Fas- mediated peripheral T-cell apoptosis in chronic hepatitis-C virus infection

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis-C virus [HCV] infection is considered to be the leading cause of chronic liver disease with a prevalence rate between 0.5% and 10% in different countries. HCV is remarkably efficient in establishing persistent infection, possibly mediated by an impaired immune response to HCV infection. Regulation of T-cell apoptosis, which is mediated by interaction of a death receptors Fas [CD[95]] and its ligand [Fas ligand] is critical in generation of effective immune response against viral infection. Increase in peripheral T-cell apoptosis contributes to the down regulation of the immune system in chronic HCV infection