New data presented at the International Liver CongressTM today show the existence of novel interactions between T cells and hepatocytes that are regulated by HCV infection, providing a novel understanding of how HCV persists in the liver.

The nature of the T cell-hepatocyte interactions alter CD4+ T-cell trafficking and cytokine expression, and may have an impact on T-cell effector function and the outcome of anti-viral immune responses.

Innate and adaptive immune responses play a critical role in clearing acute HCV infection. Evidence from models suggest that CD4+ T cells play a critical role in controlling acute HCV infection, but the mechanism(s) behind their failure to control chronic HCV replication are still unknown.

Provided by European Association for the Study of the Liver