|
1
|
Takai A, Ueda Y, Hatano E, Seno H. The Eradication of Hepatitis C Virus after Liver Transplantation Improved Liver Function and Maintained the Health-related Quality of Life. Transplant Proc 2025; 57:593-597. [PMID: 40082171 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2025.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2025] [Indexed: 03/16/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outcomes of hepatitis C virus eradication and health-related quality of life in the patients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) after liver transplantation were examined. METHODS Thirty-five patients with HCV infection treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir after liver transplantation were enrolled in the study. The achievement rate of sustained viral response (SVR), liver function and health-related quality of life based on Short-Form-36 version 2 were evaluated. RESULTS All 35 patients achieved SVR and liver function was improved to a level comparable to that of non-transplanted cases by the DAA treatment. As to health-related quality of life, the scores of general health, vitality and mental health were comparable to Japanese national standard scores among 8 subscales of Short-Form-36 version 2. CONCLUSION HCV eradication after liver transplantation is useful for not only improving liver function but maintaining health-related quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Yoshihide Ueda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Seno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Gambato M, Manuli C, Lynch EN, Battistella S, Germani G, Senzolo M, Zanetto A, Ferrarese A, Vitale A, Gringeri E, Cillo U, Burra P, Russo FP. Long-Term Impact of Direct-Acting Antivirals on Liver Fibrosis and Survival in HCV-Infected Liver Transplant Recipients. Viruses 2023; 15:1702. [PMID: 37632044 PMCID: PMC10458217 DOI: 10.3390/v15081702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Little is known about the long-term impact of sustained virological response (SVR) on fibrosis progression and patient survival in liver transplantation (LT) recipients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). We investigated liver fibrosis evolution and patient survival in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients receiving DAAs after LT. (2) Methods: All consecutive HCV-infected patients treated with DAAs after LT between May 2014 and January 2019 were considered. The clinical and virological features were registered at the baseline and during the follow-up. The liver fibrosis was assessed by liver biopsy and/or transient elastography (TE) at the baseline and at least 1 year after the end of treatment (EoT). (3) Results: A total of 136 patients were included. The SVR12 was 78% after the first treatment and 96% after retreatment. After the SVR12, biochemical tests improved at the EoT and remained stable throughout the 3-year follow-up. Liver fibrosis improved after the SVR12 (p < 0.001); nearly half of the patients with advanced liver fibrosis experienced an improvement of an F ≤ 2. The factors associated with lower survival in SVR12 patients were the baseline platelet count (p = 0.04) and creatinine level (p = 0.04). (4) Conclusions: The long-term follow-up data demonstrated that SVR12 was associated with an improvement in hepatic function, liver fibrosis, and post-LT survival, regardless of the baseline liver fibrosis. The presence of portal hypertension before the DAAs has an impact on patient survival, even after SVR12.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Gambato
- Multivisceral Transplant and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy; (C.M.); (E.N.L.); (S.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.); (A.F.); (P.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
| | - Chiara Manuli
- Multivisceral Transplant and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy; (C.M.); (E.N.L.); (S.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.); (A.F.); (P.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
| | - Erica N. Lynch
- Multivisceral Transplant and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy; (C.M.); (E.N.L.); (S.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.); (A.F.); (P.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
| | - Sara Battistella
- Multivisceral Transplant and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy; (C.M.); (E.N.L.); (S.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.); (A.F.); (P.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
| | - Giacomo Germani
- Multivisceral Transplant and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy; (C.M.); (E.N.L.); (S.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.); (A.F.); (P.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
| | - Marco Senzolo
- Multivisceral Transplant and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy; (C.M.); (E.N.L.); (S.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.); (A.F.); (P.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
| | - Alberto Zanetto
- Multivisceral Transplant and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy; (C.M.); (E.N.L.); (S.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.); (A.F.); (P.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
| | - Alberto Ferrarese
- Multivisceral Transplant and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy; (C.M.); (E.N.L.); (S.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.); (A.F.); (P.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
- Hepatobiliary Urgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Gringeri
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
- Hepatobiliary Urgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
