Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection blunts induction of hepcidin expression by bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), probably via TNF-mediated downregulation of the BMP co-receptor HJV, while BMP6 regulates a gene repertoire reminiscent of type I IFN signalling. BMP6 and related activin proteins potently block replication of HCV, hepatitis B virus and Zika virus independently of IFN.
- Lucy A. Eddowes
- Kinda Al-Hourani
- Hal Drakesmith