detection of residual HCV-RNA in patients who have achieved sustained virological response is associated with persistent histological abnormality. EBioMedicine 2019; 46:227-235. [PMID: 31345785 PMCID: PMC6711338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether achieving sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with hepatitis C attains complete elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is unknown, because occult HCV infection (OCI), defined as the detection of HCV-RNA in hepatocytes or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in absence of serum HCV-RNA, may occur. We thus investigated the prevalence and clinical relevance of OCI. METHODS Subjects from three hospitals who had achieved serum HCV clearance, including 60 of Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) induced SVR, 50 of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PR) induced SVR, and 30 of spontaneous resolution, were subjected to detect HCV-RNA in liver by robust RNAscope assay and PBMC by qPCR. Paired liver biopsies at baseline and at SVR24 were analyzed. RESULTS OCI was detected in 16 of 140 subjects (11.4%), with 15.0% in DAA-based group, 10.0% in PR group and 6.7% in spontaneously resolved group. In DAA-based subgroups, the incidence of OCI was gradually increased in group of solely DAA(s) therapy, combining DAA and PR therapy and combining DAA and ribavirin therapy. OCI is more frequent in patients with genotype 3. No correlation between baseline viral load, interleukin-28B genotype, baseline transaminases, post-SVR transaminases and OCI were found. However, OCI was significantly linked with severity of fibrosis and active inflammation at post-SVR, even considering basal fibrosis status. In addition, both the magnitude and the frequency of fibrosis regression were lower in patients with OCI than in those without OCI. In the multivariate analysis, PR therapy was identified an independent negative prognostic factor for both hepatic inflammation (P = .022) and fibrosis regression (P = .015). Importantly, we found HCV relapse in one of the OCI patients at 48 weeks after the end of PR treatment. CONCLUSIONS HCV-RNA can persist in hepatocytes and/or PBMC in a certain of patients who achieved spontaneous or treatment-induced HCV RNA clearance from serum and associated with persistent histological abnormality. Our findings provide new insights into cure of HCV and could influence the following-up scenario after SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijin Wang
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Huiying Rao
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumei Chi
- Department of Hepatology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Boan Li
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Hongyang Liu
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Liyuan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Shuhong Liu
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Gaungde Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Na Li
- Advanced Cell Diagnostics, 3960 Point Eden Way, Hayward, CA 94545, USA
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Lai Wei
- Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, China.
| | - Jingmin Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China.
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Hanno AFF, Mohiedeen KM, Alshayeb AF, Deghedy A. HCV RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a predictor of the response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajme.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Akram Deghedy
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Alexandria Faculty of Medicine , Egypt
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The Role of Polymorphisms Near IFNL3 Gene as Predictors of Residual HCV RNA in Buffy Coat after Successful Antiviral Therapy. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.46539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Attar BM, Van Thiel D. A New Twist to a Chronic HCV Infection: Occult Hepatitis C. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2015; 2015:579147. [PMID: 26221136 PMCID: PMC4495183 DOI: 10.1155/2015/579147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. The prevalence of occult hepatitis C infection (OCI) in the population of HCV-RNA negative but anti-HCV positive individuals is presently unknown. OCI may be responsible for clinically overt recurrent disease following an apparent sustained viral response (SVR) weeks to years later. Purpose. To review the available current literature regarding OCI, prevalence, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and future directions. Data Sources. Searching MEDLINE, article references, and national and international meeting abstracts for the diagnosis of OCI (1990-2014). Data Synthesis. The long-term followup of individuals with an OCI suggests that the infection can be transient with the loss of detectable HCV-RNA in PPBMCs after 12-18 months or alternatively exist intermittently and potentially long term. The ultimate outcome of HCV infection is decided by interplay between host immune responses, antiviral therapies, and the various well-identified viral evasion mechanisms as well as the presence of HCV infection within extrahepatic tissues. Conclusion. The currently widely held assumption of a HCV-cure in individuals having had "SVR" after 8-12 weeks of a course of DAA therapy as recently defined may not be entirely valid. Careful longitudinal followup utilizing highly sensitive assays and unique approaches to viral isolation are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashar M. Attar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cook County Health and Hospitals System, 1901 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - David Van Thiel
- Advanced Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease Center, Berwyn, IL 60402, USA
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Vidimliski PD, Nikolov I, Geshkovska NM, Dimovski A, Rostaing L, Sikole A. Review: Occult hepatitis C virus infection: still remains a controversy. J Med Virol 2014; 86:1491-8. [PMID: 24895180 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by the presence of HCV RNA in the liver cells or peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the patients whose serum samples test negative for HCV RNA, with or without presence of HCV antibodies. The present study reviews the existing literature on the persistence of occult hepatitis C virus infection, with description of the clinical characteristics and methods for identification of occult hepatitis C. Occult hepatitis C virus infection was detected in patients with abnormal results of liver function tests of unknown origin, with HCV antibodies and HCV RNA negativity in serum, and also in patients with spontaneous or treatment-induced recovery from hepatitis C. The viral replication in the liver cells and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cells was present in all clinical presentations of occult hepatitis C. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells represent an extra-hepatic site of HCV replication. The reason why HCV RNA was not detectable in the serum of patients with occult hepatitis C, could be the low number of circulating viral particles not detectable by the diagnostic tests with low sensitivity. It is uncertain whether occult hepatitis C is a different clinical entity or just a form of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Data accumulated over the last decade demonstrated that an effective approach to the diagnosis of HCV infection would be the implementation of more sensitive HCV RNA diagnostic assays, and also, examination of the presence of viral particles in the cells of the immune system.
