High resolution sequencing of hepatitis C virus reveals limited intra-hepatic compartmentalization in end-stage liver disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

The high replication and mutation rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) results in a heterogeneous population of viral sequences in vivo. HCV replicates in the liver and infected hepatocytes occur as foci surrounded by uninfected cells that may promote compartmentalization of viral variants. Given recent reports showing interferon stimulated gene (ISG) expression in chronic hepatitis C, we hypothesized that local interferon responses may limit HCV replication and evolution.

Methods

To investigate the spatial influence of liver architecture on viral replication we measured HCV RNA and ISG mRNA from each of the 8 Couinaud segments of the liver from 21 patients undergoing liver transplant.

Results

HCV RNA and ISG mRNA levels were comparable across all sites f

SUBMITTER: Hedegaard DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5558612 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature