HCV proteins and immunoglobulin variable gene (IgV) subfamilies in HCV-induced type II mixed cryoglobulinemia: a concurrent pathogenetic role

Clin Dev Immunol. 2012:2012:705013. doi: 10.1155/2012/705013. Epub 2012 May 29.

Abstract

The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type II mixed cryoglobulinemia (MCII) is well established, but the role played by distinct HCV proteins and by specific components of the anti-HCV humoral immune response remains to be clearly defined. It is widely accepted that HCV drives the expansion of few B-cell clones expressing a restricted pool of selected immunoglobulin variable (IgV) gene subfamilies frequently endowed with rheumatoid factor (RF) activity. Moreover, the same IgV subfamilies are frequently observed in HCV-transformed malignant B-cell clones occasionally complicating MCII. In this paper, we analyze both the humoral and viral counterparts at the basis of cryoglobulins production in HCV-induced MCII, with particular attention reserved to the single IgV subfamilies most frequently involved.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cryoglobulinemia / etiology*
  • Cryoglobulinemia / immunology
  • Cryoglobulinemia / virology
  • Hepacivirus / immunology
  • Hepacivirus / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Variable Region / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin Variable Region / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin Variable Region / metabolism*
  • Liver / immunology
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / immunology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / virology
  • Viral Proteins / immunology
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Variable Region
  • Viral Proteins