The role of CCR5/CXCR3 expressing CD8+ cells in liver damage and viral control during persistent hepatitis C virus infection.

Background/aims: CXCR3 and CCR5 play a major role in recruiting cytotoxic T cells (Tc) and secreting secondary type 1 cytokines (Tc1) in the liver. HCV could impair their expression as a survival mechanism. The role of these chemokine receptors on CD8+ cells in chronic hepatitis C is analysed.