Immunotherapeutic potential of neutralizing antibodies targeting conserved regions of the HCV envelope glycoprotein E2

Angus, A. G. N. and Patel, A. H. (2011) Immunotherapeutic potential of neutralizing antibodies targeting conserved regions of the HCV envelope glycoprotein E2. Future Microbiology, 6(3), pp. 279-294. (doi: 10.2217/fmb.11.9) (PMID:21449840)

Abstract

HCV is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. There is no vaccine available and the current antiviral therapies fail to cure approximately half of treated patients. Liver disease caused by HCV infection is the most common indication for orthotopic liver transplantation. Unfortunately, reinfection of the new liver is universal and often results in an aggressive form of the disease leading to graft loss and the need for retransplantation. Immunotherapies using antibodies that potently inhibit HCV infection have the potential to control or even prevent graft reinfection. The virion envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2, which are involved in HCV entry into host cells, are the targets of neutralizing antibodies. To date, a number of monoclonal antibodies targeting conserved regions of E2 have been described that display outstanding neutralizing capabilities against HCV infection in both in vitro and in vivo systems. This article will summarize the current literature on these neutralizing anti-E2 antibodies and discuss their potential immunotherapeutic efficacy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Angus, Dr Allan and Patel, Professor Arvind
• Authors: Angus, A. G. N., and Patel, A. H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: Future Microbiology
• Publisher: Future Medicine
• ISSN: 1746-0913
• ISSN (Online): 1746-0921