|
1
|
Hufsky F, Abecasis A, Agudelo-Romero P, Bletsa M, Brown K, Claus C, Deinhardt-Emmer S, Deng L, Friedel CC, Gismondi MI, Kostaki EG, Kühnert D, Kulkarni-Kale U, Metzner KJ, Meyer IM, Miozzi L, Nishimura L, Paraskevopoulou S, Pérez-Cataluña A, Rahlff J, Thomson E, Tumescheit C, van der Hoek L, Van Espen L, Vandamme AM, Zaheri M, Zuckerman N, Marz M. Women in the European Virus Bioinformatics Center. Viruses 2022; 14:1522. [PMID: 35891501 PMCID: PMC9319252 DOI: 10.3390/v14071522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are the cause of a considerable burden to human, animal and plant health, while on the other hand playing an important role in regulating entire ecosystems. The power of new sequencing technologies combined with new tools for processing "Big Data" offers unprecedented opportunities to answer fundamental questions in virology. Virologists have an urgent need for virus-specific bioinformatics tools. These developments have led to the formation of the European Virus Bioinformatics Center, a network of experts in virology and bioinformatics who are joining forces to enable extensive exchange and collaboration between these research areas. The EVBC strives to provide talented researchers with a supportive environment free of gender bias, but the gender gap in science, especially in math-intensive fields such as computer science, persists. To bring more talented women into research and keep them there, we need to highlight role models to spark their interest, and we need to ensure that female scientists are not kept at lower levels but are given the opportunity to lead the field. Here we showcase the work of the EVBC and highlight the achievements of some outstanding women experts in virology and viral bioinformatics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hufsky
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ana Abecasis
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patricia Agudelo-Romero
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Magda Bletsa
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katherine Brown
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Claudia Claus
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Deinhardt-Emmer
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Li Deng
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Centre Munich-German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Microbial Disease Prevention, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Caroline C. Friedel
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - María Inés Gismondi
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Agrobiotechnology and Molecular Biology (IABIMO), National Institute for Agriculture Technology (INTA), National Research Council (CONICET), Hurlingham B1686IGC, Argentina
- Department of Basic Sciences, National University of Luján, Luján B6702MZP, Argentina
| | - Evangelia Georgia Kostaki
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Denise Kühnert
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Transmission, Infection, Diversification and Evolution Group, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Urmila Kulkarni-Kale
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Bioinformatics Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Karin J. Metzner
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irmtraud M. Meyer
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Miozzi
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Nishimura
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima 411-8540, Japan
- Human Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
| | - Sofia Paraskevopoulou
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Methods Development and Research Infrastructure, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alba Pérez-Cataluña
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- VISAFELab, Department of Preservation and Food Safety Technologies, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, IATA-CSIC, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Janina Rahlff
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Linneaus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Emma Thomson
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Charlotte Tumescheit
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Lia van der Hoek
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lore Van Espen
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne-Mieke Vandamme
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute for the Future, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maryam Zaheri
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Neta Zuckerman
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Central Virology Laboratory, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health and Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Manja Marz
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Rios DA, Casciato PC, Caldirola MS, Gaillard MI, Giadans C, Ameigeiras B, De Matteo EN, Preciado MV, Valva P. Chronic Hepatitis C Pathogenesis: Immune Response in the Liver Microenvironment and Peripheral Compartment. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:712105. [PMID: 34414132 PMCID: PMC8369367 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.712105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) pathogenic mechanisms as well as the participation of the immune response in the generation of liver damage are still a topic of interest. Here, we evaluated immune cell populations and cytokines in the liver and peripheral blood (PB) to elucidate their role in CHC pathogenesis. B, CTL, Th, Treg, Th1, Th17, and NK cell localization and frequency were evaluated on liver biopsies by immunohistochemistry, while frequency, differentiation, and functional status on PB were evaluated by flow cytometry. TNF-α, IL-23, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-10, and TGF-β expression levels were quantified in fresh liver biopsy by RT-qPCR and in plasma by CBA/ELISA. Liver CTL and Th1 at the lobular area inversely correlated with viral load (r = −0.469, p =0.003 and r = −0.384, p = 0.040). Treg correlated with CTL and Th1 at the lobular area (r = 0.784, p < 0.0001; r = 0.436, p = 0.013). Th17 correlated with hepatic IL-8 (r = 0.52, p < 0.05), and both were higher in advanced fibrosis cases (Th17 p = 0.0312, IL-8 p = 0.009). Hepatic cytokines were higher in severe hepatitis cases (IL-1β p = 0.026, IL-23 p = 0.031, IL-8 p = 0.002, TGF-β, p= 0.037). Peripheral NK (p = 0.008) and NK dim (p = 0.018) were diminished, while NK bright (p = 0.025) was elevated in patients vs. donors. Naïve Th (p = 0.011) and CTL (p = 0.0007) were decreased, while activated Th (p = 0.0007) and CTL (p = 0.0003) were increased. IFN-γ production and degranulation activity in NK and CTL were normal. Peripheral cytokines showed an altered profile vs. donors, particularly elevated IL-6 (p = 0.008) and TGF-β (p = 0.041). Total hepatic CTLs favored damage. Treg could not prevent fibrogenesis triggered by Th17 and IL-8. Peripheral T-lymphocyte differentiation stage shift, elevated cytokine levels and NK-cell count decrease would contribute to global disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Alejandra Rios
