Hepatits C virus (HCV) infection represents a worldwide disseminated disease, but despite numerous studies, its pathogenesis and medical treatment have not been completely elucidated.
As far as HCV pathogenesis is concerned, HCV genotypes and viral antigens have been investigated with the aim to find a correlation with disease severity and response to treatment. On the other hand, according to current literature, immunological response is implicated in disease progression rather than in host protection. Finally, use of interferon (IFN)-alpha alone or in combination with other antiviral drugs, e.g., ribavirin (RIB), at the moment represents the most effective treatment in chronic HCV disease, even if the percentage of cured patients is still low.
On these grounds, the present book, entitled Hepatis C Virus Disease: Immunobiology and Clinical Applications, will emphasize the most recent advances in HCV infection, moving from basic research to clinical application. In particular, in the first chapters of this volume, the full spectrum of immune responses to HCV is analyzed,taking into account either innate or adoptive immunity involvement. In this respect, the role of antigen-presenting cells (macrophages and dendritic celsl) and Toll-like receptors and that of T helper, T cytotoxic, natural killer, and T regulatory cells will be discussed in the course of HCV disease.
At the same time, deficits of innate immunity at the peripheral level with an easier access of microbes into the host will be described also in view of a putative interference of microbial products with IFN trreatment. In the last part of this volume, a series of contributions elucidates the state of the art of IFN-alpha treatment in HCV patients and the effectiveness of therapy also in relation to HCV genotypes. Besides the combined treatment with IFN-alpha and RIB, the use and applications of pegylated IFNs aree the object of intensive speculation in specific chapters. Finally, the complicated HCV disease and its treatment are discussed.
In summary, this volume, written by various scientists with specific expertise in the field of HCV infection, should represent an efficacious up-to-date on the state of the art of HCV disease in diifferent geographical areas. Moreover, a clear description of disease pathogenesis, a detailed clarification of immune mechanisms, and a deep elucidation of the pharmacology of antiviral drugs should be very useful for a large readership, even including medical students who may wish to learn basic principles of HCV infection.
Contents
1 Innate Immunity in Type C Hepatitis
2 Mechanisms of Interferon Action and Resistance in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Lessons Learned from Cell Culture Studies
3 Immunological Parameters Influencing Adaptive Immune Responses to the Hepatitis C Virus
4 Immune Responses Against the Hepatitis C Virus and the Outcome of Therapy
5 Other Microbial Components Associated with Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Their Effects on Interferon- a/Ribavirin Treatment
6 Interferon-Induced Effector Proteins and Hepatitis C Virus Replication
7 Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C with Different Genotypes
8 Interferon Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: From Basic Biology to Clinical Application
9 Interferon-Based Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infections
10 Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in “Difficult-to-Treat” Patients in the Clinical Setting
11 Effects of Combined IFN-Alpha/Ribavirin Treatment in HCV Disease-Related Progression
12 Pegylated Interferons: Clinical Applications in the Management of Hepatitis C Infection
Subject Index
As far as HCV pathogenesis is concerned, HCV genotypes and viral antigens have been investigated with the aim to find a correlation with disease severity and response to treatment. On the other hand, according to current literature, immunological response is implicated in disease progression rather than in host protection. Finally, use of interferon (IFN)-alpha alone or in combination with other antiviral drugs, e.g., ribavirin (RIB), at the moment represents the most effective treatment in chronic HCV disease, even if the percentage of cured patients is still low.
On these grounds, the present book, entitled Hepatis C Virus Disease: Immunobiology and Clinical Applications, will emphasize the most recent advances in HCV infection, moving from basic research to clinical application. In particular, in the first chapters of this volume, the full spectrum of immune responses to HCV is analyzed,taking into account either innate or adoptive immunity involvement. In this respect, the role of antigen-presenting cells (macrophages and dendritic celsl) and Toll-like receptors and that of T helper, T cytotoxic, natural killer, and T regulatory cells will be discussed in the course of HCV disease.
At the same time, deficits of innate immunity at the peripheral level with an easier access of microbes into the host will be described also in view of a putative interference of microbial products with IFN trreatment. In the last part of this volume, a series of contributions elucidates the state of the art of IFN-alpha treatment in HCV patients and the effectiveness of therapy also in relation to HCV genotypes. Besides the combined treatment with IFN-alpha and RIB, the use and applications of pegylated IFNs aree the object of intensive speculation in specific chapters. Finally, the complicated HCV disease and its treatment are discussed.
In summary, this volume, written by various scientists with specific expertise in the field of HCV infection, should represent an efficacious up-to-date on the state of the art of HCV disease in diifferent geographical areas. Moreover, a clear description of disease pathogenesis, a detailed clarification of immune mechanisms, and a deep elucidation of the pharmacology of antiviral drugs should be very useful for a large readership, even including medical students who may wish to learn basic principles of HCV infection.
Contents
1 Innate Immunity in Type C Hepatitis
2 Mechanisms of Interferon Action and Resistance in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Lessons Learned from Cell Culture Studies
3 Immunological Parameters Influencing Adaptive Immune Responses to the Hepatitis C Virus
4 Immune Responses Against the Hepatitis C Virus and the Outcome of Therapy
5 Other Microbial Components Associated with Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Their Effects on Interferon- a/Ribavirin Treatment
6 Interferon-Induced Effector Proteins and Hepatitis C Virus Replication
7 Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C with Different Genotypes
8 Interferon Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: From Basic Biology to Clinical Application
9 Interferon-Based Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infections
10 Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in “Difficult-to-Treat” Patients in the Clinical Setting
11 Effects of Combined IFN-Alpha/Ribavirin Treatment in HCV Disease-Related Progression
12 Pegylated Interferons: Clinical Applications in the Management of Hepatitis C Infection
Subject Index
Product Details
- Hardcover: 308 pages
- Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (November 13, 2007)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0387713751
- ISBN-13: 978-0387713755
- Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches