1. Role of the HLA class II: HCV-related disorders.
- Author
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De Re V, Caggiari L, Simula MP, De Vita S, Mazzaro C, Lenzi M, Massimo GM, Monti G, Ferri C, Zignego AL, Gabrielli A, Sansonno D, Dammacco F, Libra M, Sacchi N, Talamini R, Spina M, Tirelli U, Cannizzaro R, and Dolcetti R
- Subjects
- Autoimmune Diseases immunology, Autoimmune Diseases pathology, Cryoglobulinemia immunology, Cryoglobulinemia pathology, Fibrosis immunology, Fibrosis pathology, Fibrosis virology, Hepacivirus immunology, Hepacivirus pathogenicity, Hepatitis C virology, Humans, Liver Neoplasms immunology, Liver Neoplasms pathology, Liver Neoplasms virology, Lymphoma, B-Cell immunology, Lymphoma, B-Cell pathology, T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer immunology, Hepatitis C immunology, Hepatitis C pathology, Histocompatibility Antigens Class II immunology
- Abstract
The paper highlights the role of different HLA class II molecules in hepatic and lymphoproliferative HCV-related disorders. HLA molecules have been reviewed, according to an in silico cluster classification, based on the sequence, the biochemical structure of the pockets, and the functional characteristics of the HLA II molecules. Thus, by reducing the complexity of HLA II polymorphism, characteristics that unite different HLA molecules with specific HCV-associated pathologies may be recognized with greater case. Results show that HLA clusters associated with better dlimination of the virus are protective against HCC development, while the same clusters are associated with a higher risk of developing cryoglobulinemic syndrome and the concomitant NHL. These data added further acknowledgements on pathogenetic mechanisms associated with HCV infection. Results also highlight differences of NHL occurring in HCV-positive subjects, with or without a concomitant type II autoimmune cryoglobulinemic syndrome, suggesting that cryoglobulinemic background associated with NHL should be considered in the evaluation of the effectiveness of new therapies in the course of HCV-associated NHLs.
- Published
- 2007
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