Hepatitis C is a virus that infects hepatocytes, which are non-immune cells of the liver. Currently, patients with chronic Hepatitis C infections are treated with repeated administration of type I interferon, predominantly interferon $\alpha$. One aspect of this treatment that might aid the patient's immune system in clearing this virus infection is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Up-regulation of MHC class I expression levels on hepatocytes can aid in the recognition and targeting of infected cells by cytotoxic T cells, ultimately leading to clearance of the virus. Activation of macrophages to produce noxious compounds (Choice B) and induction of an inflammatory response to promote neutrophil trafficking (Choice C) may not necessarily have a direct effect on eradicating the virus. Production of TNF-α in response to type I interferon leading to vasodilation in the liver (Choice D) and induction of IL-1 and IL-6 leading to the acute phase response (Choice E) are both outcomes of type I interferon treatment but do not directly aid in clearing the virus.

Hepatitis C Is a Virus That Infects Hepatocytes, Which Are α\alphaα

Hepatitis C Is a Virus That Infects Hepatocytes, Which Are $\alpha$