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - María Soledad Caldirola
- Immunology Unit, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Isabel Gaillard
- Immunology Unit, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Giadans
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Elena Noemí De Matteo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Preciado
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pamela Valva
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Pisano MB, Giadans CG, Flichman DM, Ré VE, Preciado MV, Valva P. Viral hepatitis update: Progress and perspectives. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4018-4044. [PMID: 34326611 PMCID: PMC8311538 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i26.4018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis, secondary to infection with hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, are a major public health problem and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite the huge medical advances achieved in recent years, there are still points of conflict concerning the pathogenesis, immune response, development of new and more effective vaccines, therapies, and treatment. This review focuses on the most important research topics that deal with issues that are currently being solved, those that remain to be solved, and future research directions. For hepatitis A virus we will address epidemiology, molecular surveillance, new susceptible populations as well as environmental and food detections. In the case of hepatitis B virus, we will discuss host factors related to disease, diagnosis, therapy, and vaccine improvement. On hepatitis C virus, we will focus on pathogenesis, immune response, direct action antivirals treatment in the context of solid organ transplantation, issues related to hepatocellular carcinoma development, direct action antivirals resistance due to selection of resistance-associated variants, and vaccination. Regarding hepatitis D virus, we describe diagnostic methodology, pathogenesis, and therapy. Finally, for hepatitis E virus, we will address epidemiology (including new emerging species), diagnosis, clinical aspects, treatment, the development of a vaccine, and environmental surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María B Pisano
- Virology Institute, CONICET, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Cordoba X5016, Argentina
| | - Cecilia G Giadans
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP) CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, CABA C1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego M Flichman
- Institute of Biomedical Investigations in Retrovirus and AIDS (INBIRS), School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET, CABA C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Viviana E Ré
- Virology Institute, CONICET, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Cordoba X5016, Argentina
| | - María V Preciado
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP) CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, CABA C1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pamela Valva
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP) CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, CABA C1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
|
4
|
Cairoli V, De Matteo E, Rios D, Lezama C, Galoppo M, Casciato P, Mullen E, Giadans C, Bertot G, Preciado MV, Valva P. Hepatic lymphocytes involved in the pathogenesis of pediatric and adult non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5129. [PMID: 33664397 PMCID: PMC7933421 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84674-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune response is critical in NAFLD pathogenesis, but the liver infiltrate's composition and the role of each T cell population is still up for debate. To characterize liver pathogenesis in pediatric and adult cases, frequency and localization of immune cell populations [Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CD8+), T helper Lymphocytes (CD4+), Regulatory T lymphocytes (Foxp3+) and Th17 (IL-17A+)] were evaluated. In portal/periportal (P/P) tracts, both age groups displayed a similar proportion of CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes. However, comparable Foxp3+ and IL-17A+ cell frequencies were observed in pediatric cases, meanwhile, in adults Foxp3+ was higher than IL-17A+ cells. Interestingly, IL-17A+ lymphocytes seemed to be nearly exclusive of P/P area in both age groups. In intralobular areas, both pediatric and adult cases showed CD8+ lymphocytes predominance with lower frequencies of CD4+ lymphocytes followed by Foxp3+ . Severe inflammation was associated with higher intralobular Foxp3+ lymphocytes (p = 0.026) in children, and lower P/P Foxp3+ and higher IL-17A+ lymphocytes in adults. All cases with fibrosis ≥ 2 displayed P/P low Foxp3+ and high IL-17A+ lymphocyte counts. Pediatric cases with worse steatosis showed high P/P CD4+ (p = 0.023) and intralobular CD8+ (p = 0.027) and CD4+ cells (p = 0.012). In NAFLD cases, the lymphocyte liver infiltrate composition differs between histological areas. Treg and Th17 balance seems to condition damage progression, denoting their important role in pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Cairoli
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Elena De Matteo
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Daniela Rios
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Carol Lezama
- Liver Unit, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Marcela Galoppo
- Liver Unit, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Paola Casciato
- Liver Unit, Italian's Hospital of Buenos Aires, C1199ABH, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Mullen
