HCV infection induces a unique hepatic innate immune response associated with robust production of type III interferons.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Polymorphisms in the IL28B gene have been associated with clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV), indicating a role for type III interferons (IFNs) in HCV infection. Little is known about the function of type III IFNs in intrinsic antiviral innate immunity.

Methods

We used in vivo and in vitro models to characterize the role of the type III IFNs in HCV infection and analyzed gene expression in liver biopsy samples from HCV-infected chimpanzees and patients. Messenger RNA and protein expression were studied in HCV-infected hepatoma cell lines and primary human hepatocytes.

Results

HCV infection of primary human hepatocytes induced production of chemokines and type III IFNs, including interleukin (IL)-28, and led to expression of IFN-stimulated genes (IS

SUBMITTER: Thomas E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3435150 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature