The balance between T helper (h)1 and Th2 responsiveness seems to represent a key event in the evolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In particular, Th1 cytokines [interleukin (IL-2) and interferon (IFN-gamma)] have been demonstrated to mediate the antiviral immune response. Serum levels of Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) as well as of Th2 products (IL-4 and IL-10) were determined in a group of HCV-positive patients before and after treatment with IFN-alpha and Ribavirin (RIB). Results indicate that responder patients exhibited increased levels of IFN-gamma and IL-10, while this enhancement was not observed in non-responder patients. In this respect, the major effect exerted by the combined therapy with IFN-alpha/RIB could be represented by the attainment of a re-equilibrium between inflammatory (Th1) and antiinflammatory (Th2) mechanisms. In this framework, according to current literature, novel therapeutical approaches to treat HCV infection are represented by administration of recombinant IL-2 and IL-10.
Modifications of the Immune Responsiveness in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection Following Treatment with IFN-alfa/Ribavirin / L., Amati; L., Caradonna; T., Magrone; Ml, Mastronardi; R., Cuppone; R., Cozzolongo; Og, Manghisi; Caccavo, Domenico; Amoroso, Antonio; E., Jirirllo. - In: CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN. - ISSN 1381-6128. - STAMPA. - 8:(2002), pp. 99-110. [10.2174/1381612024607036]
Modifications of the Immune Responsiveness in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection Following Treatment with IFN-alfa/Ribavirin
CACCAVO, Domenico;AMOROSO, Antonio;
2002
Abstract
The balance between T helper (h)1 and Th2 responsiveness seems to represent a key event in the evolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In particular, Th1 cytokines [interleukin (IL-2) and interferon (IFN-gamma)] have been demonstrated to mediate the antiviral immune response. Serum levels of Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) as well as of Th2 products (IL-4 and IL-10) were determined in a group of HCV-positive patients before and after treatment with IFN-alpha and Ribavirin (RIB). Results indicate that responder patients exhibited increased levels of IFN-gamma and IL-10, while this enhancement was not observed in non-responder patients. In this respect, the major effect exerted by the combined therapy with IFN-alpha/RIB could be represented by the attainment of a re-equilibrium between inflammatory (Th1) and antiinflammatory (Th2) mechanisms. In this framework, according to current literature, novel therapeutical approaches to treat HCV infection are represented by administration of recombinant IL-2 and IL-10.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
