HCV modifies EGF signalling and upregulates production of CXCR2 ligands: role in inflammation and antiviral immune response

As a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, HCV establishes in more than 70% of infected individuals a persistent infection characterised by continuous replication and high serum titres. The high propensity for persistence and the creeping course of disease is suggestive for powerful mechanisms allowing HCV to subvert host antiviral immunity, to modify the inflammatory response, and to utilise host cell infrastructure without affecting cell viability. This enables the virus to avert development of overt disease over decades, despite ongoing viral replication.

Source: Journal of Hepatology - April 26, 2018 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Christina Groepper, Kerstin Rufinatscha, Nadja Schr öder, Sabine Stindt, Christian Ehlting, Ute Albrecht, Hans H. Bock, Ralf Bartenschlager, Dieter Häussinger, Johannes G. Bode Source Type: research