The Path to Cancer and Back: Immune Modulation During Hepatitis C Virus Infection, Progression to Fibrosis and Cancer, and Unexpected Roles of New Antivirals

Transplantation. 2017 May;101(5):910-915. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000001623.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects over 130 million individuals worldwide, and it is the number 1 reason for liver transplantation in the United States. HCV infection progresses in a slow chronic fashion eliciting a strong but ineffective immune response, mainly characterized by NK cell dysfunction and T cell exhaustion. The chronic hepatic inflammation leads to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer in a significant number of patients. In recent years, groundbreaking research has led to the discovery of new HCV-specific direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which have an unprecedented efficacy to clear the virus, and establish a sustained virological response. Indeed, curing HCV infection with an oral medication is now reality. The effects of DAAs in mitigating the HCV-related complications of liver fibrosis and cancer are yet largely unknown. Nonetheless, recent controversial reports suggest a potential increase in liver cancer recurrence upon use of DAAs. In the current article, we review the most important immune-mediated mechanisms underlying HCV chronicity and the development of liver fibrosis and cancer. Furthermore, we discuss recent concern on use of the new agents.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / virology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immune System / drug effects*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / immunology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / virology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / immunology
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / virology*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / immunology*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents