Autoantibodies in Hepatitis C Virus-Related Chronic Liver Disease

Persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection evokes autoimmune response including production of autoantibodies and concomitant autoimmune disorders. Numerous types of autoantibodies such as non-organ-specific autoantibodies and liver-specific autoantibodies have been identified in sera of patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease (CLD). The production of these autoantibodies in HCV-related CLD reflects "virus-induced autoimmunity." Molecular mimicry between the HCV polyprotein and self-proteins, and polyclonal B cell activation by chronic HCV infection have been proposed as possible mechanisms for the occurrence of autoantibodies in HCV-related CLD. Some autoantibodies are tightly associated with concurrent autoimmune diseases, and others closely associated with peculiar human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes. Changes in the titers of autoantibodies during the antiviral treatment may predict the sustained virological response in individuals. In this article, we mainly focus on the interpretations of autoantibodies in HCV-related CLD.