- Pathology Division, Italian's Hospital of Buenos Aires, C1199ABH, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Giadans
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Bertot
- H.A. Barceló Foundation-Medicine University, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Preciado
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Pamela Valva
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, Gallo 1330, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Chronic hepatitis C liver microenvironment: role of the Th17/Treg interplay related to fibrogenesis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13283. [PMID: 29038590 PMCID: PMC5643436 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13777-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the different lymphocyte populations in liver microenvironment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients is still matter of debate. Since Th17 and Treg have opposite functions, their balance could affect disease progression. The aim was to explore liver microenvironment and its peripheral blood counterpart in adult CHC patients. CD4+ lymphocytes were predominant in the liver, with high Foxp3+ but low IL-17A+ frequency. IL-17A+ lymphocytes and IL-17A+/Foxp3+ ratio displayed association with advanced fibrosis (p = 0.0130; p = 0.0236, respectively), while Foxp3+ lymphocytes and IL-10 expression level inversely correlated with fibrosis severity (p = 0.0381, p = 0.0398, respectively). TGF-β/IL-6 ratio correlated with IL-17A+/Foxp3+ ratio (p = 0.0036, r = 0.5944) and with IL-17A+ lymphocytes (p = 0.0093; r = 0.5203). TNF-α and TGF-β were associated with hepatitis severity (p = 0.0409, p = 0.0321). Peripheral blood lymphocyte frequency was not associated with liver damage. There are functionally different immune cell populations actively involved in liver damage, but the liver cytokine milieu actually drives the pathogenesis. The intrahepatic Foxp3+ lymphocytes predominance beside the low IL-17A+ lymphocytes frequency, delineate a skewed IL-17A+/Foxp3+ balance towards Foxp3+ lymphocytes. However, the IL-17A+ lymphocytes association with advanced fibrosis denotes their role in the pathogenesis. Therefore, the interplay between Th17 and Treg conditions liver fibrogenesis.
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Yan F, Wang Y, Zhang W, Chang M, He Z, Xu J, Shang C, Chen T, Liu J, Wang X, Pei X, Wang Y. Human embryonic stem cell-derived hepatoblasts are an optimal lineage stage for hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatology 2017; 66:717-735. [PMID: 28236326 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Maturation of hepatic cells can be gradually acquired through multiple stages of hepatic lineage specification, while it is unclear whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is maturationally lineage-dependent. We investigated the susceptibility to HCV at multiple stages of human embryonic stem cells, definitive endodermal cells, hepatic stem cells, hepatoblasts (hHBs), and mature hepatocytes. Susceptibility to infection occurred initially at the stage of human hepatic stem cells; however, hHBs proved to have the highest permissiveness and infectivity compared with all other stages. The hHBs' susceptibility to HCV correlated with the translocation of occludin, an HCV receptor, from cytoplasm to plasma membrane of HBs. Vascular endothelial cell growth factor enhanced the HCV susceptibility of hHBs through rearrangement of occludin by dephosphorylation; this minimized hHB polarization and prevented hHBs from further maturation. The transcription profiles of different hepatic lineage stages indicated that expression of innate immune response genes was correlated with hepatic maturation; interferon β played an important role in protecting hHBs from HCV infection. HCV-infected hHBs were able to engraft and integrate into the livers of Fah-/- Rag2-/- mice and maintained an hHB phenotype for over 12 weeks during the time when HCV antigen was evident. After suppression of interferon β in hHBs, HCV infection was significantly enhanced in the engrafted humanized liver tissue of host mice. CONCLUSION Human embryonic stem cell-derived hHBs are the optimal hosts for HCV infectivity; the realization that HCV entry and replication occur primarily at a particular hepatic lineage stage enables us to understand the HCV infection factors, life cycle, and infection dynamics that are facets of the pathogenesis as well as suggesting targets for anti-HCV treatment. (Hepatology 2017;66:717-735).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yan
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China.,Transfusion Immunology Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyang Chang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiying He
- Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinbo Xu
- Transfusion Immunology Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Changzhen Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of National Education, Ministry for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, China
| | - Xuetao Pei
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China.,South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, AMMS, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
|
7
|
Spontaneous Elimination of Hepatitis C Virus Infection. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1039:45-54. [PMID: 29164488 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2017_76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the etiological agent of chronic hepatitis C and a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Only a minority of infected individuals can clear the virus spontaneously. The knowledge of the determinants of virus clearance would allow the development of effective methods preventing its further spread and optimizing treatment regimens. Viral factors associated with spontaneous virus clearance in the acute phase of infection, such as HCV genotype, virus heterogeneity, and the impact of viral proteins on the immune system have been characterized. Likewise, host genetic markers, such as the interleukin genotypes, HLA alleles, and factors affecting the T lymphocyte response appear to play an important role. Studies have revealed that natural clearance of HCV infection in the chronic phase is rare and its mechanisms are not well understood. In this review, we present the state-of-the art knowledge on the viral and host factors affecting the spontaneous elimination of HCV infection.
