HCV replication in PBMC and its influence on interferon therapy

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern.
• The role of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in HCV infection and treatment response is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate HCV RNA and protein expression in PBMCs of patients with HCV infection.
• To explore the association between HCV RNA in PBMCs and response to interferon (IFN) therapy.

Main Methods:

• Detection of plus- and minus-strand HCV RNA in PBMCs using RT-nested PCR in 54 patients.
• Identification of HCVNS5 protein expression in PBMCs via indirect immunofluorescence assay.
• Assessment of IFN treatment response in 35 chronic hepatitis C patients based on PBMC HCV RNA status.

Main Results:

• HCV plus-strand RNA was detected in a majority of acute and chronic hepatitis C patients.
• Minus-strand HCV RNA and HCVNS5 protein expression were significantly higher in chronic compared to acute hepatitis C patients.
• Patients with minus-strand HCV RNA in PBMCs exhibited significantly lower sustained response rates to IFN therapy.

Conclusions:

• HCV can infect and replicate within PBMCs, with detectable HCVNS5 protein expression.
• The presence of minus-strand HCV RNA in PBMCs is associated with a poorer response to IFN therapy.
• Minus-strand HCV RNA in PBMCs may serve as a predictive marker for IFN treatment outcomes in hepatitis C patients.