IngentaConnect Modifications of the Immune Responsiveness in Patients with Hepat...

Authors: Amati, L.; Caradonna, L.; Magrone, T.; Mastronardi, M.L.; Cuppone, R.; Cozzolongo, R.; Manghisi, O.G.; Caccavo, D.; Amoroso, A.; Jirillo, E.

Source: Current Pharmaceutical Design, Volume 8, Number 11, 1 May 2002 , pp. 981-993(13)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

The balance between T helper (h)1 and Th2 responsiveness seems to represent a key event in the evolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In particular, Th1 cytokines [interleukin (IL-2) and interferon (IFN- ggr

)] have been demonstrated to mediate the antiviral immune response.

Serum levels of Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN- ggr

) as well as of Th2 products (IL-4 and IL-10) were determined in a group of HCV-positive patients before and after treatment with IFN- agr

and Ribavirin (RIB).

Results indicate that responder patients exhibited increased levels of IFN- ggr

and IL-10, while this enhancement was not observed in non-responder patients. In this respect, the major effect exerted by the combined therapy with IFN- agr

/ RIB could be represented by the attainment of a re-equilibrium between inflammatory (Th1) and antiinflammatory (Th2) mechanisms.

In this framework, according to current literature, novel therapeutical approaches to treat HCV infection are represented by administration of recombinant IL-2 and IL-10.

Keywords: ifn; ribavirin; responsiveness; gamma; interleukin; recombinant interleukin

Document Type: Review article

DOI: 10.2174/1381612024607036

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Modifications of the Immune Responsiveness in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection following Treatment with IFN- / Ribavirin