Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

IgG and IgM core antibodies and viral replication in hepatitis C virus carriers

N Yuki1, N Hayashi, H Hagiwara

  • 1First Department of Medicine, Osaka University Medical School, Suita, Japan.

Journal of Hepatology
|July 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

This study shows IgG antibodies to hepatitis C virus core protein (anti-HCVcore) are common, but not always detected in low-viremia cases. IgM anti-HCVcore indicates high hepatitis C virus replication.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health concern.
  • Accurate detection of viral load and immune response is crucial for managing HCV.
  • Understanding antibody responses in relation to viremia is key for diagnostic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between IgG and IgM antibodies to hepatitis C virus core protein (anti-HCVcore) and serum virus RNA levels.
  • To assess the diagnostic utility of anti-HCVcore antibodies in different stages of hepatitis C.
  • To determine if IgM anti-HCVcore correlates with viral load and disease severity.

Main Methods:

  • Study involved 71 hepatitis C virus carriers.
  • Quantification of serum virus RNA levels (viremia) using molecular assays.
  • Detection of IgG and IgM anti-HCVcore antibodies via immunoassays.
  • Comparison of antibody status with viremic levels and clinical/histological data.

Main Results:

  • IgG anti-HCVcore detected in 94% of carriers, but missed four low-viremia cases.
  • IgM anti-HCVcore was present in patients with high viremia (10^8-10^9 copies/ml).
  • Higher viremic levels were observed in chronic hepatitis patients positive for IgM anti-HCVcore compared to negative patients (p < 0.01).
  • No correlation found between IgM anti-HCVcore and aminotransferase levels or histologic activity index.

Conclusions:

  • IgG anti-HCVcore is a sensitive marker but may fail to detect low-level viremia in hepatitis C.
  • IgM anti-HCVcore appears to be specifically induced during high levels of hepatitis C virus replication.
  • These findings have implications for understanding HCV immune responses and diagnostic test interpretation.

More Related Videos

Development of a Hepatitis B Virus Reporter System to Monitor the Early Stages of the Replication Cycle09:35

Development of a Hepatitis B Virus Reporter System to Monitor the Early Stages of the Replication Cycle

Published on: February 1, 2017

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection11:14

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection

Published on: November 7, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Transcytosis of IgG01:15

Transcytosis of IgG

Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
Inhibitors Of Virion Release01:25

Inhibitors Of Virion Release

Viral replication and dissemination rely on efficient mechanisms for host cell entry, genome replication, assembly, and release. Influenza viruses, such as types A and B, are negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses with a segmented genome, that depend on two critical surface glycoproteins to carry out these processes: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). HA initiates infection by binding to sialic acid residues on the surface of host epithelial cells, facilitating receptor-mediated...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...