- Hepatobiliary Urgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy; (C.M.); (E.N.L.); (S.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.); (A.F.); (P.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Multivisceral Transplant and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy; (C.M.); (E.N.L.); (S.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.); (A.F.); (P.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (E.G.); (U.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Liu CH, Chen YS, Tsai MK, Wang SS, Lee CY, Tsao CI, Liu CJ, Su TH, Tseng TC, Huang SC, Wu JH, Chen PJ, Kao JH. Long-term durability of sustained virologic response for hepatitis C virus infection in solid organ transplant recipients receiving direct-acting antivirals. J Formos Med Assoc 2023; 122:800-804. [PMID: 36941177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Data are limited regarding the long-term durability of sustained virologic response (SVR) in solid organ transplant recipients who achieve SVR12 with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV). We reported the virologic outcomes in 42 recipients who received DAAs for acute or chronic HCV infection after heart, liver, and kidney transplantation. After achieving SVR12, all recipients received HCV RNA surveys at SVR24, and biannually until the last visit. If HCV viremia was detected during the follow-up period, direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed to confirm late relapse or reinfection. Sixteen (38.1%), 11 (26.2%), and 15 (35.7%) patients underwent heart, liver and, kidney transplantation. Thirty-eight (90.5%) received sofosbuvir (SOF)-based DAAs. No recipients had late relapse or reinfection after a median (range) of post-SVR12 follow-up 4.0 (1.0-6.0) years. We demonstrate that the durability of SVR in solid organ transplant recipients is excellent once SVR12 is achieved with DAAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Sharng Chen
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Kun Tsai
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu City, Taiwan
| | - Sheoi-Shen Wang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Fu Jen Catholic University College of Medicine, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yuan Lee
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-I Tsao
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Chin Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hsuan Wu
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
|
4
|
Li J, Wu V, Pan CQ. Direct antiviral therapy for hepatitis C cirrhotic patients in liver transplantation settings: a systematic review. Hepatol Int 2022; 16:1020-1031. [PMID: 36085539 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10380-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C (HCV)-induced decompensated cirrhosis warrants liver transplantation (LT) as the only ultimate solution. These patients experience liver deterioration, while on the transplant waitlist. However, debate remains over the optimal timing for treating HCV relative to before or after LT. METHODS We performed a literature search between 1/2011 and 1/2022 on PubMed and OVID Medline. Data were extracted from direct antiviral agent (DAA) studies in English. The outcomes of interest included sustained virological response (SVR) rates from various cohorts as well as long- and short-term outcomes in the LT settings. RESULTS After screening, 54 studies were eligible and included into the review. In aligning with the EASL and AASLD guidelines and suggestions, many studies supported DAA therapy before LT in patients with Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores < 18 and DAA therapy post-LT in MELD scores > 20 through SVR rates, long-term survival factors, liver deterioration, and incidences of severe adverse events. However, uncertainty still lies in the guideline recommendations and unsettled issues remain for various patient cohorts that may benefit from opposing the guideline cutoffs. Based on the recent studies on predictors of treatment outcomes in decompensated patients and the impact of DAA on the waiting list for LT, we proposed an algorithm to manage patients with MELD scores between 18 and 20. CONCLUSION DAA therapy for decompensated patients must be personalized with consideration of different factors, particularly among those with MELD scores between the two cutoff-values proposed by the current associational guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivian Wu
- Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Calvin Q Pan
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8, Jingshun East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015, China.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Equivalent Outcomes With Retransplantation and Primary Liver Transplantation in the Direct-acting Antiviral Era. Transplantation 2019; 103:1168-1174. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
|
7
|
Tasdogan BE, Akosman S, Gurakar M, Simsek C, Gurakar A. Update on Liver Transplantation: What is New Recently? Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2019; 9:34-39. [PMID: 31988865 PMCID: PMC6969330 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is an evolving area of medicine for the treatment of certain types of malignancies and acute and chronic liver failures. Since the topic is evolving, new literature is increasingly available. In recent years, with the emerging potent antiviral therapies, hepatitis C virus-infected patients have successful patient and graft survival outcomes. Even human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients previously contraindicated for organ transplantation are transplanted with comparable outcomes. With increasing demand for LT, the shortage of the donor pool became the rate limiting factor in this hopeful treatment. To overcome waitlist mortality and expand the donor pool, scoring systems have been modified and organs from HIV and/or hepatitis C infected donors are now accepted, under certain circumstances. The new literature also questions the 6-month alcohol abstinence rule for the transplantation of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), in light of early transplantation results from severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) trials. How to cite this article: Tasdogan BE, Akosman S, et al. Update on Liver Transplantation: What is New Recently? Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2019;9(1):34-39.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burcak E Tasdogan
