Immunology of hepatitis D virus infection: General concepts and present evidence

Infection with the hepatitis D virus induces the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis, affecting over 12 million people worldwide. Chronic HDV infection leads to rapid development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in similar to 70% of patients within 15 years of infection. Recent evidence suggests that an interplay of different components of the immune system are contributing to viral control and may even be implicated in liver disease pathogenesis. This review will describe general concepts of antiviral immune response and elicit the present evidence concerning the interplay of the hepatitis D virus with the immune system.

Automated summary

Infection with hepatitis D virus is the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis and affects over 12 million people worldwide. Chronic HDV infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in approximately 70% of patients within 15 years. Recent evidence suggests that the interaction between different components of the immune system plays a crucial role in viral control and may also be involved in the development of liver diseases.