Dendritic cells and hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces chronic persistent infection that can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. We have searched for the pr esence of HCV genomic RNA in cells from hematopoietic origin and have, amen others, documented such sequences in B cells as well as dendritic cells (D C) derived from monocytes. The allostimulatory capacity of these latter cel ls was found altered in chronic patients while it appeared restored in long term responders to therapy (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques ef medicales El sevier SAS.