Comparative Analysis of Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Activity and Gene Expression Mediated by Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Interferons

Abstract

A direct comparison of the inhibitory effects of alpha, beta, and gamma interferons (IFNs) on replication of a hepatitis C virus subgenomic replicon in a hepatoma cell line revealed similarities in antiviral potency. However, alternate IFN-induced antiviral mechanisms were suggested following observations of striking differences between IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha/beta with respect to strength and durability of the antiviral response and the magnitude and pattern of IFN-mediated gene expression.