Host factors and failure of interferon-α treatment in hepatitis C virus

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Abstract
Failure of interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a challenging obstacle for clinical and experimental hepatology. Both viral and host factors have been implicated in reducing responsiveness to IFN-α therapy. The role of viral factors has been studied extensively and has been summarized in several review articles; however, much less attention has been paid to host factors. In this paper, we review evidence of host factor involvement in IFN-α treatment failure. We discuss possible underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects. Potential therapeutic strategies to enhance the effectiveness of IFN-α therapy for HCV are also proposed. (Hepatology 2004;39:880ndash;890.)