Hepatic Transcriptome Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Chimpanzees Defines Unique Gene Expression Patterns Associated with Viral Clearance
2008

Gene Expression Patterns in Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Chimpanzees

Sample size: 3 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nanda Santosh, Havert Michael B., Calderón Gloria M., Thomson Michael, Jacobson Christian, Kastner Daniel, Liang T. Jake

Primary Institution: Liver Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America

Hypothesis

What are the molecular signatures associated with the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in chimpanzees?

Conclusion

The study found that early induction of specific genes is associated with viral clearance in chimpanzees infected with HCV.

Supporting Evidence

  • Interferon stimulated genes were induced irrespective of the outcome of infection.
  • Early induction of genes associated with immune activation was linked to viral clearance.
  • Specific genes like ILF3 and TIA1 were highly induced in chimpanzees with self-limited infection.

Takeaway

This study looked at how chimpanzees' livers react to a virus called hepatitis C, finding that some genes help the body fight off the virus.

Methodology

The study involved gene expression profiling of serial liver biopsies from chimpanzees infected with HCV.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size of only three chimpanzees.

Participant Demographics

Three chimpanzees (X0190, X0142, and X0234) were used, with one recovering from infection and two developing chronic infection.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

99%

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003442

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication