| Abstract: | C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5) facilitates induction of chemotaxis in immune cells and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) at sites of liver inflammation during chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Importantly, CCL5 participates in the establishment of T-helper 1 responses crucial in controlling liver disease and HCV infection outcome and demonstrates distinct gene expression patterns between the blood and the liver, stressing the importance of immunoregulatory networks differentially functioning between these compartments. This review illustrates the significance of CCL5-dependent pathways in HCV-related immunopathogenesis by elaborating on biological mechanisms interconnecting peripheral and tissue immunology, liver pathology, HSC activation, and interferon-α immunotherapy. |
