New insights into hepatitis D virus (HDV) induced innate immunity: MDA5 senses HDV replication

Co-infection with Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is observed in about 5-10% of Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected individuals and known to be associated with more severe and faster progressing liver disease and poor prognosis [1]. Under certain conditions, a strong innate immune response to a viral infection can lead to severe immunopathogenesis [2]. For HDV, neither the factors that drive the pathogenesis in HDV/HBV coinfection, nor the details of the interaction between HDV and the host innate immune system have been well characterized.
Source: Journal of Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research