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Angulo J, Pino K, Pavez C, Biel F, Labbé P, Miquel JF, Soza A, López-Lastra M. Genetic variations in host IL28B links to the detection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells-associated hepatitis C virus RNA in chronically infected patients. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:263-72. [PMID: 23490371 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mainly hepatotropic; however, several reports document the presence of genomic viral RNA in extrahepatic sites including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In this study, the presence of HCV RNA was initially evaluated in the plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 53 HCV-infected patients who were treated per protocol. PBMC-associated HCV RNA was detectable in 79% of patients. Early virological response to combined pegylated interferon-α (PegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in patients with undetectable levels of PBMCs-associated HCV RNA was 100%, while it was 60% (P = 0.003) in those who had detectable levels of PBMC-associated HCV RNA. A sustained virological response was observed in 35% of patients with detectable PBMC-associated HCV RNA, but was 70% in patients with undetectable levels of PBMC-associated HCV RNA (P = 0.07). In a multivariate analysis incorporating parameters such as HCV genotype, viral load, presence of cirrhosis and absence of PBMC-associated HCV RNA, a significant relationship was observed between the detection of PBMC-associated HCV RNA and the sustained virological response (OR 19.4, 95% CI: 2.1-486.2, P = 0.0061). The association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in IL28B, known predictor of antiviral therapy outcome, and the occurrence of HCV RNA in PBMC in 84 chronically infected patients was then evaluated. Results suggest that the presence of a G allele in rs8099917, known to associate to a poor response to PegIFN/RBV therapy, also predicts an increased association of HCV RNA with PBMC (OR: 3.564; 95% CI: 1.114-11.40, P = 0.0437).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Angulo
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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9
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Muazzam AG, Qureshi S, Mansoor A, Ali L, Iqbal M, Siddiqi S, Khan KM, Mazhar K. Occult HCV or delayed viral clearance from lymphocytes of Chronic HCV genotype 3 patients after interferon therapy. GENETIC VACCINES AND THERAPY 2011; 9:14. [PMID: 21892969 PMCID: PMC3184037 DOI: 10.1186/1479-0556-9-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background A recently discovered occult HCV entity reported by various investigators seems to be highly controversial. Especially, the clinical significance of these findings remains uncertain. For optimal outcome of antiviral therapy, investigation of occult HCV needs a broad-based probe in order to investigate the results of viral therapy and its host/viral interaction. The current study was aimed at determining the prevalence of occult HCV in peripheral blood lymphocytes of predominantly genotype 3 HCV-infected patients after completion of antiviral therapy and to investigate long term outcomes in the presence or absence of PBMC positivity. Method A total of 151 chronic, antiHCV and serum RNA-positive patients were enrolled in the study. Patients with a complete virological response at the end of treatment were screened for the presence of viral RNA in their PBMCs and were followed for up to one year for the presence of serum and PBMC viral genomic RNA. Results Out of 151 patients, 104 (70%) responded to the prescribed interferon treatment and showed viral-clearance from serum. These were screened for the presence of genomic RNA in their PBMCs. Sixteen samples were PBMC-positive for viral RNA at the end of treatment (EOT). All these patients had also cleared the virus from peripheral blood cells after the 6-12 month follow-up study. Conclusion True occult hepatitis C virus does not exist in our cohort. Residual viremia at the EOT stage merely reflects a difference in viral kinetics in various compartments that remains a target of immune response even after the end of antiviral therapy and is eventually cleared out at the sustained viral response (SVR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambreen G Muazzam
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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11
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Clearance of hepatitis C virus RNA from serum in HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfection indicates eradication from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. AIDS 2010; 24:1267-71. [PMID: 20386424 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e3283391d11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are to determine the frequency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA persistence in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HIV-positive patients with clearance of the virus from serum and to identify the presence of any ongoing replication. DESIGN This is a prospective cross-sectional study. METHODS HIV antibody-positive individuals with previous exposure to HCV, but not current infection with HCV, were recruited. Blood was taken to allow identification of HCV RNA in both serum and PBMCs. Intracellular HCV was extracted using the QIAamp RNA Blood MiniKit. Reverse transcriptase-PCR was performed using a modification of the COBAS TaqMan HCV Test for use with the high pure system. RESULTS Twenty-six HIV-positive individuals were recruited to the study. All had previously been infected with HCV. Six individuals had spontaneously cleared HCV, 10 had achieved sustained virological response following 24 weeks of pegylated interferon and ribavirin for acute HCV, and 10 had achieved sustained virological response following standard pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic HCV. None demonstrated HCV RNA persistence in either serum or PBMCs. CONCLUSION Our findings lend support to the view that clearance of HCV RNA from serum in HIV/HCV coinfection indicates eradication from PBMCs. Thus, absence of serum HCV RNA 6 months after the end of therapy can be used as a marker of treatment success for interferon-based therapies. However, the advent of small molecule HCV inhibitors may require us to rethink our definitions of response and cure.