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Sinan Akosman
- The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Merve Gurakar
- The Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Cem Simsek
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Ahmet Gurakar
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| |
Collapse
|
|
8
|
Garcia-Pajares F, Tejedor-Tejada J, Torres-Yuste R, Almohalla-Alvárez C, Sánchez-Ocaña R, Peñas-Herrero I, Cimavilla-Román M, de Benito-Sanz M, Sánchez-Martín F, Sánchez-Antolín G. Efficacy of Direct-acting Antivirals to Improve Clinical Condition, Fibrosis, and Liver Function in Liver Transplant Recipients Infected by Hepatitis C. Transplant Proc 2018; 51:74-76. [PMID: 30655151 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.04.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C, including transplant recipients with an advanced fibrosis stage. Our aim in this study was to assess the clinical and functional benefits and improvement in liver fibrosis after treatment with DAAs in liver transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis C virus who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 42 patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) at our institution and were treated with DAAs from June 2014 to December 2015. Two patients died, so we ultimately included 40 transplant patients with chronic hepatitis C who received DAAs and achieved SVR. We assessed liver function, fibrosis stage, and clinical features at the start of the treatment, and then at 6 and 12 months after SVR. The indication for LT was hepatocellular carcinoma in 8 patients (20%) and Child-Pugh score B/C in 32 patients (80%). RESULTS The DAAs regimens were sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir (45.0%), simeprevir plus sofosbuvir (42.5%), sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir (7.5%), and ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (5%). The mean Modified End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score pretreatment was 10.78, and was 8.46 at 1 year after treatment (P < .05). In addition, fibrosis stage decreased significantly from 14.81 kPa to 9.07 kPa (FibroScan) at 12 months after SVR. Clinically, there was a significant improvement, including control of ascites and chronic hepatic encephalopathy. CONCLUSION DAAs were used successfully in the treatment of hepatitis C after orthotopic liver transplantation and resulted in significant improvement in liver function as measured by MELD score, fibrosis level, and cirrhotic clinical condition, even in patients with very advanced disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Garcia-Pajares
- Gastroenterology Service, Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - J Tejedor-Tejada
- Gastroenterology Service, Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - R Torres-Yuste
- Gastroenterology Service, Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - C Almohalla-Alvárez
- Gastroenterology Service, Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - R Sánchez-Ocaña
- Gastroenterology Service, Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - I Peñas-Herrero
- Gastroenterology Service, Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - M Cimavilla-Román
- Gastroenterology Service, Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - M de Benito-Sanz
- Gastroenterology Service, Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - F Sánchez-Martín
- Gastroenterology Service, Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - G Sánchez-Antolín
- Gastroenterology Service, Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
|
9
|
Burm R, Collignon L, Mesalam AA, Meuleman P. Animal Models to Study Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1032. [PMID: 29867998 PMCID: PMC5960670 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
With more than 71 million chronically infected people, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health concern. Although new direct acting antivirals have significantly improved the rate of HCV cure, high therapy cost, potential emergence of drug-resistant viral variants, and unavailability of a protective vaccine represent challenges for complete HCV eradication. Relevant animal models are required, and additional development remains necessary, to effectively study HCV biology, virus–host interactions and for the evaluation of new antiviral approaches and prophylactic vaccines. The chimpanzee, the only non-human primate susceptible to experimental HCV infection, has been used extensively to study HCV infection, particularly to analyze the innate and adaptive immune response upon infection. However, financial, practical, and especially ethical constraints have urged the exploration of alternative small animal models. These include different types of transgenic mice, immunodeficient mice of which the liver is engrafted with human hepatocytes (humanized mice) and, more recently, immunocompetent rodents that are susceptible to infection with viruses that are closely related to HCV. In this review, we provide an overview of the currently available animal models that have proven valuable for the study of HCV, and discuss their main benefits and weaknesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rani Burm
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Laura Collignon
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ahmed Atef Mesalam
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.,Therapeutic Chemistry Department, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|