Human non-parenchymal liver cells produce type I and type III interferons in response to poly I:C, thereby mediating an antiviral state against HCV

Introduction: Non-parenchymal liver cells (NPC) play a crucial role in innate immunity and are involved in induction of immune tolerance. Their role in the defense against hepatotrophic viruses such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not well understood. Previously, this question has been mostly addressed in murine hepatocytes and NPC. Therefore, aim of the study was to characterize the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated antiviral capacity in primary human Kupffer cells (KC), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Methods: NPC were isolated after collagenase perfusion of liver tiss…