Hepatitis C virus infected apoptotic cells (bodies) differentially activate hepatic Stellate cells as compared to non-infected apoptotic bodies

Aims: Infection with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the one of the most common infections in the world and is a common cause of chronic liver disease. Hepatocyte apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrotic reactions are key characteristics of this disease. However the potential link between HCV infection, apoptosis and stellate cell activation remains obscure. Our recent data suggest that hepatocyte apoptosis and apoptotic body engulfment plays an important role in liver injury, inflammation and fibrosis. Based on these concepts, our AIM was to ascertain whether the engulfment of HCV infected apoptotic cells (bodies) diff…