IFN- α and anti-inflammatory cytokines modulate the cellular uptake of HCV

Aims: IFN-α is the backbone of antiviral treatment for patients with chronic HCV infection. The mechanism of action for the antiviral effect of IFN-α, however, is still largely hypothetical. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the influence of IFN- α and anti-inflammatory cytokines that may counteract the IFN-system (IL-10 and TGF- β) on the expression of molecules involved in HCV uptake (CD81, Claudin-1, SR-BI). Material and methods: Huh-7 human hepatoma cells were treated with IFN-α, IL-10 or TGF-β and then incubated with MLV (mouse leukemia virus)-HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) expressing the viral e…