TLR stimulated human non-parenchymal liver cells are potent suppressors of HCV replication

Background: The function of the hepatic innate immune system in the defense against hepatotropic viruses such as hepatitis C (HCV) is not well understood. To date, these questions have been mostly addressed in murine hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells (NPCs). Therefore, the aim of the study was to characterize the TLR-dependent signaling in primary human NPCs. Methods: NPCs were isolated after liver perfusion and digestion of liver tissue obtained after tumor resections or liver transplantations. Cells were separated and purified via density centrifugation and MACS bead separation. For gene expression a…