Best Review Paper Award
Yutaka Kishida
Osaka Kaisei Hospital
| Yutaka Kishida |
| Affiliation |
Osaka Kaisei Hospital |
| Country |
Japan |
| Award Category |
Best Review Paper Award |
| Article Title |
Innate and adaptive immune responses in Hepatitis C virus infections |
| Publication Year |
2026 |
| Scopus ID |
7006045181 |
| Documents |
23 |
| Citations |
334 |
| h-index |
5 |
| Research Area |
Biological Data Science |
| References |
60 |
| Event |
Computational Biologists Awards |
| DOI |
10.1016/j.virusres.2026.199685 |
Yutaka Kishida is a researcher affiliated with Osaka Kaisei Hospital, Japan. His 2026 review article, Innate and adaptive immune responses in Hepatitis C virus infections, published in Virus Research, examines the complex immunological mechanisms associated with hepatitis C virus infection. The publication discusses innate antiviral defenses, adaptive immune responses, viral persistence, T-cell exhaustion, and immune recovery following antiviral treatment. It provides an integrated overview of host–pathogen interactions and contributes to scientific discussions in viral immunology, infection biology, and biological data science.[1]
Abstract
Yutaka Kishida’s 2026 review examines the relationship between innate and adaptive immune responses during hepatitis C virus infection. The article discusses interferon signaling, cytokine production, natural killer cell activity, dendritic cell function, T-cell responses, and mechanisms of viral immune evasion. Particular attention is given to T-cell exhaustion, viral escape mutations, and immune recovery following direct-acting antiviral treatment. The review also considers the implications of persistent immune dysfunction for reinfection and vaccine development. By integrating findings across viral immunology, the publication provides a framework for understanding host–pathogen interactions and the immunological factors influencing HCV infection outcomes.[1]
Keywords
Hepatitis C virus, innate immune responses, adaptive immune responses, viral immunology, biological data science, immune signaling, interferon pathways, cytokine regulation, T-cell exhaustion, viral persistence, natural killer cells, antiviral therapy, host–pathogen interactions, immune regulation, and vaccine development.[2]
Introduction
Hepatitis C virus is an important human pathogen associated with acute and chronic liver disease. The outcome of infection depends on interactions between viral replication mechanisms and the host immune system. Innate immunity provides the initial antiviral response, while adaptive immunity contributes to the recognition and elimination of infected cells. However, HCV has developed mechanisms that interfere with these defenses, facilitating viral persistence and chronic infection. Understanding these interactions is important for developing effective therapeutic and preventive strategies. Kishida’s review brings together research on these interconnected immunological processes and examines their implications for antiviral treatment and future vaccine research.[1]
Research Profile
Yutaka Kishida is affiliated with Osaka Kaisei Hospital in Japan. His 2026 publication demonstrates an academic focus on the immunological mechanisms involved in HCV infection and the relationship between host antiviral defenses and viral persistence. The review examines innate immune signaling, cellular immunity, antiviral treatment, and vaccine-related considerations. His work contributes to the medical literature by bringing together findings from multiple areas of infection biology and examining their relevance to understanding viral disease.[1]
Scientific Background
HCV infection involves complex interactions between hepatocytes, immune cells, viral proteins, and signaling molecules. Pattern-recognition receptors recognize viral components and initiate antiviral signaling pathways. These processes stimulate interferon production and the expression of interferon-stimulated genes. Natural killer cells and dendritic cells contribute to the regulation of immune activity and the development of adaptive responses. When these mechanisms become ineffective or are disrupted by viral immune-evasion strategies, persistent infection may develop. This scientific background provides context for understanding the relationship between these biological processes.[2]
Methodology
The publication is a review article that synthesizes previously published scientific findings concerning innate and adaptive immune responses in HCV infection. Rather than reporting a newly conducted clinical trial or original computational experiment, it examines established immunological mechanisms and findings from relevant studies. Its subject coverage includes interferon pathways, cytokine responses, natural killer cells, dendritic cell activity, T-cell functions, viral immune evasion, and the effects of direct-acting antiviral treatment. This integrative review approach allows related biological mechanisms to be considered within a broader framework of host–virus interactions.[1]
Key Findings
The review identifies several important mechanisms associated with HCV infection and host immune responses. Innate immunity contributes to the initial control of viral replication through interferons, cytokines, and immune-cell activation. Adaptive immune responses, particularly HCV-specific CD4-positive and CD8-positive T cells, are important for viral control. However, T-cell exhaustion and viral escape mutations can weaken these responses and contribute to persistent infection. The article also discusses how direct-acting antiviral treatment may influence HCV-specific T-cell function. Persistent immune dysfunction remains a concern for reinfection and vaccine development.[1]
Research Contributions
The principal contribution of Kishida’s review is its integrated discussion of the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms involved in HCV infection. By examining different immune-cell populations and their signaling pathways, the article connects early antiviral recognition with subsequent cellular and antibody-mediated responses. It also discusses how viral proteins and mutations can interfere with these processes, creating conditions that support chronic infection. The treatment-related discussion considers how direct-acting antivirals influence immune recovery. These contributions provide a consolidated scientific perspective for further investigation into viral immunology and immune regulation.[2]
Publications
A key publication associated with this recognition profile is Kishida’s 2026 review article in Virus Research. The article, titled Innate and adaptive immune responses in Hepatitis C virus infections, was published in volume 364 as article 199685. It examines the immunological basis of HCV infection, including host antiviral defenses, T-cell dysfunction, immune evasion, and treatment-associated immune responses. Its digital object identifier provides a persistent means of accessing and citing the research.[1]
Research Impact
Research examining HCV immunology has relevance to infectious disease research, hepatology, immunology, and the development of preventive interventions. The review contributes by organizing evidence concerning antiviral signaling, immune-cell coordination, viral persistence, and treatment-associated changes in T-cell responses. These subjects are relevant to researchers investigating why some infections resolve while others become chronic. The article also highlights the continuing challenge of developing effective preventive vaccines. The supplied researcher profile reports 23 documents, 334 citations, and an h-index of 5. Bibliometric figures should be interpreted according to their source and retrieval date.[2]
Award Suitability
The publication provides a relevant basis for consideration under the Best Review Paper Award category of the Computational Biologists Awards. Its academic subject matter connects biological mechanisms with the systematic interpretation of research findings, particularly in immune signaling, viral pathogenesis, and host–pathogen interactions. The review’s coverage of innate immunity, adaptive immune responses, viral immune evasion, and treatment-associated immune recovery demonstrates the breadth of scientific topics addressed. Its relevance to Biological Data Science arises from the synthesis and interpretation of interconnected biological processes. Final award decisions should be based on the applicable committee evaluation process and verified information.[1]
Conclusion
Yutaka Kishida’s review presents an integrated examination of the immunological processes that influence HCV infection outcomes. Published in Virus Research in 2026, the article discusses innate antiviral defenses, adaptive immune responses, viral immune evasion, T-cell exhaustion, and treatment-associated immune recovery. Its emphasis on the relationship between host immunity and viral persistence makes it relevant to contemporary discussions in viral immunology and biomedical research. The publication offers a foundation for further investigation into immune regulation, reinfection, and preventive vaccine development.[2]
External Links
References
-
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Yutaka Kishida, Author ID: 7006045181.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=7006045181
- Journal article. (2016). A Protease Inhibitor with Induction Therapy with Natural Interferon-β in Patients with HCV Genotype 1b Infection.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17030350
- Computational Biologists Awards. (2026.). Official award website.
https://computationalbiologists.com/