Characterization of HCV Interactions with Toll-Like Receptors and RIG-I in Liver Cells (original) (raw)
Figure 7
Schematics of the initial interaction of HCV in hepatocytes.
Virus binds and gets in the cells were nucleic acid or replication induces the host cells innate immunity through the induction of apoptosis (mediated by RIG-I) and IFNβ (through TLR3 engagement). While the replication of the virus leads to the development of viral proteins like NS34A that interact downstream of these effects (red arrow line) there is a possible earlier evasion strategy performed by virion proteins that lead to the down regulation of RIG-I and TLR3 preventing apoptosis and the induction of IFNβ. Apoptosis is particularly prevented by down regulating TRAIL receptors, DR4 and DR5, and IFNβ by preventing NF-κB pathways such as the one that induces IP-10. Together all of these factors help the cell survive and the virus to persist in the host's hepatocytes.