Hepatitis C

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most endemic pathogens in the world. The virus can cause acute and chronic hepatitis that progresses to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV utilizes multifaceted strategies to escape from the host surveillance system and submerge under an immunological radar. Pervasive, moderately compromised immune dysfunction, or exhaustion, is a fundamental feature of chronic HCV infection; however, the precise underlying mechanisms remain largely undisclosed. In the era of direct-acting antiviral agents against HCV, success rate of HCV clearance is up to 95%. Nevertheless, in this decade, new cases of HCV or reinfection have significantly increased, especially in the younger generations with high-risk behavior. Comprehensive immunological, virologic, and clinical studies are needed to establish the practical strategy for the prevention of HCV transmission by fostering sustainable protective immunity. To achieve global HCV elimination, the development of the long-awaiting anti-HCV vaccine is urgently warranted.