Gene Expression of Viperin as a key of innate response in HBV and HCV infection

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

Authors

1 Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq

2 Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, 64000, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Viperin is an essential antiviral protein its gene activated by interferons and plays a vital role in the innate immune response to viral infections. Objective:  This study examined long-term cases of hepatitis B and C to evaluate viperin expression and function during viral infection. Methodology: The study included 80 patients ,40 with HBV and 40 with HCV. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for viperin gene expression, serum interferon levels, and complete blood count (CBC). Viperin expression was measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: HBV patients showed mild lymphocytosis, whereas HCV patients exhibited mild leukocytosis, indicating differing immune responses between the two infections. Elevated serum interferon levels in all patients indicated an active immune response. Viperin gene expression was detected in 22 out of 80 samples: 10 in the HBV group (25%) and 12 in the HCV group (30%), with no statistically significant difference between the groups. Although viperin was expressed in both groups, the lack of significant difference suggests both viruses may activate viperin similarly despite their differing features. Conclusion: These results suggest that viperin induction is a general aspect of antiviral innate immunity and may not vary significantly across different virus species. However, the lack of sufficient viperin activation, despite elevated interferon levels, could contribute to inadequate viral clearance, potentially leading to chronic infection or even carcinogenesis. To better understand the regulatory mechanisms and consequences of viperin activity in viral infections, further investigations are necessary.

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