[Pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C]

Recent investigations revealed a specific interaction of virus with the host immune system. HCV is able to escape and modify the host's immune response, notably the rate of production and specificity of rheumatoid factor--the basis for mixed cryoglobulins and various non-organospecific and some organ-specific autoantibodies. Further studies are required to decode the mechanisms of virus-host immune system interaction for substantiating the treatment and prevention of HCV infection.