TLR–3 stimulated non-parenchymal liver cells are potent suppressors of HCV replication

Aims and Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped, positive-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae and is the major cause of chronic hepatitis worldwide. While a substantial amount of data has been generated with respect to the role of the adaptive immune system (T cells, B cells), only little is known about the role of non- parenchymal liver cells (NPC) of the hepatic sinusoid (Kupffer cells (KC), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC)) in the antiviral defense against HCV. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further elucidate their role in the local innate immune response against HCV i…