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Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Sustained virological response is associated with clearance of hepatitis C virus RNA and a decrease in hepatitis C
Sarah Maylin1, Michelle Martinot-Peignoux, Marie-Pierre Ripault
1Service de Microbiologie, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France.
Summary
Sustained virological response (SVR) after hepatitis C virus (HCV) interferon therapy leads to durable viral eradication. HCV antibodies decrease significantly, confirming the absence of ongoing infection in patients achieving SVR.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- The durability of viral eradication in chronic hepatitis C patients achieving sustained virological response (SVR) after interferon (IFN) therapy is debated.
- Assessing long-term viral clearance and immune response is crucial for understanding hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term durability of SVR in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with IFN therapy.
- To assess changes in HCV antibody levels as an indicator of ongoing infection or viral eradication.
Main Methods:
- A long-term follow-up study of 157 patients with SVR to IFN-alpha-2b therapy.
- Serum HCV RNA was undetectable using transcription-mediated amplification (TMA).
- HCV antibody levels and titres were measured using optical density and RIBA assays.
Main Results:
- HCV RNA remained undetectable in all patients throughout the follow-up period (median 4.0 years).
- Mean HCV antibody optical density significantly decreased post-therapy (P=0.001).
- Antibodies against non-structural proteins (NS3, NS4, NS5) markedly decreased, while core protein antibodies remained elevated.
Conclusions:
- SVR achieved with TMA is a durable indicator of viral eradication in hepatitis C patients.
- The significant decrease in HCV antibodies, particularly against non-structural proteins, suggests the absence of ongoing viral replication.
- These findings strongly support the concept of HCV infection cure in patients achieving SVR.
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