Suppression of Hepatitis C Virus replication in vitro is mediated by TLR3- or TLR4-stimulated non-parenchymal liver cells

Background & aims: Only little is known about the role of non-parenchymal liver cells (NPC) in the antiviral defense against HCV. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further elucidate the role of the IFN- and the Toll-like receptor (TLR) system in the control of HCV replication by NPC. Methods: Murine HCV replicon bearing MH1 cells were incubated with IFN-α, -β or -γ and TLR 1–9 ligands, respectively. In addition, MH1 cells were incubated with supernatants from TLR 1–9 stimulated murine NPC (Kupffer cells (KC), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC)) and myeloid dendritic cells (DC). HCV replication and e…