IFN-mediated cytokine induction is associated with sustained virological response in chronic HCV infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and associated complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferons (IFNs) are crucial for HCV clearance and a sustained virological response (SVR). There is evidence that an appropriate endogenous IFN response is also required for an efficient final virus clearance by novel directly acting antiviral agents. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of IFN response for the treatment outcome remains therefore important. In this study we found that patients with SVR to IFN-based therapy reveal significantly higher s…