Collapse
|
|
8
|
Burke Schinkel SC, Carrasco-Medina L, Cooper CL, Crawley AM. Generalized Liver- and Blood-Derived CD8+ T-Cell Impairment in Response to Cytokines in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157055. [PMID: 27315061 PMCID: PMC4912163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Generalized CD8+ T-cell impairment in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the contribution of liver-infiltrating CD8+ T-cells to the immunopathogenesis of this infection remain poorly understood. It is hypothesized that this impairment is partially due to reduced CD8+ T-cell activity in response to cytokines such as IL-7, particularly within the liver. To investigate this, the phenotype and cytokine responsiveness of blood- and liver-derived CD8+ T-cells from healthy controls and individuals with HCV infection were compared. In blood, IL-7 receptor α (CD127) expression on bulk CD8+ T-cells in HCV infection was no different than controls yet was lower on central memory T-cells, and there were fewer naïve cells. IL-7-induced signalling through phosphorylated STAT5 was lower in HCV infection than in controls, and differed between CD8+ T-cell subsets. Production of Bcl-2 following IL-7 stimulation was also lower in HCV infection and inversely related to the degree of liver fibrosis. In liver-derived CD8+ T-cells, STAT5 activation could not be increased with cytokine stimulation and basal Bcl-2 levels of liver-derived CD8+ T-cells were lower than blood-derived counterparts in HCV infection. Therefore, generalized CD8+ T-cell impairment in HCV infection is characterized, in part, by impaired IL-7-mediated signalling and survival, independent of CD127 expression. This impairment is more pronounced in the liver and may be associated with an increased potential for apoptosis. This generalized CD8+ T-cell impairment represents an important immune dysfunction in chronic HCV infection that may alter patient health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C. Burke Schinkel
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lorna Carrasco-Medina
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Curtis L. Cooper
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa Hospital-General Campus, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela M. Crawley
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
|
9
|
Valva P, Ríos DA, De Matteo E, Preciado MV. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Serum biomarkers in predicting liver damage. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:1367-1381. [PMID: 26819506 PMCID: PMC4721972 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i4.1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, a major clinical challenge in the management of the increasing number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients is determining the best means for evaluating liver impairment. Prognosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are partly dependent on the assessment of histological activity, namely cell necrosis and inflammation, and the degree of liver fibrosis. These parameters can be provided by liver biopsy; however, in addition to the risks related to an invasive procedure, liver biopsy has been associated with sampling error mostly due to suboptimal biopsy size. To avoid these pitfalls, several markers have been proposed as non-invasive alternatives for the diagnosis of liver damage. Distinct approaches among the currently available non-invasive methods are (1) the physical ones based on imaging techniques; and (2) the biological ones based on serum biomarkers. In this review, we discuss these approaches with special focus on currently available non-invasive serum markers. We will discuss: (1) class I serum biomarkers individually and as combined panels, particularly those that mirror the metabolism of liver extracellular matrix turnover and/or fibrogenic cell changes; (2) class II biomarkers that are indirect serum markers and are based on the evaluation of common functional alterations in the liver; and (3) biomarkers of liver cell death, since hepatocyte apoptosis plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of HCV infection. We highlight in this review the evidence behind the use of these markers and assess the diagnostic accuracy as well as advantages, limitations, and application in clinical practice of each test for predicting liver damage in CHC.
Collapse
|
|
10
|
Pawlowska M, Domagalski K, Pniewska A, Smok B, Halota W, Tretyn A. What's new in hepatitis C virus infections in children? World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:10783-9. [PMID: 26478670 PMCID: PMC4600580 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i38.10783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection cases is relatively low in children. This low number may be connected with the lack of screening tests and the asymptomatic course of infection. Currently, mother-to-infant transmission is the most common cause of HCV infection amongst children in developed countries. It is important to introduce routine screening tests for HCV in pregnant women. The risk of vertical transmission of HCV is estimated at approximately 5% (3%-10%). Currently, we do not have HCV transmission prevention methods. Some factors could potentially be eliminated by elective caesarean section. Currently, the method of prevention of perinatal HCV infection is the early identification and effective treatment of infections in young women in the preconception period. We describe genetic tests (IL-28B single nucleotide polymorphisms) to identify children with an increased chance of spontaneous clearance or sustained virologic response achievement and vitamin D level as a potential predictor of treatment response in children. It is also important to develop non-invasive tests that can predict liver fibrosis. The existence of differences in the mechanisms leading to liver injury between children and adults creates new perspectives of action to reduce liver disease progression in children in the early years of life.
Collapse
|