Hepatitis And The Immune Responses

Abstract

Immune responses explain the body's recognition and defense against viruses and other harmful materials. A strong immune system is important to protect the body from antigens like viruses and nonliving substances, including toxins and chemicals. Hepatitis is a condition involving the inflammation of the liver caused by different classes of viruses, including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C or toxins, alcohol, certain medications, and other medical conditions (CDC, 2021). The most prevalent condition is Hepatitis C, with almost 2.4 million people in the US living with it in 2018, and 50% are unaware they are infected. Approximately 24900 and 22600 new infections yearly for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, respectively (CDC, 2021). The infection by each type of virus is influenced by different virological and immunological factors . HAV induces an expression of a large proportion of IFNstimulated genes (ISGs). HBV does not induce ISG expression, but HAV minimally induces ISG expression. Human beings are the main natural hostof HBV (other Chimpanzees) and the only natural host for HCV (Rehermann & Nascimbeni, 2005). Immune-mediated mechanisms, including virus-specific T cells and nonspecific cells, influence liver injury in hepatitis virus infections. The immune-mediated liver injury is controlled by regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Hepatitis is a major public health issue due to its multiple causes, higher transmission risks, the vulnerability of various populations, and the associated health complications. The most critical is viral Hepatitis caused by HAV, HBV, and HCV. Unlike HBV and HCV, HAV does not cause chronic infection. HBV is also unique since it has vertical transmissions and a higher risk of infection in adulthood. There is no vaccine for HCV; hence, interventions are focused on treating the symptoms and delaying the occurrence of major healthcare complications. Treatmentof acute HAV, HBV, [1]and HCV involves support to manage the symptoms and ensure spontaneous alleviation of the infection. This is important to improve population immunity and reduce susceptibility to infections following increased risk factors.