Figure 4
Induction of ISG expression after HCV infection is stronger in iHLCs compared to hepatoma cells. (a) mRNA expression levels of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) in iHLCs, Huh7.5, and Huh7 cells were determined by qRT-PCR at day 1, 2, and 3 days post infection (dpi) with cell culture–derived HCV (fresh concentrate of Jc1/JFH1 for iHLCs; Jc1 (MOI = 0.01) for Huh7 and Huh7.5). Shown are expression levels relative to GAPDH (mean ± SEM, n = 2–3). (b) Induction of ISGs in iHLCs after HCV infection as log2-fold over uninfected control (normalised to GAPDH, mean ± SEM, n = 3, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01) (c) HCV RNA copy number was measured by qRT-PCR at the indicated time points after infection. Copy number per total µg RNA was calculated using a serial dilution of cDNA derived from in vitro transcribed HCV RNA (mean ± SEM, n = 2–3). (d) ISG mRNA expression levels after 24 h treatment with 1000 U/ml recombinant IFNα were determined by qRT-PCR. Shown is one representative experiment.
