HLA-G liver expression in chronically HIV/hepatitis C-coinfected individuals.
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C-induced liver disease represents a significant threat to the survival of people living with HIV. HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals have a more rapid progression to cirrhosis and its complications than HCV monoinfected patients. Although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, HLA-G, a non-classical class I HLA molecule, has a well-recognized property to down-regulate the immune response against viruses and may favor the progression of chronic hepatitis C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed HLA-G expression in 59 liver specimens of patients harboring chronic HCV and HIV coinfection and stratified the findings according to clinical and histopathological features. RESULTS: Genotype 1 was the most prevalent (88%); the HLA-G expression was observed in 38 (64%) liver specimens, and it was more frequent in more severe stages than in milder stages of chronic hepatitis (94,1% x 55%; p<0.01). HLA-G expression in the liver was not correlated to antiviral response to hepatitis C therapy with pegylated-IFN-α plus ribavirin. CONCLUSIONS: HLA-G expression in the context of HCV/HIV coinfection is a complex process modulated by many factors. HLA-G expression may play a role in the mechanisms that facilitate disease progression and may contribute to the deterioration of the immune response against HCV in individuals living with HIV.
Source: Annals of Hepatology
Authors: Fernando Crivelenti Vilar, Eduardo Donadi, Benedito Antônio Lopes da Fonseca, Janaina Cristiana de Oliveira Crispim Freitas, Ana Letícia Gomide Zanin Borducchi, Rodrigo de Carvalho Santana
Language: English
Topic: Hepatitis C virus research
Subfield: Hepatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,500
OpenAlex ID: W4404940300