Animal hepacivirus models for hepatitis C virus immune responses and pathology

Chronic HCV infection is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. While curable with antiviral therapy, a vaccine is essential for HCV containment and eradication. Vaccine development ideally requires immunocompetent animal models, and in  vitro systems for assessment of neutralising antibodies (nAbs). Engineered mouse models supporting HCV infection and replication are available but have blunted immune responses, limiting their suitability for vaccine studies. HCV incurred intrahepatic pathology also remains understudied due to the inaccessibility of human liver samples.
Source: Journal of Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Hepatology Snapshot Source Type: research