Hepatitis C Virus IWS Group - 06

23/05/2025
HEPATITIS C VIRUS
And It’s Impact on Health
Biochemical Mechanisms and
Immunological Responses
Presented by: Amina Jabeen, Mohammad Arham, Kattepogu Sarayu,
Malvida Nongrum, Daphibalahun
Group - 06
INTRODUCTION
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small,
enveloped virus classified within the
Hepacivirus genus of the Flaviviridae
family. It has evolved into six major
genotypes and numerous subtypes,
which differ in their treatment response
and disease severity. This variability adds
complexity to HCV research, as
conclusions drawn from one genotype
may not apply to others. Additionally,
clinical isolates of HCV are poorly
infectious in cell culture, and only a
limited number of strains allow for
reverse genetics studies. This complexity
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major global health
of HCV biology and its primary host cell,
concern, leading to chronic liver diseases,
the hepatocyte, presents significant
including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular
challenges in establishing comprehensive
carcinoma. HCV primarily targets hepatocytes
cell culture models that can recapitulate
(liver cells), causing inflammation and progressive
the full HCV replication cycle and all its
liver damage. HCV is a positive-sense single-
properties.
stranded RNA virus.
23/05/2025
Synopsis / Summary
Purpose: To understand the biochemical mechanisms of HCV

infection and the subsequent immunological responses.
Field of Research: Immunology and biochemistry in relation to viral
infections and the immune system's reaction.
Issues and Findings: Examination of the biochemical mechanisms,
immune system reaction, and HCV infection mechanism in cells.
Theory Used: Biochemical mechanisms of viral replication and the
immune response to viral infections.
23/05/2025
Findings
Biochemistry
HCV Pathogen Damage Factors:
HCV targets liver cells (hepatocytes),
leading to inflammation and liver
damage, which can progress to
fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular
carcinoma.
Exotoxin Components: HCV does Antibiotics and HCV: Similar to

not produce exotoxins. The virus HIV, antibiotics are ineffective
relies on structural and non-
against HCV. Antiviral drugs are
structural proteins for infection and
used instead.
replication. These include core
These include:
protein, envelope glycoproteins (E1
NS3/4A Protease Inhibitors: e.g.,
and E2), and non-structural proteins
simeprevir
like NS3/4A, NS5A, and NS5B.
NS5A Inhibitors: e.g., ledipasvir
NS5B Polymerase Inhibitors: e.g.,
Biochemical Structure of HCV: HCV
sofosbuvir.
is a single-stranded RNA virus. It has
an envelope containing glycoproteins
Inhibitors of HCV: These
E1 and E2 that are essential for
binding and entry into the host cell. antiviral drugs target different
The virus also includes several non- stages of the viral life cycle.
structural proteins necessary for Entry inhibitors and other novel
replication and assembly. targets are under research.
23/05/2025
Immunology
Immune Response to HCV: The immune response involves both
innate and adaptive immunity. Dendritic cells present HCV
antigens to T cells, initiating an immune response. CD8+
cytotoxic T cells target infected cells, while B cells produce
antibodies against HCV.
Immune Cells in Hepatitis C Virus Infection:

CD4+ T cells: Assist in the activation of other immune cells.
CD8+ T cells: Kill infected hepatocytes.
B Cells: Produce antibodies against HCV proteins.
Dendritic Cells: Capture and present HCV antigens to T cells.
Macrophages: Contribute to chronic inflammation and act as
reservoirs for the virus.
Impact of Treatment on Immunity:

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)
reduce viral load, leading to an
improved immune response and
liver function.
23/05/2024
Discussion
Identified Challenges:
Rapid mutation of HCV leading to drug resistance.
HCV reservoirs in the liver.
Stigma and discrimination affecting treatment and prevention.
Proposed Interventions:
Gene Therapy: Potential use of CRISPR-Cas9 to target and disrupt HCV genome.
Vaccines: Development of effective vaccines to elicit strong immune responses.
Combination Therapies: Use of multiple DAAs to minimize resistance.
Comparative Analysis :
Gene therapy is promising but requires further research.
Vaccine development is challenging due to HCV variability.
Combination therapies are currently the most effective approach.
Conclusion
HCV remains a significant global health issue. Challenges such as drug resistance, viral
reservoirs, and social barriers to treatment persist. Comprehensive public health policies,
novel therapies, and ongoing research are crucial.
Strategies
Invest in Gene-Editing Research: Focus on CRISPR-Cas9 for targeting HCV.
Vaccine Development: Prioritize creating and distributing effective vaccines.
Improve DAA Regimens: Develop new formulations to reduce side effects and
resistance.
Combat Stigma: Implement educational programs to reduce discrimination.
Implementation Timeline
Gene Editing Research: 5-10 years.
Vaccine Development: 10-15 years.
Enhanced DAA Programs: Ongoing.
Educational Initiatives: Immediate and continuous.
23/05/2025
References
1. World Health Organization (WHO):
World Health Organization. (2017). Global Hepatitis Report, 2017. Retrieved
from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565455
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) - PubMed Central:

Simmonds, P., Bukh, J., Combet, C., Deleage, G., Enomoto, N., Feinstone, S., ... &
Smith, D. B. (2005). Consensus proposals for a unified system of
nomenclature of hepatitis C virus genotypes. Hepatology, 42(4), 962-973. doi:
10.1002/hep.20819
3. Hepatology:
Pawlotsky, J. M. (2014). New hepatitis C therapies: the toolbox, strategies, and
challenges. Gastroenterology, 146(5), 1176-1192. doi:
10.1053/j.gastro.2014.03.003
4. Journal of Hepatology:
Thomas, D. L. (2013). Global control of hepatitis C: where challenge meets
opportunity. Nature Medicine, 19(7), 850-858. doi: 10.1038/nm.3184
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis C Questions
and Answers for Health Professionals. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm
6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) :

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017).
Hepatitis C. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-
information/liver-disease/viral-hepatitis/hepatitis-c
07/09/2025
Questions
Biochemistry
1. What are the main HCV viral components, and how do they contribute to
infection?
2. What role does the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase play in HCV
replication?
3. When treating HCV, how are antiviral medications different from
antibiotics?
4. Describe how HCV infection is affected by the envelope glycoproteins E1
and E2.
5. List the three different kinds of antiviral medications for HCV and explain
how they work.
6. What novel biological targets may be used in HCV treatment?
Immunology
1. Explain the body's first reaction to an HCV infection.
2. What are the effects of HCV evading the immune system?
3. How does antiviral treatment affect the immune system of an
HCV-positive person?
4. How do HCV prevention and treatment initiatives get impacted by
stigma and discrimination?

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23/05/2025

Purpose: To understand the biochemical mechanisms of HCV

Exotoxin Components: HCV does Antibiotics and HCV: Similar to

Immune Cells in Hepatitis C Virus Infection:

Impact of Treatment on Immunity:

2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) - PubMed Central:

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) :

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