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Toll-like receptors in hepatitis C infection: implications for pathogenesis and treatment.

Howell J, Angus P, Gow P, Visvanathan K

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  • Journal Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology

  • Published 21 Oct 2013

  • Volume 28

  • ISSUE 5

  • Pagination 766-76

  • DOI 10.1111/jgh.12170

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health problem, affecting over 150 million people worldwide. While the critical role of the adaptive immune system in HCV infection is well-established, the importance of the innate immune system in HCV infection has only been recognized in more recent years. Toll-like receptors form the cornerstone of the innate immune response, and there is considerable evidence for their crucial role in hepatitis C infection. This review outlines recent advances made in our understanding of the role of Toll-like receptor function in HCV infection, exploring how HCV manipulates host immunity to evade immune clearance and establish persistent infection despite leading to inflammatory hepatic damage.