HCV/TLR3-dependent innate and adaptive immune functions of non-parenchymal liver cells are controlled by interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta

Aims: The regulation of HCV/TLR3-mediated innate immune responses in the liver is not well understood. Therefore, we analyzed the capacity of the anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) to regulate TLR3-activation of non-parenchymal liver cells. Methods: Murine Kupffer cells (KC) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) were cultivated in the presence or absence of IL-10 or TGF-β and stimulated by TLR3 ligands. Supernatants from TLR-stimulated NPC were assayed for antiviral activities by viral protection assays(EMCV) on L929 cells. Total RNA was isolated and…