Soldera J. Immunological crossroads: The intriguing dance between hepatitis C and autoimmune hepatitis. World J Hepatol 2024; 16(6): 867-870 [DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i6.867]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Jonathan Soldera, MD, MSc, PhD, Tutor, Acute Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of South Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom. jonathansoldera@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Hepatol. Jun 27, 2024; 16(6): 867-870 Published online Jun 27, 2024. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i6.867
Immunological crossroads: The intriguing dance between hepatitis C and autoimmune hepatitis
Jonathan Soldera
Jonathan Soldera, Department of Acute Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of South Wales, Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Soldera J contributed to writing and reviewing the final draft of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: Dr. Solder have no conflict of interest to disclose.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Jonathan Soldera, MD, MSc, PhD, Tutor, Acute Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of South Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom. jonathansoldera@gmail.com
Received: January 31, 2024 Revised: April 13, 2024 Accepted: April 18, 2024 Published online: June 27, 2024 Processing time: 140 Days and 8.2 Hours
Abstract
Delving into the immunological crossroads of liver diseases, this editorial explores the dynamic interplay between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). While HCV primarily manifests as a viral infection impacting the liver, previous studies unveil a captivating connection between HCV and the emergence of AIH. The dance of the immune system in response to HCV appears to set the stage for an intriguing phenomenon—an aberrant autoimmune response leading to the onset of AIH. Evidence suggests a heightened presence of autoimmune markers in individuals with chronic HCV infection, hinting at a potential overlap between viral and autoimmune liver diseases. Navigating the intricate terrain of viral replication, immune response dynamics, and genetic predisposition, this editorial adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of the relationship between HCV and AIH. In this immunological crossroads, we aim to unearth insights into the complex interplay, using a compelling case where AIH and primary sclerosing cholangitis overlapped following HCV treatment with direct-acting antivirals as background.
Core Tip: This editorial delves into the dynamic interplay between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), tracing the historical progression from the era of non-A non-B hepatitis to the discovery of HCV and the advent of direct-acting antiviralagents (DAAs). A recent case highlights the emergence of an overlap between AIH and primary sclerosing cholangitisfollowing successful DAA treatment for HCV. The case underscores the potential risks associated with rapid viral clearance and emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding the development of autoimmune liver diseases post-DAA treatment. This complex relationship warrants further exploration for refined treatment approaches.
