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Is PBC a viral infectious disease?
1Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|October 23, 2018
Summary
Human betaretrovirus may contribute to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Suppressing viral activity showed promising results in preliminary studies, warranting further investigation into this autoimmune liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease.
- Human betaretrovirus (HBRV) and mouse mammary tumor virus are linked to cholangitis and mitochondrial antibody production.
- In vitro studies show betaretroviruses stimulate mitochondrial autoantigen expression on biliary epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of human betaretrovirus in the development of primary biliary cholangitis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy in managing PBC.
Main Methods:
- Proviral integration studies to detect HBRV in biliary epithelium.
- In vitro and in vivo experiments to assess viral protein and autoantigen expression.
- Preliminary clinical studies using combination antiretroviral therapy.
Main Results:
- HBRV was confirmed in the biliary epithelium of PBC patients.
- Co-expression of mitochondrial autoantigens and viral proteins observed in vivo.
- Suppression of viral expression with antiretroviral therapy correlated with biochemical response.
Conclusions:
- Human betaretrovirus infection is implicated in primary biliary cholangitis.
- Antiretroviral therapy shows potential for managing PBC by suppressing viral activity.
- Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the role of HBRV in PBC pathogenesis.
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