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Updated: May 28, 2026

Analysis of HBV-Specific CD4 T-cell Responses and Identification of HLA-DR-Restricted CD4 T-Cell Epitopes Based on a Peptide Matrix
Published on: October 20, 2021
Update on hepatitis C virus-specific immunity
Donatella Ciuffreda1, Arthur Y Kim
1Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
The goal of this study is to review key recent findings related to the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, especially in regards to T lymphocytes. It aims to complement other reviews in this issue on the roles of host genetics (IL-28B), acute HCV infection (when disease outcome is determined) and other factors that may influence fibrosis progression (microbial translocation). The main focus is on specific immunity and T cells in the context of success and failure to control viral infection.
Recent Findings:
This review focuses on two areas of intense interest in the recent literature: the relationship between the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), class I-restricted T-cell responses and the evolution of the virus and the role of inhibitory markers on T cells in the immunopathogenesis of HCV. When appropriate, we compare findings from studies of HIV-specific immunity.
Summary:
From examining the virus and the mutational changes associated with T-cell responses and from analyzing the markers on T cells, there have been numerous advances in the understanding of immune evasion mechanisms employed by HCV.
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