Cure of chronic hepatitis C virus infection after DAA treatment only partially restores the functional capacity of exhausted T cell subsets: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection drives T cells into a dysfunctional state due to persistent antigen exposure. This state persists despite viral clearance with previously used interferon-based treatments. Treatment exclusively with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), introduced in 2014, has revolutionised HCV treatment with cure rates exceeding 95%. This systematic review investigates whether HCV cure by DAA treatment restores the functional capacity of different exhausted T cell subsets.

Methods

We systematically searched the databases PubMed and Embase on June 26^th, 2024, for studies assessing T cell exhaustion post-cure by DAA treatment. Eligibility criteria included interferon-free DAA treatment of adult patients with chronic HCV infection,

SUBMITTER: Apol AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12434116 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature