Hepatitis E virus: from innate sensing to adaptive immune responses

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hepatology
• Virology

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a global cause of acute viral hepatitis.
• Most infections in immunocompetent individuals are asymptomatic, but severe outcomes occur in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients.
• HEV genotype and host immune response significantly influence infection outcomes, including chronicity and extrahepatic manifestations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the innate and adaptive immune responses to HEV infection.
• To elucidate the immunological mechanisms underlying HEV-associated acute and chronic liver failure.
• To discuss current HEV vaccine status and identify future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on HEV immunology and clinical outcomes.
• Analysis of host-pathogen interactions, focusing on T cell and B cell responses.
• Synthesis of data on HEV genotypes, immune evasion, and disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• The host immune response is a critical determinant of HEV infection severity and outcome.
• Distinct immune mechanisms are involved in acute versus chronic HEV infections and liver failure.
• Current understanding of HEV immune responses informs vaccine development and therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

• Understanding HEV immune responses is crucial for managing acute and chronic infections.
• Further research is needed to address gaps in knowledge regarding HEV pathogenesis and treatment.
• Development of effective HEV vaccines and therapies remains a priority.