[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 presence of HCV genomic RNA in cells from hematopoietic origin and have, among others, documented such sequences in B cells as well as dendritic cells (DC) derived from monocytes. The allostimulatory capacity of these latter cells was found altered in chronic patients while it appeared restored in long term responders to therapy.