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Abstract
Occult hepatitis C virus infection (OCI) is a recently identified entity of which the existence became evident when nucleic acid amplification assays of enhanced sensitivity were introduced for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome and its replication. This form of HCV infection has been found to persist in the presence of antibodies against HCV and normal levels of liver enzymes for years after spontaneous or antiviral therapy-induced resolution of hepatitis C and, therefore, can be termed as secondary OCI. HCV RNA in OCI circulate at fluctuating levels normally not exceeding 200 genome copies per millilitre of serum or plasma, while low levels of virus genome and its replicative intermediate RNA-negative strand are detectable in the liver and, importantly, immune cells, which provide an opportunity to detect active virus replication without the need for acquiring a liver biopsy. In addition to secondary OCI, a form of OCI accompanied by persistently moderately elevated serum liver enzymes in the absence of antibodies to HCV, which can be termed as cryptogenic OCI, has also been described. The current understanding of the nature and characteristics of OCI, methods and pitfalls of its detection, as well as the documented and expected pathological consequences of OCI will be summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tram N Q Pham
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Nicot F, Kamar N, Mariamé B, Rostaing L, Pasquier C, Izopet J. No evidence of occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in serum of HCV antibody-positive HCV RNA-negative kidney-transplant patients. Transpl Int 2009; 23:594-601. [PMID: 20002658 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2009.01025.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Persistence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients who cleared HCV is still debated. Occult HCV infection is described as the presence of detectable HCV RNA in liver or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with undetectable plasma HCV-RNA by conventional PCR assays. We have assessed the persistence of HCV in 26 kidney-transplant patients, followed up for 10.5 years (range 2-16), after HCV elimination while on hemodialysis. If HCV really did persist, arising out of the loss of immune control caused by institution of the regimen of immunosuppressive drugs after kidney transplantation, HCV reactivation would have taken place. Their immunosuppression relied on calcineurin inhibitors (100%), and/or steroids (62%), and/or antimetabolites (94%). An induction therapy, given to 22 patients, relied on rabbit antithymocyte globulin (59%) or anti-IL2-receptor blockers (32%). All patients had undetectable HCV RNA as ascertained by several conventional tests. At the last follow-up, no residual HCV RNA was detected in the five liver biopsies, the 26 plasma, and in the 37 nonstimulated and 24 stimulated PBMCs tested with an ultrasensitive RT-PCR assay (detection limit, 2 IU/ml). No biochemical or virologic relapse was seen during follow-up. The absence of HCV relapse in formerly HCV-infected immunocompromised patients suggests the complete eradication of HCV after its elimination while on dialysis.
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Pham TNQ, Mercer SE, Michalak TI. Chronic hepatitis C and persistent occult hepatitis C virus infection are characterized by distinct immune cell cytokine expression profiles. J Viral Hepat 2009; 16:547-56. [PMID: 19215578 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2009.01092.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicates in immune cells in both chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and occult HCV infection, but the extent of virus replication in this compartment in these opposing infection forms varies greatly. It was unknown whether this could be linked to HCV genotype or to differences in host gene expression shaping the immune response, and whether HCV replication in immune cells is sensitive to endogenous antiviral cytokines. In this study, we uncovered that significantly greater HCV load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), but not in plasma, coincided with HCV genotypes 2 and 3 in CHC, but with genotype 1 in residual occult infection after clinical resolution of hepatitis C. Moreover, PBMC from individuals with occult infection transcribed significantly greater levels of IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, but less interleukin (IL)-10 than those from CHC. In CHC, PBMC with low HCV load expressed significantly more IFN-gamma but less IL-12 than did cells with high virus content. In occult infection, HCV RNA detection in PBMC was associated with much lower IFN-alpha and IL-12 expression. Further, HCV replication in T lymphocytes could be completely eliminated by activation of endogenous IFN-gamma in CHC, but of IFN-alpha in occult infection. In conclusion, CHC and persistent occult HCV infection are characterized by clearly different profiles of antiviral cytokine response in circulating immune cells which are also different from those of healthy individuals. Higher expression of IL-10, combined with lower transcription of IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, is associated with a more robust HCV replication in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T N Q Pham
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St. John's, NF, Canada A1B3V6
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